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

Should you visit Sarasota or Whistler?

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 Whistler. 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Sarasota and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Whistler. Although Sarasota and Whistler are popular destinations, Whistler has more sights and attractions for tourists. Whistler is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sarasota attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and beaches. Whistler is more touristy than Sarasota and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Cloudraker Skybridge. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Sarasota different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Whistler and Sarasota. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sarasota or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for skiing. However, Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Sarasota is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sarasota or Whistler?

Sarasota is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Whistler 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.

Whistler has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler 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 Whistler for the nightlife scene. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler 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 Whistler to choose from. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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

Is Sarasota or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is renowned for hiking. However, Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Whistler is well-known for its hiking and trekking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Sarasota is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Whistler?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Whistler both offer plenty of nice 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 Whistler to go shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Sarasota or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Sarasota is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sarasota or Whistler Better for Families?

Both Sarasota and Whistler are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sarasota is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Sarasota or Whistler Better for Couples?

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

Whistler is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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 Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget 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 Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarasota and Whistler both offer reasonable 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Sarasota or Whistler a more walkable city?

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

Whistler is a very walkable village. It's a compact town that's easy to explore 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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Sarasota. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Whistler, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Sarasota or Whistler?

The city of Sarasota offers food and shopping. 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.

The beautiful village of Whistler offers nightlife and food. 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 Whistler?

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

Whistler 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 Whistler?

Sarasota is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarasota, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Whistler, 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 Whistler?

Sarasota is a great place to explore. 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.

Whistler 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 village 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Whistler?

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

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 Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 82°F (28°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Whistler. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sarasota is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 76°F (24°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Whistler. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.

Should I visit Sarasota or Whistler in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. In the winter, Sarasota is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarasota in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler 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. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Sarasota is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Whistler. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Sarasota