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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Hershey?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums.

West Palm Beach and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 West Palm Beach or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach. Although West Palm Beach and Hershey are both popular with visitors, West Palm Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Hershey is known for its museums and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than West Palm Beach and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. It is also home to Rosemary Square.

How is West Palm Beach different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

West Palm Beach
Hershey

Hershey is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

West Palm Beach
Hershey

Both West Palm Beach and Hershey offer decent local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

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 West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

Hershey is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

Hershey is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is West Palm Beach or Hershey Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Hershey make for a high quality place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Hershey is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Hershey a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Hershey

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than West Palm 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 West Palm Beach or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    West Palm Beach 3-7 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The lighthearted destination of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or West Palm Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $330, 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 West Palm Beach and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in West Palm 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 West Palm 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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Hershey $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Business Car: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port - Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $83
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41

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 West Palm Beach or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and West Palm 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
    West Palm Beach $66
    Hershey $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101

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.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Hershey $53

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

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

  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Beginner Snorkel Tour With Videos in West Palm Beach: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Avenue: $49
  • Tour and Photoshoot along Beautiful Historic Worth Ave: $49
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

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
    West Palm Beach $39
    Hershey $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Hershey, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Hershey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hershey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hershey 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Hershey.

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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Hershey?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of West Palm 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 West Palm 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 West Palm Beach or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Hershey. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, 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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    West Palm Beach 82°F (28°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for 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. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Hershey. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Hershey. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)