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

Should you visit Sarasota or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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 relaxing, entertaining, and underrated city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbia travel costs.

Sarasota and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Columbia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Also, Sarasota is famous for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Sarasota different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Sarasota is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Sarasota and Columbia.

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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Sarasota makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a popular place for the beach. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Columbia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Columbia both offer plenty of notable 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 Columbia to go shopping. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Couples?

Sarasota is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Sarasota or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Columbia both offer respectable 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Sarasota or Columbia a more walkable city?

Sarasota is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Columbia 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 Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

The city of Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Columbia?

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.

Columbia 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 Columbia?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Sarasota during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Columbia. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Columbia. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sarasota is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia 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 Columbia during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Sarasota or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Columbia. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°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 Columbia. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

Sarasota is a little warmer than Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Columbia. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Sarasota