A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Pensacola or Minneapolis?

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 Pensacola and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a active, entertaining, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pensacola travel costs.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Pensacola and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Minneapolis than Pensacola. Minneapolis is bigger than Pensacola, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Pensacola is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Pensacola different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Minneapolis both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Minneapolis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pensacola or Minneapolis.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Pensacola is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Minneapolis is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Minneapolis is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Minneapolis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its ease of walking around.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Pensacola or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Pensacola due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Pensacola 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 Minneapolis.

One day in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining beach town of Pensacola. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Pensacola. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Minneapolis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining beach town of Pensacola. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pensacola. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Minneapolis, 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 Pensacola or Minneapolis?

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 Pensacola or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Pensacola during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Pensacola is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pensacola is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Pensacola or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. In January, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

Pensacola is much warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Pensacola