A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Saint Augustine vs. Sarasota for Families, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Sarasota, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Augustine and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Sarasota are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its resorts. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Saint Augustine different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

Both Saint Augustine and Sarasota have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Sarasota? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Sarasota has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

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 Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State 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 Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is renowned for its old town. However, Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Saint Augustine is one of the most recognized in the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

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

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Augustine is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Is Saint Augustine or Sarasota Better for Couples?

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

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Sarasota.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Sarasota a more walkable city?

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

In either Saint Augustine or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than Saint Augustine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

One day in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. 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 underrated destination of Sarasota offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

Saint Augustine 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.

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Sarasota is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

Saint Augustine 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Sarasota?

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

Both Sarasota and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Sarasota averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in July than Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Sarasota. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally cooler than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Sarasota during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sarasota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Sarasota. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint Augustine is cooler than Sarasota in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Sarasota fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 200 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is cooler than Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Sarasota averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarasota during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 299 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Sarasota. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Saint Augustine