A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Sarasota vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Sarasota and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sarasota than West Palm Beach. While West Palm Beach is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sarasota is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also well known for the John and Mable Ringling Museum. West Palm Beach is famous for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Sarasota different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Sarasota is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sarasota or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Sarasota. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for the nightlife scene. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Sarasota is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or West Palm Beach?

Sarasota is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Sarasota is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly city. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

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

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Sarasota or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or West Palm Beach?

Both Sarasota and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Sarasota. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarasota than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

The underrated destination of Sarasota offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 West Palm Beach?

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. This beach area 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 comparing the travel costs between Sarasota and West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during summer. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Sarasota. In July, Sarasota usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarasota or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Sarasota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene.

Sarasota is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the autumn, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 275 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarasota usually gets less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit Sarasota or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Sarasota is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 65°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives less sunshine than West Palm Beach during winter. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while West Palm Beach receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sarasota usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarasota or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches.

In April, Sarasota is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the spring, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while West Palm Beach receives 300 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Sarasota