A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Columbia River Gorge for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Columbia River Gorge? 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Hershey and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Hershey and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Columbia River Gorge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums and attractions and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also home to Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Hershey different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

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

Columbia River Gorge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia River Gorge and Hershey.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Hershey is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region 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, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Columbia River Gorge make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Columbia River Gorge is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hershey and Columbia River Gorge.

Public transit is generally limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Hershey or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Hershey is a moderate town for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hershey and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge than Hershey. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hershey than Columbia River Gorge. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find nightlife and 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 Columbia River Gorge has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Hershey for five days. You'll find museums and shopping around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge 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.

A week in Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

The fun-filled destination of Hershey offers shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. 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.

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 Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Hershey or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Hershey or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hershey is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hershey usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hershey or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hershey is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hershey in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Columbia River Gorge can be very cold. Hershey can be very cold during winter. In January, Hershey is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 30°F (-1°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Hershey usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hershey or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Hershey is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hershey. In the spring, Hershey often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Hershey