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

Should you visit Sarasota or Boone?

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 Boone. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Boone is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Boone travel costs.

Sarasota and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Boone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boone. Although Sarasota and Boone are both popular with visitors, Boone has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boone is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Boone is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How is Sarasota different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boone and Sarasota. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is great for skiing. However, Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Boone. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Boone?

Sarasota is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

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

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 Boone area. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Boone 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 Boone for the nightlife scene. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

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 Boone Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

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

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sarasota to enjoy the beach. 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.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Hiking?

Boone is great for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Boone?

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

Boone is well-known for its shopping. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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 Boone More Beautiful?

Boone is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Boone is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Families?

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

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Sarasota or Boone Better for Couples?

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

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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 Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

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 Boone Better for Students?

Boone is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Boone 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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Sarasota or Boone a more walkable city?

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

Boone is a very walkable town. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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 Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarasota or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sarasota due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone 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 Boone.

One day in Sarasota or Boone?

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.

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. 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 Boone?

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.

Boone 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boone, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Boone?

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.

Boone 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 Boone?

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated 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.

Boone is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 Boone, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Boone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boone 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 Boone.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Boone?

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