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

Should you visit Panama City or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Hershey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Hershey

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

Panama City and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Panama City. Although Panama City and Hershey are popular destinations, Panama City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Panama City is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hershey attracts visitors for its museums and resorts. Panama City is famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. It is also well known for Pier Park. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Panama City different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Hershey?

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City 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).

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Panama City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

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 Panama City or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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 Panama City or Hershey Better for Music?

Panama City is a popular place for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Panama City or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Hershey has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Panama City or Hershey Better for Families?

Panama City and Hershey are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Hershey is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Is Panama City or Hershey Better for Couples?

Panama City and Hershey are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Hershey is a great beach town 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 Panama City or Hershey Better for Students?

Panama City is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Panama City and Hershey.

Public transit is generally limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City or Hershey a more walkable city?

Hershey is a town with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Hershey?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than Panama City 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 Hershey.

One day in Panama City or Hershey?

In Panama City, you'll find nightlife and live music. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful town of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Hershey?

In Panama City, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the lighthearted destination of Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Hershey?

Panama City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Panama City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The fun-filled town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Hershey?

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

Both Hershey and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Panama City is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Hershey. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Panama City or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Panama City during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

Panama City is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Panama City or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Hershey. The winter months attract visitors to Panama City because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. In the winter, Panama City is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Panama City in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Panama City usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Hershey. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Panama City or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Hershey. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In April, Panama City is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 68°F (20°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Panama City usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Panama City