A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sarasota vs. Winston-Salem for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums. See Sarasota travel costs.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Sarasota and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sarasota than Winston-Salem. While Winston-Salem is larger than Sarasota, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Winston-Salem is known for its historical sights. Sarasota is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Sarasota different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Sarasota is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Is the Food Better in Sarasota or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Winston-Salem area. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Sarasota and Winston-Salem.

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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a popular place for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a popular place for the beach. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sarasota and Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Sarasota is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Sarasota is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarasota is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Sarasota is not popular with students.

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

Sarasota and Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Sarasota or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Sarasota and Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Sarasota Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Sarasota?

How long in Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sarasota or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sarasota than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Sarasota, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Sarasota than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the entertaining destination of Sarasota. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. 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 Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Sarasota. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sarasota. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Sarasota during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarasota is around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarasota in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 81°F (27°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun.

Winston-Salem gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Winston-Salem. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Sarasota is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 76°F (24°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Sarasota.

Should I visit Sarasota or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Winston-Salem. Many visitors come to Sarasota in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. Sarasota is much warmer than Winston-Salem in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the winter, Sarasota often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun.

Sarasota usually gets less rain in January than Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarasota or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

Both Winston-Salem and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Sarasota is a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarasota in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Sarasota