A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chattanooga vs. Hershey for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Chattanooga or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hershey? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. Other popular activities here include shopping and museums.

Chattanooga and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chattanooga or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chattanooga than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chattanooga is better known for its food, nightlife, and hiking, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. Also, Chattanooga is famous for Rock City.

How is Chattanooga different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chattanooga or Hershey?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chattanooga or Hershey.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chattanooga. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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).

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

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

Chattanooga offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

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 Chattanooga or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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 Chattanooga or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Chattanooga or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chattanooga or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Chattanooga.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga to go shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Chattanooga or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Chattanooga or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Chattanooga can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Chattanooga?

How long in Chattanooga or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chattanooga and Hershey. In our opinion, Chattanooga has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chattanooga than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Chattanooga. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga.

One day in Chattanooga or Hershey?

In Chattanooga, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lighthearted town of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chattanooga or Hershey?

In Chattanooga, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chattanooga has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the lighthearted destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chattanooga or Hershey?

Chattanooga is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

The fun-filled town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chattanooga or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey than you might in Chattanooga.

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

Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Hershey?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In the summer, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Hershey. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Chattanooga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In October, Chattanooga is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the autumn, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Hershey. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Chattanooga. Chattanooga is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Chattanooga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Hershey. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chattanooga or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Hershey.

In the spring, Chattanooga is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Chattanooga