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

Should you visit Sarasota or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Sarasota and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Roanoke?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than Roanoke. While Roanoke is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Roanoke is known for its hiking. Sarasota is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Sarasota different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Sarasota is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sarasota is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

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

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

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

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

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Roanoke?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Roanoke 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 Roanoke to go shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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 Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Sarasota or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Roanoke are decent 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.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sarasota and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Roanoke?

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 town of Roanoke offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Roanoke?

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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Sarasota or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Roanoke. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Roanoke. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Sarasota