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

Should you visit Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarasota than Wisconsin Dells, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarasota is better known for its museums, beaches, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum.

How is Sarasota different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Wisconsin Dells area. 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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Wisconsin Dells for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

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

Is Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a popular place for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Sarasota offers some nice shopping areas. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Both Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells both notable destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

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

Sarasota is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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

Is Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not very walkable. 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 Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sarasota due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

The entertaining destination of Sarasota 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.

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. 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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Sarasota 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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells 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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive? and Is Wisconsin Dells Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Wisconsin Dells. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the summer, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sarasota is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Sarasota during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 19°F (-7°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Wisconsin Dells. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

Sarasota is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wisconsin Dells this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Wisconsin Dells. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Sarasota