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

Default Image

South Sarasota

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

South Sarasota
Default Image

Central Sarasota

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Gardens, art galleries and theatres highlight some of the noteworthy features of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Central Sarasota
Default Image

Palmer Ranch

While there might not be top attractions in Palmer Ranch, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club and Turtle Beach.

Palmer Ranch
Sarasota featuring a beach as well as children

Downtown Sarasota

While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.

Downtown Sarasota
Default Image

Saint Armands Key

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers 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
Default Image

Southgate

While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Art Museum and Siesta Key Beach.

Southgate
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! (4,266 reviews)
"Nice, trendy and clean! Very fancy yet inexpensive!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Kompose Boutique Hotel
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The price is €195 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€195
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,052 reviews)
Relaxing
"Wonderful Hotel! Nice location (if you fly in with out a rental…Breeze76 bus can drop you off right at hotel for $2…short minute walk to check-in desk…room was perfect! Looked and smell clean. Nice view with balcony. Big enough for us two with a table and two chairs. But not for walking around. Short ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 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 €98 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€98
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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! (1,567 reviews)
"I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. The check-in process was quick and easy, and I was greeted with a warm smile. The room was spotless, beautifully decorated, and very comfortable. The bed felt like ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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! (2,159 reviews)
"Very close to the beach and shopping. Pool was clean and nice"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 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 19 Aug 2025

Tiny House Siesta
Entire Standalone Lido Beach Villa, 1.2k sf, 1 block to the beach

Entire Standalone Lido Beach Villa, 1.2k sf, 1 block to the beach

Sarasota
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Lido Beach and Siesta Key ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
"The location of this property is excellent! It is walking distance to the beach. The beach is beautiful! It was also very close to Armand Circle where you can find many shops and restaurants. The communication with the hosts was excellent! They were very attentive and responded to any questions in ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Entire Standalone Lido Beach Villa, 1.2k sf, 1 block to the 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do