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

Should you visit Sarasota or Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville. 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 relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a collegiate, southern, and proud university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Sarasota and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Charlottesville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarasota than Charlottesville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarasota is better known for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Charlottesville is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Sarasota is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Charlottesville is well known for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Sarasota different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Sarasota is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a good destination for the beache. However, Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Charlottesville is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Charlottesville is a good destination for its old town. However, Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Charlottesville. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Charlottesville?

Sarasota is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Sarasota does not offer Christmas activities.

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Sarasota does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Charlottesville both notable 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.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Charlottesville both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Sarasota or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Charlottesville are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Sarasota is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Charlottesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Charlottesville?

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

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Sarasota than Charlottesville 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 Sarasota.

One day in Sarasota or Charlottesville?

The relaxing 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.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Sarasota or Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlottesville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville 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 university town 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 Charlottesville, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Charlottesville?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

Both Charlottesville and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Charlottesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

Both Charlottesville and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sarasota is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Charlottesville averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlottesville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Charlottesville. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

Charlottesville can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Charlottesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Charlottesville. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Sarasota is much warmer than Charlottesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Charlottesville. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Sarasota