A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Hershey for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Key West or Hershey? 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.

Key West

Key West is a bustling, active, and lively town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums.

Key West and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Hershey are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Key West is famous for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Key West different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Hershey?

Hershey is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Key West offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Key West know how to have a good time. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki 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 Key West or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Key West and Hershey offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Hershey?

Hershey is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Hershey offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Hershey make for a high quality place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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.

Is Key West or Hershey Better for Students?

Key West is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Hershey is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Hershey a more walkable city?

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

Key West is somewhat walkable. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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 Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Key West?

How long in Key West or Hershey?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Hershey?

In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Hershey?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hershey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Hershey?

Key West 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 Key West has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Hershey is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Hershey, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Hershey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hershey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hershey 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Hershey.

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Hershey?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West or Hershey?

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 Key West or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Hershey. The summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In July, Key West is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Hershey. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Hershey. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

Key West is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Hershey. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Key West