A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Sarasota for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Boca Raton or Sarasota?

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 Sarasota. 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Boca Raton and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarasota is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Boca Raton is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also home to Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sarasota 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.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Boca Raton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boca Raton has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is renowned for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Boca Raton is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Sarasota is a good coastal city for couples to visit. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Boca Raton is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Boca Raton or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

In either Boca Raton or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boca Raton has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Boca Raton than Sarasota. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

Families should spend more time in Boca Raton than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

The coastal city of Boca Raton offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the underrated city of Sarasota, 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.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarasota, 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.

Five days in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boca Raton, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarasota, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Sarasota 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Boca Raton and Sarasota, we can see that Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Sarasota Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Sarasota?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In July, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

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

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

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

In Sarasota, 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 Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Sarasota. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Boca Raton is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

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

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

Should I visit Boca Raton or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Sarasota. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In April, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. 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 Sarasota. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Boca Raton