A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Big Sur for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hershey or Big Sur?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Big Sur? 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 playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. It's also popular because of the shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Big Sur travel costs.

Hershey and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Sur than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Sur is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Big Sur and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Also, Big Sur is famous for Bixby Bridge.

How is Hershey different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Big Sur?

Hershey is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hershey. 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).

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

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

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

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 Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

Hershey is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

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.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a great destination for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Big Sur?

Hershey is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Hershey has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Hershey or Big Sur More Beautiful?

Big Sur is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Big Sur is one of the main draws. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Families?

Hershey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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.

Is Hershey or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Hershey is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur 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 Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Hershey or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Hershey is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable town. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hershey and Big Sur. In our opinion, Hershey has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hershey than Big Sur. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Hershey or Big Sur?

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.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Hershey or Big Sur?

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.

In Big Sur, you'll find food. 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 Big Sur has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Big Sur?

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.

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

A week in Hershey or Big Sur?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Hershey or Big Sur?

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 Hershey or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Hershey during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hershey is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 77°F (25°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Big Sur. Many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Big Sur in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Hershey is cooler than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Hershey usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hershey or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Big Sur. Many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Big Sur for the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hershey is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hershey in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Hershey is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 53°F (12°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Hershey usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Hershey