A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. San Francisco for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco? 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco. Although Wisconsin Dells and San Francisco are both popular with visitors, San Francisco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its nightlife and resorts. Wisconsin Dells is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Wisconsin Dells is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Wisconsin Dells is not a live music destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great destination for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco.

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.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Couples?

San Francisco is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

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

San Francisco is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

Both Wisconsin Dells and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Wisconsin Dells. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Wisconsin Dells. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wisconsin Dells. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

You'll find food and nightlife around the city of Wisconsin Dells. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Wisconsin Dells during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as San Francisco. 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 San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

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

Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

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

In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Wisconsin Dells