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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Sarasota?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sarasota? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Mazatlan and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Sarasota. Mazatlan is bigger than Sarasota, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Sarasota is more popular for its resorts. Sarasota is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Sarasota.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Mazatlan or Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Sarasota.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is great for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

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 Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is great for its old town. However, Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sarasota and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Sarasota make for a notable place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

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 Mazatlan or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses 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 Mazatlan or Sarasota a more walkable city?

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

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Sarasota 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarasota, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

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

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

A week in Mazatlan or Sarasota?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Sarasota is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Mazatlan and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Sarasota?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Sarasota in the Summer?

Both Sarasota and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Sarasota. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun.

Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sarasota. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Sarasota. The autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In the autumn, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sarasota averages at about 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 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 Mazatlan or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Sarasota. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Sarasota. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches.

Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Sarasota during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan