A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Hershey for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. Other popular activities here include shopping and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its museums. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Hershey is well known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

Hershey is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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).

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Playa del Carmen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza 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 Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its resorts. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Hershey.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Couples?

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

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Hershey is a great 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 Playa del Carmen or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hershey a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

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

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Hershey. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This 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 museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled town of Hershey. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Hershey is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Hershey?

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

Both Hershey and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Hershey. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hershey averages at about 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 Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Playa del Carmen