- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Sarasota
The Ringling circus legacy deeply shaped Sarasota's identity. Explore the Venetian Gothic Ca' d'Zan mansion, a waterfront estate reflecting the opulence of the 1920s. The city is also a hub for the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Beyond what is Sarasota famous for, its beaches, discover Myakka River State Park, spanning 58 square miles. Kayak through its wetlands or view wildlife from the treetop canopy walk. Siesta Key's 99% pure quartz sand stays cool year-round.
Taste fresh-caught Gulf grouper, a local staple often served blackened or fried. Explore the Sarasota Farmers Market downtown for local produce. For a unique flavor, visit Pinecraft, the city's Amish village, for its famous homemade pies.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimwear
- #LightClothing
- #Sunglasses
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #SiestaKeyBeach
- #MarieSelbyBotanicalGardens
- #TheRingling
- #LidoBeach
- #MoteMarineLaboratory
- #StArmandCircle
- Sunset at Siesta Key Beach
- Explore The Ringling museum
- Kayaking in the mangroves
- Try fresh seafood
- Shopping at St. Armand's Circle
Recommended Hotels in Sarasota by Experience
Things to do in Sarasota
Discover
Sarasota attractions range from the opulent Ringling Museum of Art and Ca' d'Zan mansion to the lush Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Explore stunning white-sand beaches like Lido Key or Siesta Key, and discover the unique architecture downtown.
Experience
Enjoy a performance at the Sarasota Opera House or Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Kayak through mangrove tunnels, visit the Saturday morning farmers market for local goods, or attend the annual Sarasota Film Festival for cultural immersion.
The Ringling
Museum complex with art, circus history, and Ca' d'Zan.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Living museum with tropical plants and bayfront views.
Siesta Key Beach
Famed beach with fine, quartz-crystal white sand.
Myakka River State Park
Park for wildlife viewing, kayaking, and a canopy walk.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Research aquarium with sharks, manatees, and sea turtles.
Sarasota Opera House
Historic theater presenting world-class opera performances.
Kayaking Mangrove Tunnels
Guided eco-tours through Lido Key's natural waterways.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ). A taxi from the Sarasota airport to city center takes ~15 mins. Tampa (TPA) is an hour away. While there is no direct train to Sarasota, Amtrak buses connect to Tampa's station. This is how to get to Sarasota easily.
Getting Around
Public transport in Sarasota includes the SCAT bus system, with day passes available. For beach access, use the free Siesta Key Breeze trolley. Car rental in Sarasota offers the most freedom. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available city-wide.
Local Essentials
When driving in Sarasota, anticipate drawbridge openings and heavy seasonal traffic near the keys. Downtown parking is often pay-by-plate. To properly plan a trip to Sarasota, book beach rentals far in advance, especially for winter travel.
Where to Stay in Sarasota
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food in Sarasota beyond the beaches. Eat fresh grouper sandwiches and seasonal stone crabs. Locals embrace a relaxed, al fresco dining culture, lingering over meals. End your taste tour with a classic Key lime pie.
Enjoy
Find the best restaurants in Sarasota with this map. Eat at Owen's Fish Camp for a rustic vibe, expect waits. Sip drinks at Jack Dusty's upscale lounge, try cocktails. Grab breakfast at Blue Dolphin Cafe's bustling diner, go early.
Michael's On East
Award-winning contemporary American fare. Elegant, reserve ahead.
Owen's Fish Camp
Southern seafood in a rustic setting. Expect long, lively waits.
Columbia Restaurant
Historic spot for Spanish and Cuban dishes. A local institution.
Selva Grill
Upscale Peruvian and Latin-American fare. Known for its ceviche.
Yoder's Restaurant
Homestyle Amish cooking and famous pies. Casual, often crowded.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Sarasota's heritage through events like the Sarasota Medieval Fair, a journey into European history. Must-see local traditions include the annual Sarasota County Fair, showcasing agricultural roots with livestock and crafts since its inception.
Enjoy
Discover Sarasota's creative pulse at the Sarasota Film Festival, celebrating independent cinema. The city's stages and galleries buzz with modern performances, from classical concerts at the Sarasota Orchestra to visual arts.
Sarasota Film Festival
Annual April event screening independent films.
Sarasota County Fair
March fair with rides, food, and livestock shows.
Sarasota Chalk Festival
November festival with street art and 3D illusions.
Thunder by the Bay
February music and motorcycle festival for charity.
St. Armands Circle Art Festival
Outdoor gallery of fine art, crafts, and sculptures.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
December parade of decorated boats on Sarasota Bay.
Sarasota Farmers Market
Year-round Saturday market with local produce & artisans.
A truly lovely city
Sarasota is such a clean and beautiful city. It's got this perfect balance of being relaxed and sophisticated. The beaches are incredible, and there's a lot of great art and shopping to explore. Just a really lovely place for a getaway.
More than just beaches
I was really impressed with the arts and culture here. The Ringling museum is a must-see; you could spend a whole day there. It adds a nice bit of history and elegance to a beach vacation. The downtown area has some nice galleries too.
Great shopping and dining
Sarasota has some fantastic shopping, especially around St. Armands Circle. It's a really nice place to walk around, browse the boutiques, and then find a great spot for dinner. The whole area feels very polished and well-kept.
Amazing wildlife nearby
There's more to this area than just sand. We spent a day at Myakka River State Park and saw so many alligators and birds. It's a refreshing change of pace from the coast and shows a different side of Florida's wild beauty.
Perfect Beach Trip
Came for the beaches and they did not disappoint. The sand at Siesta Key Beach is like powder, so soft and white. It's just an ideal spot for unwinding and soaking up the sun. The water was beautiful and calm.
Relaxing and easygoing
Enjoyed the laid-back side of the city. Lido Key was a great beach, a bit quieter which was nice. Found some amazing spots for a classic grouper sandwich. It's easy to find good food without all the fuss. A very pleasant stay overall.