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

Should you visit Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hershey

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

Clearwater and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Clearwater has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hershey is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also home to Clearwater Beach.

How is Clearwater different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Clearwater 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, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

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 Clearwater or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

Clearwater has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night 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 Clearwater or Hershey Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

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 Clearwater or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Hershey?

Both Clearwater and Hershey are good shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

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 Clearwater or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Is Clearwater or Hershey Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Hershey both superb destinations for a couple.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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

Both Clearwater and Hershey offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through 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 Clearwater or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Clearwater is somewhat walkable. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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 Clearwater Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Hershey?

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

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

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

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

One day in Clearwater or Hershey?

In Clearwater, 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 Clearwater or Hershey?

In Clearwater, 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 Clearwater or Hershey?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Clearwater. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Hershey, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Hershey?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Hershey. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Hershey. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Hershey. Many travelers come to Clearwater for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Hershey. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Hershey. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the beaches during these months.

Clearwater is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Clearwater