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

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
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
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 Golf Club or Nontando 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
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
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
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Kompose Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
The price is ¥11,753 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥11,753
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,374 reviews)
"The only reason it doesnt get top marks is that the door to the balcony didnt have a shade and therefore I did not get a good nights sleep. They did upgrade me though. One of the few VIP listed hotels that actually did something for you. I didnt try the bfast. New rooms. You hear plane and car noise. ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
4 out of 5
1000 Blvd Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL
The price is ¥20,997 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥20,997
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel's condition feels a little old, and some places need to be upgraded, but the hotel staff are very friendly, and especially the breakfast was very satisfying"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Carlisle Inn
Carlisle Inn
3.5 out of 5
3727 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,135 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,135
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,422 reviews)
"We are repeat customers for this hotel. The breakfast is nothing short of amazing, staff the friendliest people and the hotel is super clean!!!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Carlisle Inn
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.
Waterfront Unit, Heated Pool, 70" TV, Tiki Bar & Grill, On The Marina!
Waterfront Unit, Heated Pool, 70" TV, Tiki Bar & Grill, On The Marina!
Sarasota
Stay at this condo in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
Short weekend
"Nice time"

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Waterfront Unit, Heated Pool, 70" TV, Tiki Bar & Grill, On The Marina!
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 pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,991 reviews)
"We ended up staying here because the hotel we originally booked, sent us an email the day before we were leaving to tell us their pool would be undergoing maintenance while we were there (and the only place we wanted to be). We're so glad that happened because we loved the Hibiscus Suites! It exceeded ..."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
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 patios. Popular attractions Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (128 reviews)
"Our Tiny House That We Originally Booked Had A Issue Before We Showed Up They Moved Us To A Different Tiny Home We Really Enjoyed Our Stay The Location Is Really Great We Will Definitely Be Back To Stay Here Can’t Wait To Check Out Some Of The Other Tiny Homes !"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Tiny House Siesta
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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