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

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Virginia Beach and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hershey. Although Virginia Beach and Hershey are popular destinations, Hershey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hershey is very popular for its museums, resorts, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hershey is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. It is also well known for Hersheypark. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach 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).

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Virginia Beach and Hershey.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Virginia Beach. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Hershey may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

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

Virginia Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

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 Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its 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.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.


Is Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.


Is Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Hershey Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is popular with students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Hershey is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Hershey a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Hershey

Virginia Beach and Hershey are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Virginia Beach is generally not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Hershey. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. This coastal 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 museums and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hershey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, you'll find nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, 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 Virginia Beach and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Hershey $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

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


  • Beach Parking
    $10

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 Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    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.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87

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
    Virginia Beach $11
    Hershey $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Hershey?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Virginia Beach is generally around the same temperature as Hershey. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 79°F (26°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Virginia Beach this time of the year. In the summer, Virginia Beach often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Virginia Beach for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Virginia Beach gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Virginia Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Virginia Beach can be very cold. In the winter, Virginia Beach is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Virginia Beach in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Virginia Beach often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in January than Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Hershey. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year.

In April, Virginia Beach is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Virginia Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Virginia Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during spring. Virginia Beach gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives less rain than Hershey. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)