Sarasota

Travel Guide

Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota

Sarasota Travel Guide Video

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

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South Sarasota

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

South Sarasota
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Central Sarasota

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
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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 showing 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
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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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Gulf Gate Estates

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Gulf Gate Estates. Make a stop by top sights like Gulf Gate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Gulf Gate Estates
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! (4,207 reviews)
like it
"Kind and helpful people, nice breakfast and gym!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Kompose Boutique Hotel
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The price is P8,850 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P8,850
P11,446 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,049 reviews)
"Yummy food comfortable bedding fridge staff wonderful house keeping"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Westin Sarasota
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
The price is P8,355 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P8,355
P11,070 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,556 reviews)
"The staff accommodated my needs and made our anniversary trip a success! Very friendly and hard working staff!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
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! (2,155 reviews)
"Very clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced! We had a wonderful weekend here with our dog Pepsi. We enjoyed the free coffee in the mornings, the kitchenette so we didn’t have to eat out for every meal, and everything is very close by. We had our car, but they offer a free “Frog Hop” transportation ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

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.
8.2/10 Very Good! (305 reviews)
"It was a good experience. Good location."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Tiny House Siesta
Beautiful Pool Home Near Siesta Key Beach 2 Bedroom Home

Beautiful Pool Home Near Siesta Key Beach 2 Bedroom Home

3 out of 5
2723 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"We have an amazing family time in this beautiful house"

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Beautiful Pool Home Near Siesta Key Beach 2 Bedroom Home
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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