A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Sarasota vs. Tallahassee for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sarasota and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Tallahassee?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Tallahassee. While Tallahassee is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities.

How is Sarasota different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sarasota and Tallahassee.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Tallahassee offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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

Sarasota is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sarasota is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sarasota and Tallahassee.

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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

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

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a city with good options for the beach. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Tallahassee?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Tallahassee both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Many visitors go to Tallahassee to go shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Sarasota is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Sarasota is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Sarasota or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

One day in Sarasota or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing city of Sarasota. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Tallahassee offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing city of Sarasota. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tallahassee 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.

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 Tallahassee, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Tallahassee much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallahassee would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

Both Tallahassee and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Tallahassee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tallahassee. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

Both Tallahassee and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Tallahassee. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 256 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Tallahassee. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tallahassee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Tallahassee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Tallahassee in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Tallahassee during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tallahassee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Tallahassee. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Tallahassee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Tallahassee averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tallahassee. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Sarasota