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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Hershey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums.

Hilton Head Island and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Both Hershey and Hilton Head Island have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hilton Head Island is better known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Hershey is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hershey is very good for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have 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).

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Hilton Head Island and Hershey.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.


Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Hershey.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Hilton Head Island or Hershey.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. 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.


Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hershey is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hershey makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hershey is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Hershey a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island
Hershey

Hilton Head Island and Hershey are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Hershey. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than Hilton Head Island 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.


  • How many days in Hilton Head Island or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hilton Head Island 5-7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the fun-filled destination of Hershey. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hershey is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful town of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.


A week in Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. In Hilton Head Island, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Hilton Head Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hilton Head Island is $243, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hilton Head Island $129
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hilton Head Island $258
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Hilton Head Island and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Hilton Head Island or Hershey? 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 Hilton Head Island


Hotels in Hershey


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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hilton Head Island $34
    Hershey $49

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 Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Hilton Head Island 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
    Hilton Head Island $60
    Hershey $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilton Head Island

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

  • Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
  • Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
  • Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hilton Head Island $23
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Hilton Head Island

For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
  • Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
  • Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
  • Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
  • Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
  • Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
  • History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
  • Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
  • #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
  • Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hilton Head Island $26
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Hilton Head Island

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:

  • Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Hershey, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island and Hershey, 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 Hilton Head Island or Hershey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the summer, Hilton Head Island often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Hershey. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Hershey. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Hershey. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 52°F (11°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.9 inches (200 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 77°F (25°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 52°F (11°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)