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

Should you visit Sarasota or Sedona?

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 Sedona. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Sedona

Sedona is a striking, desert, and dramatic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Sedona because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Sedona travel costs.

Sarasota and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Sedona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sedona than Sarasota, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sedona is better known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions and beaches. Sarasota is well known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Sedona is well known for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. Also, Sedona is famous for Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Sarasota different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarasota is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Sedona 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.

Sedona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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 Sedona Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Sedona is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Sedona to choose from. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

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

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for Beaches?

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

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Sedona is a good destination for its old town. However, Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Sedona. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sedona for the hiking trails. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Sedona?

Sedona is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Sedona draws large crowds to its stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. 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.

Is Sarasota or Sedona More Beautiful?

Sedona is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Sedona because of it's amazing beauty. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for Families?

Sarasota is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sedona 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.

Sedona is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Sarasota or Sedona Better for Couples?

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

Sedona is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of 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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Sarasota and Sedona 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Sarasota or Sedona a more walkable city?

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

Sedona is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have 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 Sedona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Sedona?

In either Sarasota or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Sedona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sedona than Sarasota. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarasota. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Sedona?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarasota or Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sedona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarasota or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Sarasota. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Sedona?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Sedona, 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.