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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Hershey can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

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

Pensacola and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pensacola. Although Pensacola and Hershey are popular destinations, Pensacola has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pensacola is famous for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also well known for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Pensacola different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pensacola
Hershey

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pensacola and Hershey.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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).


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

Pensacola
Hershey

Pensacola 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, Pensacola makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Hershey

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

Pensacola has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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 Pensacola or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Hershey

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Pensacola and Hershey.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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 Pensacola or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Hershey

Pensacola is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Pensacola. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Hershey

Pensacola is a beach town with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Hershey?

Pensacola
Hershey

Both Pensacola and Hershey are nice shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

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 Pensacola or Hershey Better for Families?

Pensacola
Hershey

Hershey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Is Pensacola or Hershey Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Hershey

Both Pensacola and Hershey are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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.

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

Pensacola
Hershey

Hershey is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.


Is Pensacola or Hershey a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Hershey

Pensacola and Hershey both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Hershey?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Pensacola or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Pensacola or Hershey?

In Pensacola, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach town 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 Pensacola or Hershey?

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

You'll find museums and shopping around the lighthearted 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 Pensacola or Hershey?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pensacola has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled 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 Pensacola or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. In Pensacola, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Hershey $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

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 Pensacola or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Hershey $61
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

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.
    Pensacola $13
    Hershey $53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
  • Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50

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
    Pensacola $44
    Hershey $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Hershey?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Hershey. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pensacola is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 82°F (28°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Hershey. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pensacola 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Hershey. The autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

Pensacola is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pensacola usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola 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. In the winter, Pensacola is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pensacola in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Hershey. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Pensacola or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Pensacola during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches.

In April, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 67°F (20°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Pensacola usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Pensacola

Pensacola Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)