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

Should you visit Hershey or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Aspen? 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.

Hershey

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

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Hershey and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey is more popular for its museums. Hershey is more touristy than Aspen and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells.

How is Hershey different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.

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

Hershey is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Hershey or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Hershey or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is a great destination for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

Aspen has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Hershey and Aspen offer a relatively similar set of excellent luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen 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 Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Aspen?

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

Aspen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Hershey or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Families?

Hershey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Hershey or Aspen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Aspen make for a excellent place to visit.

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.

Aspen is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen 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 Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the 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 Hershey or Aspen a more walkable city?

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

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Aspen?

In either Hershey or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Hershey because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

One day in Hershey or Aspen?

In Hershey, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hershey or Aspen?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hershey. 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.

Aspen 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 Aspen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Aspen?

You'll find museums and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Aspen?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Aspen, 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.