A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Milwaukee vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Redwood National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Milwaukee and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Redwood National Park. Although Milwaukee and Redwood National Park are both popular with visitors, Redwood National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Redwood National Park is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees. It is also home to Stout Grove. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a park with good options for the beache. However, Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Redwood National Park. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.


Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Around Redwood National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Milwaukee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.


Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Redwood National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a good destination for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Milwaukee is popular with students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.


Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Milwaukee or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Redwood National Park

Milwaukee is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

In either Milwaukee or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than Milwaukee because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milwaukee than Redwood National Park 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 Milwaukee.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

In Milwaukee, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milwaukee, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find around the park of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the grand destination of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

Milwaukee is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find around the grand park of Redwood National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

A week in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Milwaukee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $176, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Milwaukee and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee or Redwood National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Milwaukee


Hotels in Redwood National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Milwaukee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Milwaukee $52
    Redwood National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $97
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Redwood National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


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

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



When is the best time to visit Milwaukee or Redwood National Park?

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 Milwaukee or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Milwaukee during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Milwaukee is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Milwaukee in July average around 74°F (23°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milwaukee. In the summer, Milwaukee often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 321 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun.

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Milwaukee is generally around the same temperature as Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park during autumn. Milwaukee gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Milwaukee usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Milwaukee is much colder than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In the winter, Milwaukee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 138 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Milwaukee usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Milwaukee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Milwaukee is cooler than Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milwaukee. Milwaukee usually receives less sunshine than Redwood National Park during spring. Milwaukee gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milwaukee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)


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