A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Boca Raton vs. Hershey for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or Hershey?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Hershey. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Boca Raton and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hershey is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Hershey?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Boca Raton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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).


Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton 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, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

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 Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Boca Raton know how to have a good time. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton
Hershey

There are superb resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Hershey.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.


Is Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Boca Raton. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Hershey?

Boca Raton
Hershey

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

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Families?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Hershey is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hershey is very family-friendly. 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.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Boca Raton or Hershey Better for Couples?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton and Hershey both superb destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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


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

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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 Boca Raton or Hershey a more walkable city?

Boca Raton
Hershey

Boca Raton is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boca Raton and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than in Hershey. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Hershey 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 Boca Raton.


  • How many days in Boca Raton or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boca Raton 3-5 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Boca Raton or Hershey?

In Boca Raton, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city 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 Boca Raton or Hershey?

In Boca Raton, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Boca Raton or Hershey?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boca Raton has to offer. 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 Boca Raton or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Boca Raton. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boca Raton and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton or Hershey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boca Raton


Hotels in Hershey


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boca Raton Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Boca Raton Private Transfer to FLL (UP TO 14 PASS): $80
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $52
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Boca Raton change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boca Raton $67
    Hershey $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    Hershey $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Hershey, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Hershey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hershey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hershey and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Hershey.

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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Hershey?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Hershey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Hershey. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Boca Raton is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Hershey. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Boca Raton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Boca Raton is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Hershey. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Boca Raton is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Hershey. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)