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

Should you visit Sarasota or El Paso?

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 El Paso. 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sarasota travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See El Paso travel costs.

Sarasota and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or El Paso?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also well known for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Sarasota different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Sarasota and El Paso.

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 El Paso area. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Sarasota or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Sarasota and El Paso.

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 El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Sarasota or El Paso Better for Resorts?

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

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

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is very good for its beaches. However, El Paso 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.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or El Paso?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and El Paso 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 El Paso to go shopping. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Sarasota or El Paso Better for Families?

Sarasota is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Sarasota or El Paso Better for Couples?

Sarasota is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Sarasota is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

Sarasota and El Paso both offer reasonable 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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Sarasota or El Paso a more walkable city?

Sarasota and El Paso are reasonable 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.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or El Paso?

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

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso?

In Sarasota, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of El Paso offers food 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 El Paso?

In Sarasota, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer.

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

Five days in Sarasota or El Paso?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarasota has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

El Paso 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 El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and El Paso, 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.