A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Sarasota for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit La Paz 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 La Paz 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

La Paz and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Sarasota?

You'll generally find more things to do in La Paz than Sarasota. La Paz is bigger than Sarasota, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is La Paz different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Sarasota?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both La Paz and Sarasota.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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.

La Paz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both La Paz and Sarasota.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 La Paz or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both La Paz and Sarasota have notable options.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

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

Is La Paz or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz 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 La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

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

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

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 the Shopping Better in La Paz or Sarasota?

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

La Paz is well-known for its shopping. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Paz. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is La Paz or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Both La Paz and Sarasota are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Sarasota is a good 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 La Paz or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

La Paz 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 La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system 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 La Paz or Sarasota a more walkable city?

La Paz is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Sarasota?

In either La Paz or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than La Paz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Sarasota?

The city of La Paz 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarasota. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Sarasota?

La Paz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Paz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Sarasota?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Sarasota?

La Paz 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 city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Sarasota?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz or Sarasota?

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 La Paz or Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Sarasota. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, La Paz is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Sarasota averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Sarasota. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit La Paz or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, La Paz is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Sarasota. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Sarasota. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Sarasota. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and La Paz