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

Should you visit Nantucket or Hershey?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nantucket and Hershey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hershey

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

Nantucket and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nantucket or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hershey is more touristy than Nantucket and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Nantucket different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket
Hershey

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Nantucket or Hershey.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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 Nantucket or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket
Hershey

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

For foodies, Nantucket is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket
Hershey

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

Nantucket has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Nantucket
Hershey

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Nantucket and Hershey.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.


Is Nantucket or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Nantucket
Hershey

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

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket
Hershey

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Nantucket
Hershey

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Hershey?

Nantucket
Hershey

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

Nantucket is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Hershey Better for Families?

Nantucket
Hershey

Hershey is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Nantucket or Hershey Better for Couples?

Nantucket
Hershey

Nantucket is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Nantucket makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Nantucket
Hershey

Nantucket 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 Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket or Hershey a more walkable city?

Nantucket
Hershey

Nantucket is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Hershey?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nantucket or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantucket 2-4 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Nantucket or Hershey?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nantucket or Hershey?

Nantucket 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

You'll find museums and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Hershey?

Nantucket 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 playful town of Hershey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Nantucket?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantucket is $350, 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 Nantucket and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantucket $237
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantucket $474
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Nantucket and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Nantucket 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 Nantucket


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: Nantucket Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantucket $47
    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 Nantucket or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81
    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.
    Nantucket $34
    Hershey $53

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
    Nantucket $35
    Hershey $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Hershey, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Hershey?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

Nantucket is cooler than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Nantucket usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hershey. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Nantucket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. In October, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Hershey. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Nantucket during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. It's quite cold in Nantucket in the winter. In January, Nantucket is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 31°F (-0°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Nantucket or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Hershey. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Nantucket is much colder than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Hershey. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Nantucket

Nantucket Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)