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

Should you visit Sarasota or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga. 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a thriving, bustling, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Sarasota and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Chattanooga?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Chattanooga. While Chattanooga is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Chattanooga is known for its hiking. Sarasota is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Chattanooga is popular for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Sarasota different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

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

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 Chattanooga area. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

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

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

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a popular place for the beach. However, Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Chattanooga?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to go shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Sarasota is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Chattanooga both good destinations for a couple.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Chattanooga is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Chattanooga can get you around easily. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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

Is Sarasota or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

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

Chattanooga is a very walkable city. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Chattanooga?

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

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Chattanooga. 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.

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

One day in Sarasota or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining 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 Chattanooga offers food and shopping. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the underrated 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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Chattanooga?

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

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Chattanooga. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the summer, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Sarasota receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Sarasota during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Chattanooga in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Chattanooga. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Sarasota