Sarasota

Travel Guide

Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota

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 theatres, 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 Theatre 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 Gardensand 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 favourite 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 kilometres) 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

4/5(37 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
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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 which includes a 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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Southgate

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
The price is CA $73 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $73
CA $99 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,262 reviews)
"The only short comings were the lack of ways to hang wet towels, bathing suits, etc. In the room. A few well placed wall hooks would be great. Also, no clock in the room. Breakfast buffet was great, staff is wonderful, decor is artsy and fun, pool, sauna, etc were clean. Convenient location and great ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 22, 2025

Kompose Boutique Hotel
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The price is CA $247 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $247
CA $314 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,050 reviews)
"Great hotel, great service"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

The Westin Sarasota
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 CA $140 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $140
CA $158 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,579 reviews)
"Amazing service all around!"

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2025

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
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! (2,162 reviews)
"Great staff & quiet at night."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 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! (313 reviews)
"I had a lovely experience here. The Tiny house is very cute and creative, and it’s actually quite spacious even though it looks small in the pictures. I stayed with my four friends (we were five in total), and we were comfortable. The only downside is that it wasn’t completely clean, and the common ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Tiny House Siesta
Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach

Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach

Sarasota
Stay at this apartment in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"Perfect location for what we wanted. Everything was walkable, the property was quaint, and provided all the essentials for walking to the beach. A wagon, umbrellas, coolers, and chairs."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach
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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