A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Charlotte for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Charlotte?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Charlotte. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a growing, evolving, and up-and-coming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Charlotte travel costs.

Sarasota and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Charlotte?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Charlotte is more popular for its big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Sarasota is more touristy than Charlotte and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Charlotte is popular for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. It is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Sarasota different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarasota is great for its historical sights. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sarasota and Charlotte.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Charlotte area. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sarasota and Charlotte.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte is not a resort destination.

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

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for the beach. However, Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Charlotte?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Charlotte both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Many visitors go to Charlotte to go shopping. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Families?

Sarasota is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlotte is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Charlotte both good destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Charlotte is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Sarasota or Charlotte Better for Students?

Charlotte is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Charlotte. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Charlotte 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 Charlotte offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel 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 Sarasota or Charlotte a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is a somewhat walkable place. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Charlotte Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sarasota and Charlotte. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than in Charlotte. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Charlotte?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarasota. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Charlotte offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Charlotte?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Charlotte 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 Charlotte, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Charlotte?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing city of Sarasota. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Charlotte 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.

A week in Sarasota or Charlotte?

Sarasota is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Charlotte 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Charlotte, 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 Sarasota or Charlotte?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlotte in the Summer?

Both Charlotte and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Charlotte. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlotte averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlotte. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Charlotte during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlotte. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 223 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Charlotte. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlotte in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Charlotte. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sarasota is much warmer than Charlotte in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Charlotte fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Charlotte during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Charlotte receives 173 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Charlotte. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Charlotte. The spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Charlotte averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Charlotte. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlotte receives 273 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Charlotte. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Sarasota