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

Should you visit Williamsburg or Hershey?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and Hershey. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Hershey

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

Williamsburg and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Hershey?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than Hershey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is more popular for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Williamsburg and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg.

How is Williamsburg different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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).

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

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Williamsburg or Hershey has a better nightlife scene.

Williamsburg is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

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 Williamsburg or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Hershey to choose from. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Williamsburg or Hershey Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Hershey does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Hershey?

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

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Hershey More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Williamsburg or Hershey Better for Families?

Both Williamsburg and Hershey are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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.

Is Williamsburg or Hershey Better for Couples?

Williamsburg and Hershey both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg or Hershey Better for Students?

Williamsburg is very popular for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Hershey.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg or Hershey a more walkable city?

Williamsburg and Hershey both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Williamsburg and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Williamsburg than in Hershey. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Williamsburg or Hershey?

In Williamsburg, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Hershey?

In Williamsburg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Williamsburg has to offer.

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.

Five days in Williamsburg or Hershey?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful 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.

A week in Williamsburg or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Williamsburg. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Williamsburg is around the same temperature as Hershey. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°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 Williamsburg. Williamsburg usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Hershey. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Williamsburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hershey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Hershey. Many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hershey can be very cold during winter. Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. Williamsburg is much warmer than Hershey in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Hershey. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Hershey. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Hershey. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°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 Williamsburg this time of the year. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Williamsburg