A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Hershey for Families, Food, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Hershey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Bar Harbor and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bar Harbor. Although Bar Harbor and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Bar Harbor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey is known for its museums, nightlife, and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. It is also home to Acadia National Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hershey and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Hershey is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Hershey specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Hershey are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bar Harbor and Hershey offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Bar Harbor or Hershey a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Hershey. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hershey, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Hershey. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Hershey.

One day in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and shopping around the playful town of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bar Harbor has to offer.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Since Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Hershey, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Hershey?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Hershey. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Hershey. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is cooler than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hershey can be very cold. Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Bar Harbor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Bar Harbor during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Bar Harbor