A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Beaufort for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Sarasota or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort. 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Beaufort is a beautiful place to visit, too. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Beaufort travel costs.

Sarasota and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Beaufort?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beaufort. Although Sarasota and Beaufort are popular destinations, Beaufort has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beaufort is very popular for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and resorts. Sarasota is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Beaufort is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes. It is also well known for Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

How is Sarasota different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sarasota can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Beaufort 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

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 Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Beaufort is not a resort destination.

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

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Sarasota and Beaufort both offer nice beaches.

Sarasota offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort 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 Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Beaufort?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Beaufort both offer plenty of nice 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 Beaufort to go shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort More Beautiful?

Beaufort is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beaufort is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort Better for Couples?

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

Beaufort is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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

Sarasota is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Sarasota or Beaufort a more walkable city?

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

Beaufort is a very walkable town. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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 Beaufort Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Beaufort?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarasota than Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaufort, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Beaufort?

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.

Beaufort 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 Beaufort?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Beaufort?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Beaufort, 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 Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

Both Beaufort and Sarasota during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Beaufort, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaufort. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 267 hours of full sun.

Beaufort gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Beaufort. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Beaufort in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Beaufort. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Beaufort in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Beaufort fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaufort 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 Beaufort during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Should I visit Sarasota or Beaufort in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Beaufort. The winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than Beaufort. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Beaufort averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Beaufort. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaufort receives 176 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Beaufort. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Beaufort in the Spring?

Both Beaufort and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Beaufort. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Beaufort during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Beaufort receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Beaufort. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Sarasota