A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarasota vs. Vernon for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Sarasota and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarasota. Although Sarasota and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Sarasota has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Vernon is known for its hiking. Sarasota is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Sarasota different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Sarasota and Vernon.

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 Vernon area. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Resorts?

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

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

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Vernon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Vernon 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 Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Families?

Sarasota is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Sarasota or Vernon Better for Couples?

Sarasota and Vernon 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.

Vernon is a good city for couples to visit. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Sarasota and Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Sarasota or Vernon a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Vernon 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.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Vernon?

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

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

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.

The town of Vernon offers food 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 Vernon?

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.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Vernon?

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.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining 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.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Vernon, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Vernon?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Sarasota during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sarasota is a little warmer than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Vernon. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Vernon. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Vernon. The winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Sarasota usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In the spring, Sarasota is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Sarasota usually receives more rain than Vernon. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Sarasota