A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Hood River for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hershey or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Hood River? 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 fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Hershey and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Hershey and Hood River are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey attracts visitors for its museums and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Hood River and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls.

How is Hershey different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hershey or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Hood River?

Hershey is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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).

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Hood River 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, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

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

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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 Hood River Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Hood River?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hood River and Hershey.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Hershey or Hood River Better for Families?

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Hershey or Hood River Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Hood River make for a high quality 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.

Hood River is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Hershey or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Hershey or Hood River a more walkable city?

Hershey and Hood River both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Hood River?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Hershey or Hood River?

With museums and shopping around the lighthearted 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.

In Hood River, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 Hood River?

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.

In Hood River, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Hood River has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Hood River?

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.

Hood River 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.

A week in Hershey or Hood River?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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.

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 Hood River, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Hood River?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Hood River, 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 Hershey or Hood River?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hershey or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Hood River. The summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In the summer, Hershey is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In the summer, Hershey often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hershey is generally around the same temperature as Hood River. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hershey usually receives more rain than Hood River. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hershey or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Hershey during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hood River can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. Hershey is much colder than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hershey usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Hood River. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hershey is around the same temperature as Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during spring. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hershey usually receives more rain than Hood River. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Hershey