A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Sarasota for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Sarasota are roughly the same size, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota is known for its museums. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Sarasota is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Sarasota can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sarasota and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sarasota. 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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Sarasota.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Sarasota is a good town 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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

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

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

In either Playa del Carmen or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Sarasota because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated destination of Sarasota. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Playa del Carmen 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 shopping and museums around the underrated city of Sarasota. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, 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. 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.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Sarasota is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Playa del Carmen and Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Sarasota?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota in the Summer?

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

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

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen gets 223 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Sarasota. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Sarasota in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Sarasota averages at about 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 Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Sarasota in the Spring?

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

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Sarasota during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Sarasota. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Playa del Carmen