A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Sonoma for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Sonoma, 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 colonial, historic, and notable city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saint Augustine and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

Both Sonoma and Saint Augustine have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Saint Augustine is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Sonoma is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sonoma is more touristy than Saint Augustine and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Saint Augustine different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

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

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sonoma is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Sonoma is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Sonoma know how to have a good time. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Sonoma is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Sonoma is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Augustine and Sonoma have high quality beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. 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.

The beaches at Sonoma attract visitors from all over. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Sonoma does not have a historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Sonoma does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sonoma and Saint Augustine.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Sonoma is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Families?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Saint Augustine. 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Sonoma is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Sonoma has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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.

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

Saint Augustine is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Saint Augustine or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable destination. 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable city. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Sonoma Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint Augustine or Sonoma. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The relaxing destination of Sonoma offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Sonoma?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The county of Sonoma offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sonoma is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This county offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Sonoma. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Sonoma?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

Both Sonoma and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°F (28°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Sonoma. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint Augustine is a little warmer than Sonoma in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sonoma in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Sonoma. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Saint Augustine