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

Should you visit Hershey or Sedona?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Sedona? 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.

Sedona

Sedona is a scenic, striking, and desert town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hershey and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Hershey or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sedona. Although Hershey and Sedona are popular destinations, Sedona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hershey is more touristy than Sedona and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also well known for Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Hershey different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hershey
Sedona

Both Hershey and Sedona 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).

Sedona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.


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

Hershey
Sedona

Sedona 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, Sedona makes for a great culinary experience. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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 Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Sedona

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

Sedona has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

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 Sedona Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Sedona

Hershey and Sedona 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 Sedona. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.


Is Hershey or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Hershey
Sedona

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

Many visitors go to Sedona to see the historical old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is Hershey or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Hershey
Sedona

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Sedona?

Hershey
Sedona

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

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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 Sedona Better for Families?

Hershey
Sedona

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sedona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Hershey or Sedona Better for Couples?

Hershey
Sedona

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

Sedona makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hershey
Sedona

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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 Sedona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hershey
Sedona

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

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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Hershey or Sedona a more walkable city?

Hershey
Sedona

Sedona is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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 Sedona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Sedona?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hershey or Sedona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hershey 2-3 
    Sedona 3-5

One day in Hershey or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Sedona?

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hershey or Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona 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 Sedona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Hershey. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Sedona. Since Sedona is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Sedona or Hershey?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $212, while the average daily cost in Sedona is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hershey and Sedona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Sedona $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Sedona $186
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Sedona

Looking for a hotel in Hershey or Sedona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hershey


Hotels in Sedona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hershey Hotel Prices and Sedona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Sedona $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Hershey or Sedona?

Prices for flights to both Sedona and Hershey change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hershey $61
    Sedona $48
Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $241
  • Cooking class and candlelit dinner with a view: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hershey $53
    Sedona $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Skip the Line: AACA Museum Admission Ticket: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour with GPS Audio Guide App: $8.99
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Grand Canyon & Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $25
  • Jerome Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
  • Feel the Sedona Vortex Mindfulness Game and Adventure: $45
  • Sedona Hi-Points Luxury Van Tour: $46
  • The Best Private Vortex and City Tour of Sedona: $50
  • Hi-Points Tour in Luxury Van: $50
  • The Magic of Sedona Highlights Tour: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hershey $27
    Sedona $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Elevated Social Wine Tours of Sedona's Vineyards : $85
  • Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included: $115
  • All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews!: $179
  • Tastings Included! EXPRESS PRIVATE ELEVATED WINE TOUR: $199
  • Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona: $235
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hershey and Sedona, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Sedona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sedona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sedona 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 Sedona.

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


Which is Bigger, Hershey or Sedona?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Sedona, 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.