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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley? 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berkeley. Although Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley are both popular with visitors, Berkeley has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Berkeley is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Berkeley and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Berkeley is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley has a better nightlife scene.

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.

The nightlife in Berkeley has something for everybody. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

Berkeley is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Berkeley is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley make for a good place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Berkeley is a good city for couples to visit. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

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

Berkeley is a great city to visit for backpackers. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley 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 Berkeley can get you around easily. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Berkeley on foot is easy. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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

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

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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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.

The progressive destination of Berkeley 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.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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.

The city of Berkeley 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.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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.

Berkeley 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.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. 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 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 Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley 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 Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley, 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 Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley?

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 Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Berkeley. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berkeley in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Berkeley. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can be very cold during winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Wisconsin Dells