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

Should you visit Sarasota or Santa Monica?

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 Monica. 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarasota and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Santa Monica?

You'll generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Sarasota. Santa Monica is bigger than Sarasota, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Santa Monica is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Sarasota is more popular for its museums and resorts. Santa Monica is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Sarasota offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is renowned for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Both Sarasota and Santa Monica are amazing family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Santa Monica is a very family-friendly destination. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Sarasota or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Sarasota is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Sarasota or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sarasota and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than in Santa Monica. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

Families should spend more time in Santa Monica than Sarasota. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Santa Monica, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Santa Monica?

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this underrated 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 town of Santa Monica offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarasota or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Santa Monica?

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.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Monica, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Santa Monica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Monica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Monica 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 Monica.

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 Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sarasota is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 67°F (20°C).

In October, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Santa Monica in the Winter?

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

In January, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Sarasota usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica because of the beaches.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Sarasota