Sarasota, FL

Travel Guide

Venice showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Ca’ d’Zan showing heritage architecture and a garden
Central Sarasota showing outdoor art and street scenes as well as a couple
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art featuring art and interior views
Central Sarasota which includes interior views as well as an individual male

Famous white-sand beaches, a dynamic arts community and lush tropical beauty keep visitors coming back to Florida’s central west coast cultural capital.

Sarasota is a bayside city dotted with Mediterranean Revival architecture and bordered by award-winning beaches on three picturesque barrier islands. The city and its county are known as “Florida’s Cultural Coast” and are home to 10 theaters, 30 art galleries, an acclaimed symphony orchestra and prestigious ballet and opera companies.

Downtown Sarasota has plentiful cultural attractions. Enjoy classical operatic performances at the Sarasota Opera House. See a diverse selection of acts at the striking Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Historic Asolo Theater or the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Dine at one of the restaurants in the area and enjoy the local seafood. Try Florida spiny lobster, crab and shrimp and finish off with a citrusy slice of key lime pie.

The 1920s millionaire circus magnate, John Ringling, and his wife Mable contributed greatly to some of the city’s most intriguing cultural features. Visit the Ringling Estate, a sprawling bayside complex that contains the Ringling Museum of Art and the couple’s own lavish Ca’ d’Zan mansion.

Discover the natural beauty of the tropical Gulf of Florida coastline at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and look for an iconic pink flamingo at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

Lido Key and Siesta Key, barrier islands just west of downtown, provide some of the most breathtaking beaches in the United States. Siesta Key Public Beach, with its crystal-clear water and sand that looks and feels like powdered sugar, is a favorite for locals and visitors for swimming, playing volleyball or taking long walks as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Sarasota is located on the central west coast of Florida, 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Tampa. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a short distance from downtown and is served by major airlines flying from the eastern United States and Canada. Sarasota has a tropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Warm temperatures and diverse cultural attractions make this city a fantastic destination any time of the year.

Where to stay in Sarasota

Beautiful Bruny... home to amazing cheese, oysters, wine... all the good stuff.

South Sarasota

While visiting South Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like The Landings and Coconuts Family Entertainment Center.

South Sarasota
Causeway Park featuring general coastal views

Central Sarasota

4/5(911 area reviews)

Gardens, art galleries, and theaters are some highlights of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring.

Central Sarasota
Legacy Trail

Palmer Ranch

When in Palmer Ranch, you can plan a visit to Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club and Turtle Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Palmer Ranch
Sarasota which includes a sandy beach as well as children

Downtown Sarasota

If you're spending some time in Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Sarasota
St. Armands Circle featuring a statue or sculpture

Saint Armands Key

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Saint Armands Key
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Southgate

4/5(2 area reviews)

When in Southgate, you can plan a visit to Sarasota Art Museum and Siesta Key Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southgate
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,126 reviews)
"I thought it was a beautiful hotel for the price, i got plenty of pictures cause I was very much impressed by the facility. The buffet was more than worth its money and overall we felt very safe."

Reviewed on 2025/8/28

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway

3 out of 5
6600 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
The price is NT$3,091 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$3,091
NT$3,492 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key

2.5 out of 5
1735 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,158 reviews)
"We love the location to the beach, restaurants and Tiki bars. For a suite option, it is very affordable."

Reviewed on 2025/8/28

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
Tiny House Siesta

Tiny House Siesta

2 out of 5
6600 Avenue A, Sarasota, FL
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are located nearby.
Tiny House Siesta
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle, Siesta Key, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
Tropical Beach Resorts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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