A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Hershey for Families, Resorts, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Hershey?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Hershey can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Hershey

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

Jekyll Island and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its beaches and hiking, while Hershey is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach.

How is Jekyll Island different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Hershey and Jekyll Island.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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).

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

Both Jekyll Island and Hershey offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Hershey offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its resorts.

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Jekyll Island is considered a top beach destination. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

Hershey is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Hershey has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll 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.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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

Hershey is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Hershey a more walkable city?

Hershey is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Hershey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll 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 Jekyll 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.

One day in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled 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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. 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 Jekyll Island has to offer.

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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

Jekyll Island 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.

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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll 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 Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Hershey. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months.

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

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

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the beaches.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Hershey. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Jekyll Island