A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Hershey or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Monica? 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 fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. And you can't forget about the shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Hershey and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Hershey and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Hershey attracts visitors for its resorts. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Santa Monica is famous for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Hershey different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Both Hershey and Santa Monica have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

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).

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Santa Monica know how to have a good time. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

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

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Hershey or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hershey or Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Hershey or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Santa Monica make for a high quality 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.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Is Hershey or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Santa Monica can move around easily with public transportation. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Santa Monica?

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

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Hershey. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Monica, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Hershey or Santa Monica?

In Hershey, many people enjoy the museums and shopping that this playful town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town 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 Santa Monica?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and shopping around the lighthearted destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Hershey is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 comparing the travel costs between Hershey and Santa Monica, we can see that Hershey is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Hershey because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the summer, Hershey is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hershey in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In July, Hershey usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Santa Monica. The shopping scene are the main draw to Hershey this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In October, Hershey is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 56°F (13°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hershey. Hershey is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Hershey usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hershey or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Hershey during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Hershey is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hershey in April average around 53°F (12°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Hershey usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Hershey