A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Wisconsin Dells vs. Santa Monica for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica? 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 lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Wisconsin Dells and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Wisconsin Dells, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is better known for its museums, food, beaches, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is well known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Santa Monica is well known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History 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 the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica has something for everybody. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Santa Monica. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica.

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.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wisconsin Dells is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

In Wisconsin Dells, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this fun-filled city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The energetic destination of Santa Monica offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

Wisconsin Dells is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find food and nightlife around the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica?

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

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Santa Monica. The summer months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 74°F (24°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Santa Monica. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in October average around 52°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. In January, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 19°F (-7°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Wisconsin Dells during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches during these months.

Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 49°F (10°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Wisconsin Dells