A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Myrtle Beach for Nightlife, Families, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Sarasota and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Sarasota and Myrtle Beach are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Sarasota different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarasota is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Myrtle Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is very good for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

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

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is great for the beach. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach 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 the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

Sarasota is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

Many students visit Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Sarasota or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Myrtle Beach are decent 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.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

Both Sarasota and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Sarasota. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beach city of Myrtle Beach offers nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Sarasota is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this entertaining destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Myrtle Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Myrtle Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

Sarasota is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. This beach 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 Myrtle Beach, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Myrtle Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Myrtle Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Myrtle Beach?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Myrtle Beach. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the summer, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

Both Myrtle Beach and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

Both Myrtle Beach and Sarasota during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Sarasota is much warmer than Myrtle Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Myrtle Beach receives 180 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Myrtle Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Myrtle Beach during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Myrtle Beach receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Sarasota