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

Should you visit Sarasota or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket. 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 underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sarasota and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Nantucket?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Sarasota and Nantucket are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Nantucket is famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Sarasota different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Sarasota and Nantucket.

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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Sarasota or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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

Is Sarasota or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Nantucket for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Sarasota or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is great for its old town. However, Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarasota or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is great for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Nantucket?

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

Nantucket is well-known for its shopping. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and 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.

Is Sarasota or Nantucket Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly city. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Sarasota or Nantucket Better for Couples?

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

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarasota or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sarasota due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the underrated 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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 island 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Sarasota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarasota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarasota 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Sarasota.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Nantucket?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket 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 Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sarasota is much warmer than Nantucket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Nantucket. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Nantucket in the Winter?

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

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Nantucket averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Nantucket. The spring months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In April, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Sarasota