City Information
It's known for the world-famous Ringling Museum of Art, as well as a collection of excellent performing arts companies and an active community of artists and craftspeople creating unique works. Sarasota is also one of the best places to visit in Florida for a beach vacation. Sarasota's beaches are renowned as some of the most famous in the world with miles of stunning, fine white sand.
In Sarasota, the sun shines all year round and there is no snow to worry about. The weather stays humid and hot during the summers, coupled with frequent rain showers in the evening. Combined with the sea breeze and the rain, Sarasota has a pleasantly tropical weather that never gets too cold. If you’re tired of the snow, wearing mittens, and shoveling snow out your driveway, visiting Sarasota, Florida might be the best break for you!
220 locals recommend
Sarasota
It's known for the world-famous Ringling Museum of Art, as well as a collection of excellent performing arts companies and an active community of artists and craftspeople creating unique works. Sarasota is also one of the best places to visit in Florida for a beach vacation. Sarasota's beaches are renowned as some of the most famous in the world with miles of stunning, fine white sand.
In Sarasota, the sun shines all year round and there is no snow to worry about. The weather stays humid and hot during the summers, coupled with frequent rain showers in the evening. Combined with the sea breeze and the rain, Sarasota has a pleasantly tropical weather that never gets too cold. If you’re tired of the snow, wearing mittens, and shoveling snow out your driveway, visiting Sarasota, Florida might be the best break for you!
Food Scene
You won't find better ice cream in Sarasota than at Main Street Creamery. They serve locally made Yoder's Southern Creamery ice cream! I highly recommend this place as I personally know the owners. You won't be disappointed when visiting downtown SRQ.
9 locals recommend
Main Street Creamery
1359 Main StYou won't find better ice cream in Sarasota than at Main Street Creamery. They serve locally made Yoder's Southern Creamery ice cream! I highly recommend this place as I personally know the owners. You won't be disappointed when visiting downtown SRQ.
Casual, contemporary option for Japanese & Thai fusion fare. They are also well-known for their creative & delicious selection of Sushi. This is my go to sushi restaurant in Sarasota. My personal favorite is the Hot Lava Roll. Nice atmosphere and great service!
45 locals recommend
Pacific Rim
1859 Hillview StCasual, contemporary option for Japanese & Thai fusion fare. They are also well-known for their creative & delicious selection of Sushi. This is my go to sushi restaurant in Sarasota. My personal favorite is the Hot Lava Roll. Nice atmosphere and great service!
Fire Tacos
886 S Packinghouse RdBest tacos in town!
KaCey's Seafood and More
4904 Fruitville RdBoca Sarasota
19 S Lemon AveWhitney's
6990 Gulf of Mexico DrOleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrVenezia Italian Restaurant
373 St Armands CirPostal 98 Cafe
1240 Yoder AveDer Dutchman Sarasota
3713 Bahia Vista StYoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
3434 Bahia Vista StJack Dusty
1111 Ritz Carlton DrOleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrStation 400
400 N Lemon AveBlue Dolphin Cafe
470 John Ringling BlvdWalt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami TrailBaker & Wife
2157 Siesta DrCooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Sarasota
Ford's Garage Sarasota
Bangkok Restaurant
4791 Swift RdProject Coffee
538 S Pineapple AveRita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
412 Gulf of Mexico DrFive-O Donut Co
2241 Ringling BlvdDetwiler's Farm Market
Get all your grocery needs for a good price!
Reyna's Taqueria (Main Location)
Beaches
Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time the feldspar and mica have been removed from the rock, leaving almost pure quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot.
797 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains. Over time the feldspar and mica have been removed from the rock, leaving almost pure quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot.
Lido Beach is very popular and attracts visitors from all over the world. While the beach isn't as large as nearby Siesta Key Beach, I describe Sarasota's Lido Beach as more relaxed and less crowded.
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrLido Beach is very popular and attracts visitors from all over the world. While the beach isn't as large as nearby Siesta Key Beach, I describe Sarasota's Lido Beach as more relaxed and less crowded.
Sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key boasts some of the best beaches near Sarasota. Access to these nice beaches may be limited, but trust me, they are definitely worth it.
Once you arrive in these white sand havens, you’ll be rewarded with 10 miles of uncrowded and untouched beaches.
There are no concessions and amenities available at these beaches.
So, make sure to pack food, beach chairs, drinks and other essentials before visiting these seaside hangouts.
Beaches of Longboat Key
775 Longboat Club RdSandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key boasts some of the best beaches near Sarasota. Access to these nice beaches may be limited, but trust me, they are definitely worth it.
Once you arrive in these white sand havens, you’ll be rewarded with 10 miles of uncrowded and untouched beaches.
There are no concessions and amenities available at these beaches.
So, make sure to pack food, beach chairs, drinks and other essentials before visiting these seaside hangouts.
Sightseeing
Jungle Gardens is a family owned and operated park. There is something for all ages! You will have up close interactions with animals and nature. They have more then 200 native and exotic animals. You are guaranteed to have some fun!
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdJungle Gardens is a family owned and operated park. There is something for all ages! You will have up close interactions with animals and nature. They have more then 200 native and exotic animals. You are guaranteed to have some fun!
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer BlvdMarie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StMote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwySarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdPopstroke
195 University Town Center DriveShopping
University Town Center
257 N Cattlemen RdArts & Entertainment
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami TrailThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdCinéBistro
3501 S Tamiami TrailA great place to catch a movie and delicious food options!
TerraNova Equestrian Center is Florida’s newest equestrian competition venue. Tucked into the picturesque countryside of Myakka City, in Manatee County, TerraNova is a welcoming setting for all levels of equestrian competition. Our equestrian center and estate property is located approximately 30 minutes from Sarasota’s world-famous beaches, exciting downtown area, shopping, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and many diverse cultural events and venues.
TerraNova Equestrian Center
TerraNova Equestrian Center is Florida’s newest equestrian competition venue. Tucked into the picturesque countryside of Myakka City, in Manatee County, TerraNova is a welcoming setting for all levels of equestrian competition. Our equestrian center and estate property is located approximately 30 minutes from Sarasota’s world-famous beaches, exciting downtown area, shopping, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and many diverse cultural events and venues.