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

Should you visit Marathon or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Hershey, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Marathon and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Marathon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marathon is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Marathon and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also home to The Dolphin Research Center.

How is Marathon different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Marathon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

Marathon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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 Marathon or Hershey Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, very good resorts can be found in both Marathon and Hershey.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Marathon or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Hershey?

Hershey is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Hershey More Beautiful?

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

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-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.

Marathon is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Is Marathon or Hershey Better for Couples?

Marathon and Hershey are both very good to visit as a couple.

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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.

Is Marathon or Hershey 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, Marathon 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Hershey a more walkable city?

Marathon and Hershey are decent when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Hershey. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hershey than Marathon 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 Hershey.

One day in Marathon or Hershey?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Hershey?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Hershey is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hershey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Hershey?

Marathon 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 Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon and Hershey, 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 Marathon or Hershey?

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 Marathon or Hershey in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Marathon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Hershey. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Marathon is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Hershey. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marathon because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Hershey. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Hershey. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marathon this time of year.

Marathon is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Hershey. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Marathon