Sarasota vs Naples: The Honest Comparison You Need!

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Last updated on April 1, 2023 by Wandering our World

Whether you’re looking for some private beach time or want to explore local art, culture and fun nightlife, southwest Florida is a wonderful place to escape to for your next tropical vacation. And two of the absolute best locations to visit in southern Florida are Sarasota and Naples.

These two gorgeous cities are both incredible waterfront destinations that are renowned for their exquisite beaches and the luxurious Florida lifestyle that they feature.

But there’s no doubt that choosing whether to visit Sarasota or Naples for your next trip is difficult – we’ve certainly found it to be in the past.

That’s because we know both of these cities well. And while they share certain similarities, Sarasota and Naples are quite different from each other in a variety of ways.

For example, Sarasota is an upbeat and lively destination that is known for its exciting beaches, nightlife, art exhibits, and restaurants. On the other hand, Naples is a much quieter destination that is perfect for exploring the local wildlife or relaxing on the beach with your family.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily below we compare these two destinations in more detail, looking at their beaches, activities, nightlife, which is cheaper and even more. All so you can make the right decision about which one to choose!

CONTENTS:

  1. How Do The Beaches Compare
  2. What About Activities
  3. Which Has Better Nightlife
  4. Which Is Cheaper
  5. Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget
  6. Which Is The Better Choice
Sarasota, Naples infographic

How Do The Beaches Compare?

Like most waterfront destinations in southwest Florida, the beaches in Naples and Sarasota feature plenty of sun and fun that everyone can enjoy.

With soft, powder-white sand that is warm without burning your skin and beautiful, blue-green ocean that surrounds you, southwest Florida is home to some of the most gorgeous beach destinations in all of the United States.

Indeed both Naples and Sarasota are well-loved for their unique array of incredible public beaches which everyone can enjoy.

But there are notable differences between these two cities when it comes to the coast:

Two empty Adirondack chair on a balcony deck overlooking the beach and the ocean
iStock.com/aceshot

Sarasota: The Beaches

With six captivating islands known as keys lining its beautiful coastline, Sarasota features a wide variety of diverse beaches to choose from, and lots of island hopping adventures!

Some of the beaches in Sarasota are quite long, making this city in southern Florida the perfect place to stretch your legs and go for a walk along the edge of the ocean. That’s one of the great advantages of Sarasota’s coastline.

Caspersen Beach in Venice is one of the most exciting beaches that you will find along the shoreline of Sarasota County. There you can experience thrilling hiking trails and walk along peaceful and serene boardwalks that are perfect for watching birds and witnessing the ocean waves.

In certain areas at Caspersen, you can also sit at some shaded tables and enjoy cafe drinks and food on the beach. With plenty of parking and bathrooms available nearby, this is the perfect beach destination to visit with a family or small group while you are in Sarasota.

One of the longest beaches in Sarasota County is Longboat Key, which stretches over a span of 12 miles! In Longboat Key you will find a laid-back island vibe that is perfect for relaxing and basking in the glorious views.

However in general the beaches in Sarasota tend to be more lively than laid back. Certainly more so than the beaches in Naples, which are more commonly full of peaceful and serene scenes.

Sarasota’s main beaches are in fact the perfect location to head for an upbeat and lively experience.

The most popular island to visit off the coast of Sarasota is known as Siesta Key. This eight-mile-long island has been declared the number one best beach in the country on multiple occasions! It is attached to the mainland by two bridges, making travel to and from the island convenient.

While you’re on Siesta Key, you’ll find an array of beach activities for you and your family to enjoy. You can also visit the island at night for exciting parties and vivacious nightlife scenes as we’ve written about before.

Red wooden lifeguard hut on an empty beach
iStock.com/Levranii

Naples: The Beaches

Naples, on the other hand, stands out for its beautiful sunsets and captivating aquatic life which you can see when swimming.

And if you love to scout for seashells, the beaches in Naples will be perfect for you. Here you will be able to find a variety of colorful seashells along the coastline – many that you won’t be able to find on the busy beaches in Sarasota. That’s a big plus for beach-combing enthusiasts!

As for where to visit, the exciting beach scene at Lowdermilk Park’s Beach is a fun place that will keep children of all ages entertained. There you can witness the famous Naples marine wildlife firsthand, as turtles and dolphins are frequently spotted swimming off the coast.

They also have a variety of beach equipment available for rent including kayaks, boogie boards, skimboards, and paddleboards. There is plenty of nearby parking available as well.

What’s more is that while Sarasota has fantastic beaches for long strolls, Naples has some of the best for sunsets.

If you’re looking to enjoy the sunset while you walk, you’ll want to check out Seagate Beach in Naples.

This beach has a long, paved path lined with benches that are perfect for sitting and chatting. This place is known locally as one of the best spots to catch the sunset in Naples, and possibly all of southern Florida. There are also kids’ lifejackets available that are free to borrow if you would like to go for a swim with your family while you’re there.

aerial view of condos along beach in naples florida
iStock.com/FloridaStock

What About Activities?

Both Sarasota and Naples offer plenty of exciting outdoor activities for you to enjoy on your vacation.

During your visit to either, you will be able to take part in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, boating, and more.

But if you are looking for a cozy place to settle in and enjoy the scenic beauty of Florida in a quiet environment, then you will likely love laid-back Naples more.

However, if you prefer the exciting bustle of the city and urban activities, you may want to head to Sarasota to experience the lively culture through their plethora of art studios, sporting events, local restaurants, and energetic nightlife scene.

Let’s explore more below:

Beautiful Sunset on the Beach of Naples, Florida
iStock.com/Susanne Neumann

Sarasota: The Activities

The downtown area in Sarasota is clearly defined and full of lively restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, art studios, community theaters, museums, and more. There is even a local farmer’s market that you can attend weekly.

If you’re visiting Sarasota, you will want to keep an eye on the wide variety of local events that they frequently host.

Sarasota also stands out because of the Ed Smith Stadium which is located just a short distance away from downtown. There you can enjoy spring training and witness minor league baseball games.

In fact the town of Sarasota is conveniently located within an hour of many of the professional sports in the area, including the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. So if you’re looking to incorporate some live sports into your holiday, then Sarasota may suit you better than Naples.

Sarasota, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the bay.
iStock.com/Sean Pavone

Naples: The Activities

Naples, on the other hand, boasts a much calmer downtown area with a handful of quiet cafes and high-end shops for you to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a quiet environment to spend some quality time with the ones you love, Naples could be the perfect destination.

There are still plenty of activities to enjoy, but not as many exciting options as you will find in Sarasota.

However while both Sarasota and Naples have plenty of public parks to enjoy, Naples has the widest array of parks and public amenities to choose from, including swimming pools and a dog park that rests along the beach.

Naples is therefore a better place to enjoy all aspects of the outdoors – not just the coast. In contrast Sarasota’s activities are more geared towards city life, alongside the usual beach fun you’ll get at both destinations.

Naples, Florida, USA town skyline on the water at dawn.
iStock.com/Sean Pavone

Which Has Better Nightlife?

You may have already guessed it by now, but Sarasota’s nightlife scene is a lot more lively than much calmer Naples.

Sarasota: The Nightlife

Sarasota is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to enjoy a lively nightlife scene.

This southern Florida city boasts an upbeat and exciting nightlife with live music and restaurants that are open late. Here you will find plenty of wine and martini bars in addition to some incredible craft breweries.

With an array of unique restaurant and bar options to choose from, there is something that everyone will enjoy during their night out on the town.

There are also plenty of waterfront dining accommodations available within Sarasota and scattered throughout the nearby Keys, as well as plenty of lively nightclubs that are open until the early hours.

Simply put, if you want a destination where things get livelier as the sun goes down then Sarasota will be a better choice than Naples.

Dj decks with people dancing
iStock.com/alexkoral

Naples: The Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife, Naples is very different from Sarasota.

If you are looking to enjoy a peaceful, quiet night in, then Naples may be the perfect southern Florida destination for you.

The restaurants here will close around 8 or 9 PM which is far earlier than they do in Sarasota, and there isn’t as many late-night bars or live music available.

However, there are still plenty of casual and fine dining options available in Naples, including some fun tiki bars and waterfront restaurants. So you will still have options for evening fun in Naples, just less than in Sarasota.

bartender pouring drink
iStock.com/MaximFesenko

Which Is Cheaper?

If you are seeking accommodation in Naples, you’ll find that hotels and rentals are slightly more expensive than they are in Sarasota.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that a trip to Sarasota will cost you less than a trip to Naples will.

In fact, when you consider the cost of entertainment, meals, and transportation, you’ll probably find that a trip to Sarasota is actually more expensive on average than a trip to Naples!

That’s because there are plenty of free activities and public parks to enjoy in Naples whereas most of the activities in Sarasota you will have to pay for.

There are also more luxury dining accommodations available in Sarasota, so this will factor into the average cost.

That said, both of these locations are reasonably priced for a beach vacation. And if you take the time to plan in advance, it is possible to enjoy a low-cost or budget vacation in both.

Beach goers on Lido Beach in Sarasota, FL
iStock.com/Ruth Peterkin

Where You Should Stay According To Your Budget

Sarasota

Budget: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly resort not far from the sea, then Tropical Beach Resorts can be perfect.

Located just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this resort has facilities for disabled guests, a great outdoor heated pool and barbecue equipment – perfect for a relaxed stay. Find photos and rates here!

Luxury: For high-end hotels in Sarasota, check out the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota. Situated on the beach, with gourmet restaurants, a fitness center, and stunning ocean views, the Hyatt Residence Club is a popular choice. Find photos and rates here!

pool villa terrace resort
iStock.com/runna10

Naples

Budget: Located near Naples and Marco Island, Staybridge Suites is a budget-friendly option with an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge.

You’ll also have access to barbecue facilities and can even bring your pet along for the stay! See photos and rates here.

Luxury: For a luxury experience with a large array of facilities, check out The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. This 4-star, 5-diamond resort boasts 2 championship golf courses, 3 highly acclaimed restaurants, a 51,000-square-foot luxury spa and beach facilities.

The elegant and spacious rooms there also have resort or golf course views. So get into that robe and enjoy the views from your private balcony. Find photos and rates here!

Happy couple in infinity pool
iStock.com/grinvalds

Sarasota vs Naples: Which Is The Better Choice?

Of course, which is the better choice comes directly down to what you want from your holiday.

While the beaches and water are beautiful in both, Sarasota’s beach scene is more lively than in Naples, and the long stretches of sand make it a perfect place for lengthy strolls.

Naples has a more laid-back beach scene, but it’s perfect for beach-combing, wildlife spotting and has arguably the best sunsets in Florida.

Naples is also more of a relaxed destination where the emphasis is on being outside and enjoying nature-orientated activities. Sarasota, on the other hand is busier and city-like. The activities – and nightlife – on offer in Sarasota reflect that.

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.