A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Hershey for Families, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Ensenada or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Ensenada 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. 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.

Ensenada and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ensenada. Although Ensenada and Hershey are popular destinations, Ensenada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ensenada is very popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches, while Hershey attracts visitors for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Ensenada and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also well known for Avenida Lopez Mateos.

How is Ensenada different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Hershey.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hershey. 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 Ensenada or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada 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, Ensenada makes for a great culinary experience. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Ensenada or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great destination for its resorts. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

Is Ensenada or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Hershey has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Ensenada or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Ensenada or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Hershey.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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 Ensenada or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy 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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Hershey. In our opinion, Ensenada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ensenada 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 Ensenada. 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 Hershey than Ensenada. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hershey that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Ensenada or Hershey?

In Ensenada, 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.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Hershey?

In Ensenada, 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 Ensenada has to offer.

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hershey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Hershey?

Ensenada 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.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Hershey?

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

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Hershey?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.