A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Sarasota for Families, Resorts, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Sarasota?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Sarasota can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Sarasota

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

Key Largo and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Sarasota?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarasota. Although Key Largo and Sarasota are both popular with visitors, Sarasota has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarasota is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum.

How is Key Largo different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Sarasota?

Sarasota is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sarasota. 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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sarasota is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarasota has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

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

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Both Key Largo and Sarasota are considered to be good beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. 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 the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Sarasota?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sarasota has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Sarasota are fantastic to visit with kids.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Sarasota are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Sarasota is a nice destination for couples. 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 Key Largo or Sarasota Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Sarasota is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Sarasota?

In either Key Largo or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than Sarasota because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarasota than Key Largo 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 Sarasota.

One day in Key Largo or Sarasota?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarasota. 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 Key Largo or Sarasota?

Key Largo 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 Key Largo or Sarasota?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing city of Sarasota. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Sarasota?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Sarasota 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Sarasota?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Key Largo 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during summer. Key Largo 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 Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°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 Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Key Largo 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 Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Sarasota. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 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 Sarasota.

Should I visit Key Largo or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Sarasota. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Key Largo is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°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 Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarasota. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Sarasota. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches.

In April, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°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 Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Sarasota. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Key Largo