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

Should you visit Dallas or Hershey?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Hershey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Dallas and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dallas or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Dallas and Hershey are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hershey attracts visitors for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Dallas and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Dallas different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dallas
Hershey

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

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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 Dallas or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Hershey

Dallas 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, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Hershey

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

The people in Dallas know how to have a good time. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Dallas
Hershey

Hershey is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Hershey?

Dallas
Hershey

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

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas or Hershey Better for Families?

Dallas
Hershey

Hershey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Dallas or Hershey Better for Couples?

Dallas
Hershey

Both Dallas and Hershey are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Dallas
Hershey

Dallas 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 Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Hershey a more walkable city?

Dallas
Hershey

Dallas and Hershey both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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 Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Hershey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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


  • How many days in Dallas or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Dallas or Hershey?

In Dallas, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself 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 Dallas or Hershey?

In Dallas, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Dallas has to offer.

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Hershey?

Dallas 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. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dallas. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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 fun-filled destination of Hershey. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Dallas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, 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 Dallas and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Dallas 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 Dallas


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: Dallas Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $135
  • Arrival Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas by Luxury SUV: $127
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $135
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) - Private Transfer from/to hotels: $110
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano / Allen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Plano or Allen - Arrival Private Transfer: $52

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 Dallas or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Dallas 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
    Dallas $35
    Hershey $61
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • Happy Hour West Village Food Tour: $39
  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

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.
    Dallas $13
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Kennedy Assassination Walking Tour - Oswald Was Framed: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • Dallas Sightseeing Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Denton by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Irving by Zombie Scavengers: $20

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
    Dallas $12
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dallas and Hershey, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas 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 Dallas.

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


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Hershey?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Hershey. Most visitors come to Dallas for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 88°F (31°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during summer. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Hershey. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Hershey. The autumn months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

Dallas is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In the autumn, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. In the winter, Dallas is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dallas in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dallas usually receives less rain than Hershey. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Dallas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dallas for the activities around the city.

In April, Dallas is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 68°F (20°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the spring, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Dallas

Dallas Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)