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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

Mystic and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mystic or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Mystic and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum.

How is Mystic different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Mystic offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

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 Mystic or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Mystic is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Mystic or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Hershey?

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

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly town. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Mystic or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Mystic 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, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Hershey a more walkable city?

Mystic and Hershey are decent when it comes to walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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 Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mystic and Hershey. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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.

One day in Mystic or Hershey?

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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 museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Hershey?

In Mystic, 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 Mystic has to offer.

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Hershey?

Mystic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Hershey. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Mystic or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Hershey in the Summer?

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

Mystic is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the summer, Mystic often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Mystic or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Hershey. Many travelers come to Mystic for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Mystic is cooler than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Mystic or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Mystic 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. Mystic can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mystic is generally much colder than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

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

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

Should I visit Mystic or Hershey in the Spring?

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

Mystic is cooler than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during spring. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Hershey and Mystic