A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Sequoia National Park for Families, Backpackers, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

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 Sequoia National Park. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a magical, breathtaking, and surreal national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Sarasota and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the General Sherman tree
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Sarasota and Sequoia National Park are popular destinations, Sequoia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sequoia National Park is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Sarasota and is known for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also well known for the General Sherman tree. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.


Is the Food Better in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Sarasota has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.


Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sarasota. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is renowned for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Sequoia National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is a city with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Sarasota. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.


Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sequoia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sarasota is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is great for its romantic activities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Sequoia National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sequoia National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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 Sequoia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota and Sequoia National Park both offer reasonable 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Is Sarasota or Sequoia National Park a more walkable city?

Sarasota
Sequoia National Park

Sarasota and Sequoia National Park are reasonable 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.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sequoia National Park or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Sequoia National Park. 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 Sequoia National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sarasota 2-5 
    Sequoia National Park 2-7

One day in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

In Sarasota, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful national park of Sequoia National Park offers . 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 Sequoia National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Sequoia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Sequoia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

Sarasota is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sequoia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sequoia National Park, 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 Sequoia National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated destination of Sarasota. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sequoia National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sequoia National Park has to offer. This national park 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, Sequoia National Park 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 Sequoia National Park is $130. 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 Sequoia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarasota $108
    Sequoia National Park $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarasota $216
    Sequoia National Park $128
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Sequoia National Park? 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 Sequoia National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarasota -
    Sequoia National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarasota or Sequoia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Sequoia National Park 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
    Sequoia National Park $31

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
    Sequoia National Park $31

Tours and Activities in Sarasota

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

  • Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota: $75
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico: $95
  • 2 Hour Guided Stand Up Paddle Board Tour along Upper Manatee River: $65
  • 2 Hour Jet ski Rental Fast And Fun Adventure Florida Thrill : $240
  • 2 Hour Sunset Cabaret Tour in Sarasota: $68
  • 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
  • 90 minute South Florida Jet Ski Adventure Fun Thrilling : $195
  • 90-Minute Parasailing Adventure Above Anna Maria Island, FL: $75
  • Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
  • Amish Experience: Bridges to Understanding: $68
  • Anna Maria Island Paddleboard Tours: $65
  • Bradenton: Guided Pedal Kayak Tour: $999

Tours and Activities in Sequoia National Park

For Sequoia National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Semi Private Sequoia National Park Tour with lunch.: $299
  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare: $299
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarasota -
    Sequoia National Park $7.84


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

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