A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Sun Valley for Families, Couples, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Hershey or Sun Valley?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Sun Valley? 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.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Hershey and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Hershey and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Sun Valley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sun Valley is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums and attractions. Hershey is more touristy than Sun Valley and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also home to Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Hershey different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hershey or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Hershey is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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 Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley makes for a great culinary experience. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

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 Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

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

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

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 Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Hershey and Sun Valley offer a relatively similar set of superb luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sun Valley. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Is Hershey or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Hershey or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hershey or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hershey or Sun Valley.

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.

Sun Valley is one of the most popular family destinations. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Is Hershey or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

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

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley can move around easily with public transportation. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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 Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is very popular for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Sun Valley on foot is easy. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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 Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Both Hershey and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Hershey. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Hershey or Sun Valley?

With museums and shopping around the fun-filled town of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sun Valley, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Sun Valley?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Hershey, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Sun Valley, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Hershey, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sun Valley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sun Valley has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Sun Valley?

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. In Sun Valley, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Sun Valley?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Sun Valley, 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.