A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boca Raton than Saint Petersburg. While Saint Petersburg is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Boca Raton is well known for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. Also, Boca Raton is famous for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Saint Petersburg and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg both to be high quality destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Boca Raton. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg both offer first-rate beaches.

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is very good for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

Boca Raton is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Both Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg both high quality destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is very good for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Boca Raton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Saint Petersburg 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the luxurious destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy coastal city of Boca Raton. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Saint Petersburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg, 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 Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg?

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 Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Boca Raton in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 78°F (25°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Boca Raton is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Saint Petersburg. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Boca Raton is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Saint Petersburg. The spring months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the spring, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Boca Raton in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Boca Raton