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

Should you visit Sarasota or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe. 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and hiking.

Sarasota and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Santa Fe is more popular for its skiing, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Sarasota is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Sarasota is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also home to The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Sarasota different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a good destination for skiing. However, Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Santa Fe is a great destination to visit. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

Sarasota is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Sarasota is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Sarasota is not a live music destination.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

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

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

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for the beach. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe offers some nice hiking trails. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe Better for Families?

Sarasota is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a good city for couples to visit. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Santa Fe both offer decent 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Sarasota or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable historic town. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

In either Sarasota or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Santa Fe has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Fe than Sarasota. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. 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.

The historic town of Santa Fe offers museums and skiing. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Santa Fe?

Sarasota is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarasota, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe?

Sarasota 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.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This historic 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 Santa Fe, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Santa Fe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Fe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Santa Fe, 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.