A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Sarasota vs. Tampa for Families, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Tampa?

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 Tampa. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Sarasota and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Tampa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tampa than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Sarasota is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. It is also home to Busch Gardens.

How is Sarasota different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sarasota and Tampa.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tampa area. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

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

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Tampa for it's beautiful beaches. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

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 Tampa?

Sarasota is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sarasota has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sarasota is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Sarasota or Tampa Better for Couples?

Sarasota is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Sarasota is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Sarasota or Tampa a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Tampa 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Tampa?

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Tampa?

In Sarasota, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this underrated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tampa offers food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tampa 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tampa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Tampa?

Sarasota is a fun place to experience. In Sarasota, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tampa 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 Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Sarasota. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Tampa?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Tampa. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tampa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Tampa. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Tampa. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Tampa fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tampa. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tampa in the Winter?

Both Tampa and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Tampa in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tampa. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Tampa in the Spring?

Both Tampa and Sarasota during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Tampa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Tampa averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the spring, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Tampa. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Sarasota