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

Should you visit Cherokee or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Cherokee travel costs.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Cherokee and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cherokee. Although Cherokee and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Cherokee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cherokee is more popular for its food and hiking, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. It is also home to Oconaluftee Indian Village.

How is Cherokee different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cherokee
Hershey

Both Cherokee and Hershey have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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).


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

Cherokee
Hershey

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

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

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 Cherokee or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Hershey

Evening events are decent in both Cherokee and Hershey.

Most people don't head to Cherokee specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hershey. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Cherokee or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Cherokee
Hershey

Hershey is notable for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.


Is Cherokee or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Hershey

Cherokee is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Hershey?

Cherokee
Hershey

Both Cherokee and Hershey are good shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

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.

Is Cherokee or Hershey Better for Families?

Cherokee
Hershey

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.


Is Cherokee or Hershey Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Hershey

Cherokee and Hershey are both very good to visit as a couple.

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Hershey

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cherokee
Hershey

Both Cherokee and Hershey offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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 Cherokee or Hershey a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Hershey

Cherokee and Hershey both are decent when exploring on foot.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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 Cherokee Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Hershey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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


  • How many days in Cherokee or Hershey? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Hershey 2-3

One day in Cherokee or Hershey?

In Cherokee, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Hershey?

In Cherokee, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cherokee has to offer.

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hershey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Cherokee or Hershey?

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cherokee or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cherokee. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey or Cherokee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Hershey Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Hershey $257

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Hershey is $257. 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 Cherokee and Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Hershey $49

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 Cherokee or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    Hershey $105

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hershey

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

  • Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour on a Vintage Trolley: $20
  • Hershey Trolley Food Tour Experience: $99
  • Rise and Dine Food Tour in Vintage Style Trolley: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Hershey $53

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:

  • Harrisburg's Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Hershey $27


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Hershey. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cherokee is around the same temperature as Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Hershey. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cherokee is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than Hershey. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Cherokee can be very cold. In January, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Cherokee usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during winter. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Hershey. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Cherokee or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Cherokee during the spring are popular places to visit.

Cherokee is a little warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the spring, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Cherokee

Cherokee Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)