A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Olympic National Park for Families, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Hershey or Olympic National Park?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Olympic 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 fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast, pristine, and stunning park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Hershey and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Olympic National Park. Although Hershey and Olympic National Park are popular destinations, Olympic National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Olympic National Park is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Olympic National Park and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. It is also well known for the Hoh Rain Forest.

How is Hershey different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic 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 Olympic National Park?

Both Hershey and Olympic National Park have nice 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).

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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

Olympic National Park is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Olympic National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is a moderate town for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Hershey specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Hershey or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Hershey and Olympic National Park offer a relatively similar set of high quality 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 Olympic National Park. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Is Hershey or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Olympic National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

Hershey is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Hershey offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Hershey or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Hershey is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Olympic National Park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Is Hershey or Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Olympic National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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

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

Olympic National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

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 Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Hershey or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Hershey is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Olympic National Park or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Olympic 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 Olympic 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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

One day in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find food and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

In Olympic National Park, you'll find museums 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. 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 Olympic National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Olympic National Park?

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When is the best time to visit Hershey or Olympic National Park?

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 Olympic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Olympic National Park. 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 Olympic National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Hershey is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympic National Park this time of the year. In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during summer. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hershey usually receives more rain than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hershey or Olympic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Olympic National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hershey is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In the autumn, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Olympic National Park. Hershey usually gets less rain in October than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Olympic National Park in the Winter?

Both Olympic National Park and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Olympic National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. Hershey is much colder than Olympic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 41°F (5°C).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during winter. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. In January, Hershey usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hershey or Olympic National Park in the Spring?

Both Olympic National Park and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hershey is a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Olympic National Park averages at about 47°F (8°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. In the spring, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hershey usually gets less rain in April than Olympic National Park. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Hershey