St. Armands Circle Tours and Activities

St. Armands Circle showing a statue or sculpture
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle


Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida, is interesting and delightful to walk around practically any time of day or night. Side-by-side stores, restaurants and art galleries line the 360-degree attraction so you’ll find plenty of retail experiences and dining opportunities to fill part of a day. Stop and listen to sidewalk musicians who often entertain in parts of the circle. Go to its center where abundant lush vegetation and benches welcome you to take time out for yourself.

Although typically not an area to look for souvenirs, St. Armands Circle provides an assortment of quality stores and upscale eating establishments. Ice-cream outlets are popular for their inventive flavors. Bars open out onto the sidewalk, letting patrons watch the constant motion outside. Identify license plates of vehicles parked or driving by. Chances are excellent, especially during the winter months, of seeing representation from most states and many Canadian provinces.

Park wherever you find a legal space. The circle is regularly patrolled for infractions, which can lead to challenges for motorists. If you’re determined to find a parking space on the circle you may need to drive around a few times otherwise it’s usually easier to find a place elsewhere and walk to the area. Generally, the busiest times are from mid morning to late at night.

Strolling on hot pavement can take a toll on family pets, but retailers and restaurateurs often put water bowls and even treats outside their doors for the canine population. Although the number of people dwindles in the later hours, that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of entertainment. Visit establishments that remain open for live music and investigate rooftop bars with fire pits or gardens.

Get to St. Armand Circle from downtown Sarasota by traveling over the John Ringling Bridge. This area has greatly changed since the late 1800s when it was farmland owned by homesteader Charles St. Armand. Circus owner John Ringling later acquired the property and envisioned the current-day setting of a circle of shops.

Plan a trip to see St. Armands Circle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
FUSION Resort Waterfront Suites
Ocean Club Treasure Island Hotel
The Avalon Club

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Armands Circle

Lido Beach Resort

Lido Beach Resort

4 out of 5
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
Lido Beach Resort
Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Cirque St. Armands Beachside

4 out of 5
233 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
Cirque St. Armands Beachside
2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck & Lounge. Walk to Lido Beach

2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck & Lounge. Walk to Lido Beach

Sarasota
2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck & Lounge. Walk to Lido Beach
Lido Islander Inn

Lido Islander Inn

3 out of 5
528 South Polk Drive, Sarasota, FL
Lido Islander Inn
Big Roomy Beach Cottage: 4 bd/3 ba -2,000 sq ft; 100 ft to beach path; priv pool

Big Roomy Beach Cottage: 4 bd/3 ba -2,000 sq ft; 100 ft to beach path; priv pool

Sarasota
Big Roomy Beach Cottage: 4 bd/3 ba -2,000 sq ft; 100 ft to beach path; priv pool
Lido Beach House

Lido Beach House

Sarasota
Lido Beach House
Vacation Home w/ Ocean View, Resort Style Pool W/Slide Sleeps 16

Vacation Home w/ Ocean View, Resort Style Pool W/Slide Sleeps 16

Sarasota
Vacation Home w/ Ocean View, Resort Style Pool W/Slide Sleeps 16
Vacation delight! Cozy condo just steps from the beach and St. Armands circle.

Vacation delight! Cozy condo just steps from the beach and St. Armands circle.

Sarasota
Vacation delight! Cozy condo just steps from the beach and St. Armands circle.
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS , walk to the beach and st Armand circle

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS , walk to the beach and st Armand circle

Sarasota
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS , walk to the beach and st Armand circle
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.

Things to do near St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. You can explore wellness centres, enjoy a round at Tatum Ridge Golf Links, visit local art galleries, or engage in various outdoor activities. The nearby IMG Academy also provides exciting options for sports enthusiasts. This vibrant area is perfect for a relaxing and engaging vacation experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in St. Armands Circle, visit the Bay Isles Shopping Center, only 3.2km away, perfect for families. The Artisans' World Marketplace, also 3.2km away, offers unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore the Siesta Key Farmers Market, 4.8km away, for local treasures.

Recreation

At Ed Smith Stadium, immerse yourself in the energy of sports events, just 6.4km from St. Armands Circle. For a serene escape, head to Nathan Benderson Park, 14.5km away, where you can enjoy nature and relaxation. Lastly, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, also 6.4km away, offers family-friendly entertainment.

Adventure

Explore the scenic Sarasota BayWalk, a picturesque hiking trail located 1.6km from St. Armands Circle, perfect for a refreshing outdoor adventure. For thrill-seekers, the Desoto Speedway, 114.5km away, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences. Try AMI Paddleboard Adventures, 24.1km away, for an exciting day on the water.

Nightlife

St. Armands Circle offers a vibrant nightlife with various theatrical experiences. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Florida Studio Theatre, only 3.2km away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, both 4.8km away, perfect for a romantic evening.

Find the best attractions near St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida, offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveler. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, explore urban parks, or visit the marina, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Whether you're searching for local insights or simply want to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, St. Armands Circle is a must-visit destination that promises a memorable experience.

  • Lido Beach: Located 1.1km from St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach offers a relaxing atmosphere with soft white sands and gentle waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying beachside picnics while soaking up the warm Florida sun.
  • John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Situated 6.4km away, this museum showcases an impressive art collection and stunning architecture. It embodies cultural vibes with its galleries, gardens, and the historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Marina Jack: Located 3.2km from St. Armands Circle, Marina Jack is an outdoor paradise. Enjoy dining with waterfront views, embark on boat tours, or indulge in water sports, all set against a picturesque marina backdrop.

Best time to go to St. Armands Circle

Visitor numbers around St. Armands Circle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. Armands Circle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach. For cost-effective travel, visit between September and November, when accommodation prices drop, especially on Tuesdays. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, find special offers, and consider package deals for flights and activities. You can filter for eco-certified hotels to support sustainability while saving money. Overall, planning ahead will help you enjoy a memorable yet affordable vacation in this charming area of Sarasota.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Armands Circle are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Armands Circle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Armands Circle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at St. Armands Circle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.