A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Martha's Vineyard vs. Hershey for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a peaceful, affluent, and coastal island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Hershey

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

Martha's Vineyard and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Martha's Vineyard is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its museums. Hershey is more touristy than Martha's Vineyard and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Martha's Vineyard is well known for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. Also, Martha's Vineyard is famous for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Martha's Vineyard different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Hershey is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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).

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard 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, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find respectable options in both Martha's Vineyard and Hershey.

Martha's Vineyard doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Most people don't head to Hershey specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Martha's Vineyard is a great choice. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for hiking. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Martha's Vineyard is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Families?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Martha's Vineyard makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Hershey is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard and Hershey both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

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.


Is Martha's Vineyard or Hershey a more walkable city?

Martha's Vineyard
Hershey

Martha's Vineyard is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Martha's Vineyard?

How long in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Martha's Vineyard and Hershey. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Martha's Vineyard than Hershey. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Martha's Vineyard, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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


  • How many days in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Martha's Vineyard 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. 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 Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

With museums and shopping around the playful town of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.


Five days in Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 fun-filled destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Martha's Vineyard?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Martha's Vineyard is $241, 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 Martha's Vineyard and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Martha's Vineyard $132
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Martha's Vineyard $264
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Martha's Vineyard and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Martha's Vineyard 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Martha's Vineyard $83
    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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60
    Hershey $61

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.
    Martha's Vineyard $30
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $60
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

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
    Martha's Vineyard $22
    Hershey $27


When comparing the travel costs between Martha's Vineyard and Hershey, we can see that Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Martha's Vineyard as well as Hershey. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Martha's Vineyard is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Martha's Vineyard this time of the year. In the summer, Martha's Vineyard often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets less rain in July than Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Martha's Vineyard is generally cooler than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Martha's Vineyard average around 53°F (12°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Martha's Vineyard. Martha's Vineyard usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Martha's Vineyard gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Martha's Vineyard during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard 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. Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Martha's Vineyard is much colder than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Martha's Vineyard averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Martha's Vineyard often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Martha's Vineyard usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Martha's Vineyard or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Martha's Vineyard and Hershey. Most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Martha's Vineyard is cooler than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Martha's Vineyard in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Martha's Vineyard, it's very sunny this time of the year. Martha's Vineyard usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during spring. Martha's Vineyard gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Martha's Vineyard usually receives more rain than Hershey. Martha's Vineyard gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)