A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Hershey for Attractions, Families, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Hershey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a unique, iconic, and fascinating town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Hershey

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

Cape Canaveral and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums, food, and beaches, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Cape Canaveral and Hershey.

Cape Canaveral doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Hershey is a great town for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.


Is Cape Canaveral or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Hershey both offer plenty of notable spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Hershey Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Cape Canaveral and Hershey are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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.


Is Cape Canaveral or Hershey Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Cape Canaveral and Hershey are both very good to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Hershey is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Hershey a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Hershey

Hershey is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.


For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Hershey. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. People often spend their time 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 Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer.

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Canaveral. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Cape Canaveral?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, 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 Cape Canaveral and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $195
  • Private Van Transfer from Port Canaveral,Cocoa Beach to MCO: $70
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO)-Departure Transfer: $84
  • One Way MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $85
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282

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 Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $43
    Hershey $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

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.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Victory Cruises Casino Luxury Transportation: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner: $125

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
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Hershey $27


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Hershey, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Hershey. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 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 Cape Canaveral.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Cape Canaveral during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Hershey. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Hershey. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)