Sarasota Vs. Fort Myers: Which is BETTER for Vacation?
Sarasota and Fort Myers are two of the top travel destinations in Florida. Both of these destinations are known for their pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the number of exciting activities they have to offer.
However, there are a lot of key differences that make both these two destinations unique in their own right. Here’s a comparison of these amazing beach towns on the Gulf Coast and why you should choose one over the other.
| Particulars | Sarasota | Fort Myers |
| Average cost of a 7-day trip | $3378 (For couples) | $2833 (For couples) |
| Known for | Beautiful white sand beaches, golf courses, fine dining, and the vibrant art scene | Laid-back beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, spectacular sunsets |
| Beaches | White sand beaches with the crystal blue water of the Gulf coast | White sand beaches that are known for their Laid-back and relaxing atmosphere |
| Popular Tourist Attractions | Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key Village, Myakka River State Park, Lido Key Beach | Fort Myers Beach, Six-mile cypress slough preserve, Times Square, Fort Myers River District |
Sarasota Vs. Fort Myers: Which is BETTER for Vacation?
Sarasota Vs. Fort Myers: Beaches
It is no secret that both Fort Myers and Sarasota are among the top beach destinations in Florida. Both of these destinations are located along the gulf coast and offer miles of beautiful, white sand beaches. However, there are some noticeable differences between these two destinations.
Sarasota is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Key. In particular, Siesta Key beach, which is made of 99% pure quartz sand, is a must-visit place for beachgoers.
As compared to Fort Myers, Sarasota offers a more diverse range of beaches. Even though most of the beaches in Sarasota are known for their lively vibes, there are beaches like Lido Key and Longboat Key that offer relaxing and serene beach experiences, too. Also, Sarasota’s beaches are relatively well developed and well equipped with modern amenities and offer a wide range of beach activities.
When it comes to Fort Myers, unlike Sarasota, its beaches are known for their relaxed and laid-back vibes. Fort Myers’ beaches are relatively less crowded and less busy as compared to Sarasota.
The water is also calm and shallow in Fort Myers, which makes it an ideal destination for families with little kids. On the other hand, beaches in Fort Myers are less developed as compared to Sarasota.
In other words, it depends on what kind of beach experience you are looking for. If you are looking for lively beaches with a lot of beachside amenities, then Sarasota is a better option. If you are looking for a more relaxed and laid-back beach experience, then Fort Myers is a better option than Sarasota.
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Sarasota Vs. Fort Myers: Things to Do
Even though Sarasota is a smaller city compared to Fort Myers, it has a lot more to offer than Fort Myers.
Sarasota is a lively city that is known as the cultural hub of Florida. It is also known for its extravagant art and countless urban activities.
Siesta Key beach is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in the city. This beautiful beach is made up of 99% pure quartz sand, which is why the sand here is pure white. In fact, Siesta Key beach was named the number 1 beach in the USA by TripAdvisor’s Annual Traveler’s Choice Award.
Siesta Key Village is another top tourist attraction in Sarasota. This charming little town is filled with a number of bars, shops, cafes, and restaurants. This lively area is easy to walk around and is just a short distance away from the famous Siesta Key beach.
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, head to the Myakka River State Park. This scenic place is home to various exotic animals like alligators, armadillos, otters, and deer. It is also a great place for exciting outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and birdwatching.
When it comes to Fort Myers, there are also a lot of things to do for visitors. However, most of the popular activities in the city revolve around its unspoiled nature and exotic wildlife.
If you are an animal lover, then the six-mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a must-visit place for you. This amazing place is home to countless species of birds and animals. It is a great destination to explore the city’s exotic wildlife or go birdwatching.
The Mangrove Kayak Tour is another top attraction in the city for wildlife lovers. Fort Myers is surrounded by dense mangrove forests that are home to hundreds of animal species like dolphins, manatees, and turtles. You can either kayak or canoe through these forests and explore Florida’s incredible flora and fauna.
If you are looking for some lively experiences, then head to Times Square. This lively place features a number of restaurants, souvenir shops, bars, hotels, and ice cream shops for visitors to explore. It is also known for its entertaining street performers and live music.
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Sarasota Vs. Fort Myers: Nightlife
If you are looking for a lively nightlife scene, then Sarasota is a better option than Fort Myers. The nightlife scene in Fort Myers is relatively relaxed as compared to Sarasota. On the other hand, Sarasota is a lively city with a diverse nightlife scene.
It doesn’t matter if you want to drink and dance all night or just want to relax and enjoy live music or spend a romantic evening with your partner, Sarasota has something for everyone.
However, one of the best things that I like about Sarasota is its lively beach clubs. There are several beach clubs in Sarasota that have become popular nightlife hotspots in the city. In other words, if you want to drink and dance in Sarasota, you don’t even have to leave the beach.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a lively beach experience along with vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities to do, then Sarasota is a better option than Fort Myers.
However, if you are looking for a relaxing beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to explore Florida’s exotic wildlife, then Fort Myers is a better option than Sarasota.
