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

Should you visit Hershey or Santa Barbara?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Barbara? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hershey and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hershey is more touristy than Santa Barbara and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Hershey different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Santa Barbara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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).

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

Santa Barbara 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, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

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

Santa Barbara has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Hershey and Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is very popular for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

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

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Santa Barbara makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Hershey is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Hershey or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a very popular coastal town for students and younger travelers. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hershey and Santa Barbara. In our opinion, Santa Barbara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Barbara than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Hershey. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Barbara, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lighthearted destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Barbara, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Hershey. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara?

You'll find museums and shopping around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Santa Barbara. The summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In July, Hershey is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In July, Hershey usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Santa Barbara. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hershey is cooler than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. In the winter, Hershey is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hershey in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Hershey usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hershey is generally cooler than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Hershey