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

Should you visit New Bern or Hershey?

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

Should I visit New Bern 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

New Bern and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in New Bern or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hershey. Although New Bern and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Hershey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hershey is more popular for its resorts, while New Bern is known for its food and small town charm. Hershey is more touristy than New Bern and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. It is also home to Hersheypark. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern
Hershey

Both New Bern and Hershey have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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 New Bern or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Hershey

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

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

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 New Bern or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Hershey

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in New Bern and Hershey.

New Bern is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

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 New Bern or Hershey Better for Resorts?

New Bern
Hershey

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

New Bern is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern
Hershey

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern or Hershey Better for Families?

New Bern
Hershey

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Hershey Better for Couples?

New Bern
Hershey

Hershey is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.


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

New Bern
Hershey

Hershey is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known 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 New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Hershey a more walkable city?

New Bern
Hershey

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

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hershey than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern.


  • How many days in New Bern or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New Bern has to offer.

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 New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern is a great place to explore. 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.

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 New Bern or Hershey?

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

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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or New Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $140, 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 New Bern and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in New Bern 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 New Bern


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: New Bern Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    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 New Bern or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and New Bern 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
    New Bern $41
    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.
    New Bern $26
    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
    New Bern $30
    Hershey $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, New Bern or Hershey?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

New Bern is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Hershey. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and New Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, New Bern is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Hershey. Many travelers come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 January, New Bern is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Hershey. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to New Bern in the spring for the small town charm.

New Bern is a little warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

New Bern usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and New Bern

New Bern Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)