A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Wisconsin Dells for Families, Food, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a relaxing, peaceful, and beautiful coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Wisconsin Dells has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking, while Hilton Head Island is known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also home to Noah's Ark Water Park. Hilton Head Island is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Hilton Head Island different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Wisconsin Dells is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Hilton Head Island is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Hilton Head Island offers some nice shopping areas. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

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 Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

You'll find world-class kid-friendly activities in either Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly coastal town 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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

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

Neither Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells are decent when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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 Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Hilton Head Island 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 Wisconsin Dells.

One day in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

The relaxing destination of Hilton Head Island offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Wisconsin Dells. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wisconsin Dells has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

The peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the summer, Hilton Head Island often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Wisconsin Dells. The autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Wisconsin Dells. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. In the winter, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hilton Head Island in January average around 48°F (9°C), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In the winter, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Hilton Head Island is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 67°F (19°C), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Hilton Head Island