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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz? 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 fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a scenic, laid back, and coastal town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz are popular destinations, Santa Cruz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Cruz is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Santa Cruz and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Santa Cruz is famous for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also well known for Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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 Cruz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. 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.

Santa Cruz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz 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 Cruz has something for everybody. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

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

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Santa Cruz is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz both have nice trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Cruz. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Santa Cruz offers some nice shopping areas. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find 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 Cruz Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Santa Cruz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

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 Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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

Santa Cruz is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz on foot is easy. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Cruz Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wisconsin Dells than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz?

With food and nightlife around the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The scenic destination of Santa Cruz offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wisconsin Dells, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Santa Cruz 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 Cruz?

Wisconsin Dells, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Cruz?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?

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 Cruz in the Summer?

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

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In July, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Santa Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santa Cruz 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 Cruz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Wisconsin Dells. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Santa Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 51°F (10°C).

In January, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Santa Cruz. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Wisconsin Dells