Sarasota, FL

Travel Guide
Ca’ d’Zan showing heritage architecture and a garden
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
Finally got around to trying out another coffee house on Florida's west coast. The Clever Cup in Sarasota did not disappoint. Very good latte with an extra shot and a tasty turkey and cheese sandwich in a toasted croissant. Good seating and local jewelry and art. Worth the stop and several nearby places looked interesting for later exploring.

Gulf Gate Estates

4/5(71 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Gulf Gate Estates. A stop by Gulf Gate Mall or Gulf Gate Golf Club might round out your trip.

Gulf Gate Estates
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
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club which includes golf as well as a small group of people

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 Payne Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Sarasota
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Kompose Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
The price is NT$4,104 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
NT$4,104
per night
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,387 reviews)
"very neat place."

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
2.5 out of 5
6600 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
The price is NT$4,919 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$4,919
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Nice pool. Pool bar wasn’t open Monday or Tuesday. Sunday was nice. Hot water in shower was a problem. The knob would spin all the way around. You had to find the exact spot to get it to stay warm"

Reviewed on 2024/3/13

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
The price is NT$4,259 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
NT$4,259
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,477 reviews)
Hotel okay for price but needs some upkeep
"The bathroom definitely needs to be redesigned and tiles Deep cleaned and trim painted The shower curtain wasn’t t long enough to keep the water from going outside of the shower Also there wasn’t enough hand towels on hand when we checked in. Housekeeping is only offered on certain days which is ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/15

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.
Tiny House Siesta
Tiny House Siesta
2 out of 5
6600 Avenue A, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this mobile home in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are located nearby. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (115 reviews)
"Stayed for 1 week. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Loved having a grill, and all the house amenities! Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/14

Tiny House Siesta
Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
2.5 out of 5
1735 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,951 reviews)
"Everything smelt clean, staff friendly, big room"

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
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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