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

Should you visit Hershey or Ketchikan?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Ketchikan? 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 lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Hershey and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Hershey and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Ketchikan and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Hershey different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Both Hershey and Ketchikan have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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).

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

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

For foodies, Ketchikan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hershey or Ketchikan has a better nightlife scene.

Hershey is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Ketchikan doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Hershey is notable for its resorts. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

People visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Ketchikan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Hershey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ketchikan is very family-friendly. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Ketchikan make for a great 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.

Ketchikan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in 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 Hershey or Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Hershey or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hershey and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Hershey. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

One day in Hershey or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ketchikan, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hershey or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Hershey or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ketchikan. 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 comparing the travel costs between Hershey and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Ketchikan?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

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 Hershey or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Ketchikan. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hershey is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hershey usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hershey or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Ketchikan. Many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hershey is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hershey in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Hershey usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hershey is generally much colder than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 30°F (-1°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Hershey usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hershey or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Hershey is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hershey usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Hershey