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

Should you visit Raleigh or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Raleigh 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Hershey

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

Raleigh and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Raleigh than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Raleigh is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. Also, Raleigh is famous for North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Hershey.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Raleigh or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Raleigh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

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 Raleigh or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

Raleigh has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

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 Raleigh or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Hershey?

Hershey is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Hershey to go shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Raleigh or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Hershey Better for Students?

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

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Hershey is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Raleigh 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 Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Hershey a more walkable city?

Raleigh and Hershey both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Raleigh is generally not very walkable. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Raleigh and Hershey. In our opinion, Hershey has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hershey than Raleigh. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. 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 Hershey than Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Hershey?

In Raleigh, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

A weekend in Raleigh or Hershey?

In Raleigh, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Raleigh has to offer.

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Five days in Raleigh or Hershey?

Raleigh 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 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.

A week in Raleigh or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Hershey?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Hershey in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Raleigh is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), 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 Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Hershey. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In October, Raleigh is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the autumn, Raleigh often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Hershey. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the museums 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Raleigh. Raleigh is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Raleigh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Hershey. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Raleigh is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), 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 Raleigh this time of the year. In the spring, Raleigh often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Raleigh usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Raleigh