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

Should you visit Jacksonville or Hershey?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Hershey. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

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

Jacksonville and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Hershey?

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

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Hershey?

Jacksonville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hershey is very family-friendly. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Hershey?

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

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

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

One day in Jacksonville or Hershey?

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hershey, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this lighthearted town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Hershey?

In Jacksonville, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Hershey is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Hershey?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hershey is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Hershey?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Jacksonville gets 286 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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Hershey. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Jacksonville is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Jacksonville is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°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 Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Hershey. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Jacksonville