On Florida’s Southwest Coast, Sarasota offers the best of both worlds, with a combination of big-city living and close access to pristine natural areas and beautiful islands.
Enjoy Sarasota’s world-class arts and culture scene with tickets to a ballet or theater performance and visit the museums and galleries. No trip to Sarasota would be complete without a stop at the John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, where visitors can see vast collections and works from the old masters and contemporary artists alike, explore the gardens and the circus museum, and tour Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ 36,000-square-foot seaside mansion.
For some retail therapy, head to one of Sarasota’s bustling shopping districts, and explore the central downtown area, where colorful bungalows house shops, bakeries, galleries, and more. Choose from seemingly endless places to eat, from upscale dining to award-winning food trucks, and check out the Sarasota nightlife when the sun goes down.
Be sure to spend time outdoors at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the pristine white-sand beaches of nearby Gulf islands, and parks including Myakka River State Park, where visitors can hike, bike, paddle, camp, fish, and take boat tours.
Plan your trip at Visit Sarasota.
BEACHES
Sarasota’s vast coastline and the six barrier islands to the west of it mean you’ll never run out of beaches to explore.
WATERWAYS
Explore the iconic Myakka River from Myakka River State Park.
FAMILY FUN
Zip-line through the treetops, see sharks and other marine animals, and explore mega-playgrounds in Sarasota.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
See the art galleries, watch a ballet, go to concerts, and visit the museums.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hike, bike, fish, camp, or paddle Myakka River State Park and visit the Sarasota area’s parks and beaches.
PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
The Sarasota area offers pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, parks, and even a dog beach.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible Sarasota-area attractions include top-rated Siesta Beach, which has a 400-foot-long Mobi-mat that allows wheelchair users to travel across the sand.
DINING
Downtown or beach, upscale or casual, ocean view or skyline, Sarasota’s restaurants have it all.
SHOPPING
With several shopping districts and more in the nearby islands, Sarasota has a place to shop, no matter what you’re looking for.
SPAS OR OTHER
Relax with a spa treatment during your stay in Sarasota.
NIGHTLIFE
The fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.
SPORTS
Golf the beautiful courses of Sarasota, hit the tennis courts, and watch Sarasota Paradise Soccer.
PLACES TO STAY
Choose from luxury and chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals,
