A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families, Backpackers, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park? 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. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Hershey and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hershey than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hershey is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Hershey is more touristy than Joshua Tree National Park and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Also, Hershey is famous for Hersheypark. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Hershey different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

Hershey is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its 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).

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Is the Food Better in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Hershey may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hershey. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

People visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

Hershey is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Hershey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable town. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than Joshua Tree National Park 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 Hershey.

One day in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lighthearted town of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Joshua Tree National Park, you'll find . 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Joshua Tree National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Joshua Tree National Park?

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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. It offers something for everyone.

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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