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

Should you visit Hershey or Avon?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Avon? 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.

Hershey

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

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for food, hiking, and skiing. See Avon travel costs.

Hershey and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hershey or Avon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Hershey and Avon are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and hiking, while Hershey is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Avon and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center.

How is Hershey different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hershey or Avon Better for Skiing?

Hershey
Avon

Avon is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.


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

Hershey
Avon

Hershey is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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).

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Hershey
Avon

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

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, 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 Hershey or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Avon

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

Avon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Hershey or Avon Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Avon

Hershey is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Hershey or Avon Better for Hiking?

Hershey
Avon

Avon is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Avon?

Hershey
Avon

Hershey is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.


Is Hershey or Avon Better for Families?

Hershey
Avon

Hershey is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hershey is very family-friendly. 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.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Hershey or Avon Better for Couples?

Hershey
Avon

Hershey is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Hershey
Avon

Avon 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 Avon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Hershey or Avon a more walkable city?

Hershey
Avon

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

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Hershey or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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


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

One day in Hershey or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Avon, you'll find food and skiing. 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 Hershey or Avon?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Avon, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Avon has to offer.


Five days in Hershey or Avon?

You'll find museums and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Hershey. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Avon 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.

A week in Hershey or Avon?

The playful town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Avon. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Hershey?

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

  • Hershey Prices
    USA Prices
    Avon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hershey $257
    Avon $326

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $257, while the average daily cost in Avon is $326. 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 Hershey and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Hershey or Avon? 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 Hershey


Hotels in Avon


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: Hershey Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Avon $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 Hershey or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Hershey 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
    Hershey $105
    Avon $117
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.
    Hershey $53
    Avon $48
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
    Hershey $27
    Avon $38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hershey and Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Hershey Expensive? and Is Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hershey or Avon?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Avon, 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.