A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Wisconsin Dells, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

Arlington and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Arlington have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Arlington is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Arlington is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and Wisconsin Dells have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

The people in Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Arlington is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Arlington offers some nice shopping areas. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Arlington and Wisconsin Dells are both good to visit as a couple.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Arlington is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Students?

Arlington is a great destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Arlington is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Arlington or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Arlington is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Arlington or Wisconsin Dells. In our opinion, Arlington has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Arlington than Wisconsin Dells. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Wisconsin Dells 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

The educational destination of Arlington offers nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Arlington is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Wisconsin Dells much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wisconsin Dells would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wisconsin Dells 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Wisconsin Dells.

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

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Arlington or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Arlington or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arlington in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 79°F (26°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the summer, Arlington often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Arlington for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Arlington is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Wisconsin Dells. The winter months attract visitors to Arlington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. The weather in Arlington can be very cold. In the winter, Arlington is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arlington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 56°F (14°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arlington. Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Arlington