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

Should you visit Sarasota or Memphis?

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 Memphis. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Sarasota and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Memphis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Memphis than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Memphis is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Sarasota is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. It is also home to Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Sarasota different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Memphis 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.

Memphis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis 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 Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sarasota is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Memphis. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Sarasota is not a live music destination.

Is Sarasota or Memphis Better for Resorts?

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

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

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

Sarasota has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Memphis?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Sarasota has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Sarasota or Memphis Better for Families?

Sarasota is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Sarasota or Memphis Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Memphis 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.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Sarasota or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Memphis. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

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 Memphis Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Sarasota or Memphis a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Memphis?

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

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis.

One day in Sarasota or Memphis?

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 Memphis offers live music and food. 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 Memphis?

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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Memphis?

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.

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Memphis?

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.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Memphis, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Memphis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Memphis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Memphis 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 Memphis.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Memphis?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarasota or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Memphis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis averages at about 83°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than Memphis during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Memphis. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets more rain in October than Memphis. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Memphis. The winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Memphis in the winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Memphis in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Memphis fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Memphis during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of rain as Memphis. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Memphis in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Memphis. The beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Memphis for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Memphis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Memphis. Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Memphis. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Sarasota