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

Should you visit Sarasota or Juneau?

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 Juneau. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Juneau

Juneau is a breathtaking, historic, and scenic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Sarasota and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Sarasota or Juneau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Juneau than Sarasota, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Juneau is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Juneau is well known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Also, Juneau is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier.

How is Sarasota different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota
Juneau

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sarasota and Juneau.

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.

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.


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

Sarasota
Juneau

Juneau 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.

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Sarasota or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Juneau

Sarasota is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Sarasota or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Juneau

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.


Is Sarasota or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Juneau

Sarasota is a popular place for the beache. However, Juneau is not a beach destination.

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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Sarasota
Juneau

Juneau is renowned for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Juneau is well-known for its hiking and trekking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Juneau?

Sarasota
Juneau

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

Juneau is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

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 Sarasota or Juneau Better for Families?

Sarasota
Juneau

Sarasota is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Sarasota or Juneau Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Juneau

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

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Sarasota or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarasota
Juneau

Juneau is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Sarasota
Juneau

Sarasota and Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Sarasota or Juneau a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Juneau

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

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Juneau?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Sarasota or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Sarasota or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarasota. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Juneau offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Juneau?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Juneau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Sarasota?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $160. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sarasota and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Juneau? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sarasota


Hotels in Juneau


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sarasota Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Sarasota change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sarasota $137
    Juneau $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota

For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
  • Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
  • Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
  • Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarasota $11
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.

  • Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley Tour: $14
  • Palmetto: Haunted History Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Robinson Preserve Nature Walk Eco Tour: $40
  • Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $50
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Sharkey's Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour in Sarasota: $55
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $57
  • Kayak Paddling Experience at The Bay Park: $58
  • Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
  • Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hours Fishing Experience Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $245
  • Five-Star Juneau Pedicab Private Tour: $200
  • From Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft Tour: $850
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189
  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarasota -
    Juneau $16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Juneau?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Sarasota or Juneau in the Summer?

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

Sarasota is much warmer than Juneau in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Juneau. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarasota 82°F (28°C) 
    Juneau 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Juneau in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Juneau. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sarasota is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Juneau averages at about 42°F (6°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Juneau. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarasota 76°F (24°C) 
    Juneau 42°F (6°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Juneau in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Juneau can be very cold during winter. In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarasota 59°F (15°C) 
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Sarasota or Juneau in the Spring?

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

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. Sarasota is much warmer than Juneau in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Juneau. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarasota 73°F (23°C) 
    Juneau 40°F (4°C)

Typical Weather for Juneau and Sarasota

Sarasota Juneau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)