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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Hershey?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hershey? 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a picturesque, seaside, and laid-back coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Hershey

Hershey is a playful, lighthearted, and fun-filled town. Other popular activities here include shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portland, Maine than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portland, Maine is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its museums and attractions and resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Also, Portland, Maine is famous for The Portland Head Light.

How is Portland, Maine different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Hershey is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Hershey? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Portland, Maine offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

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

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun 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 Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Beaches?

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

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey More Beautiful?

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

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Couples?

Hershey is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hershey is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Hershey a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine and Hershey both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland, Maine and Hershey. In our opinion, Portland, Maine has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Hershey than Portland, Maine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hershey that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.

One day in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The playful destination of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

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

The town of Hershey offers museums and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Portland, Maine 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.

Hershey is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Portland, Maine and Hershey, 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Hershey?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Hershey?

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 Portland, Maine or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

In the summer, Portland, Maine is cooler than Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Hershey averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland, Maine. Portland, Maine usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Portland, Maine during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hershey for the shopping scene.

In October, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Portland, Maine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Hershey. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hershey can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland, Maine. Portland, Maine is much colder than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portland, Maine is much colder than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Hershey averages at about 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the spring, Portland, Maine often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hershey. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Portland, Maine