Nestled along Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast, Sarasota beckons travelers with its captivating, sun-kissed beaches and endless cultural experiences. With its powdery white quartz sands and shimmering turquoise waters, this charming city is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering aquatic adventures like boating, kayaking, and parasailing. However, Sarasota, Florida, is more than just a beach lover’s dream; it’s a thriving hub of art, nature, and history. From lush botanical gardens to one of the globe’s finest aquariums, there’s a wealth of attractions to check out here.
Despite its modest population of around 58,000, Sarasota rivals more well-known destinations like Miami and Orlando, but it’s typically more laid-back environment and less crowded. So, if you’re planning on visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast, these are just a few things to consider. Keep reading to find out more in this Sarasota travel guide.
Where to stay
Sarasota has a wealth of options both in the downtown area and along the waterfront. Easy-to-reach barrier islands offer wide-ranging appeal, from the lively beach action of Siesta Key to an idyllic retreat on Anna Maria Island. Despite Sarasota’s compact size, you’ll want a car when lodging in the area since some of the best beaches are a few miles outside of town.
Best luxury stay: Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Overlooking Sarasota’s elegant marina, the Ritz-Carlton lives up to the high-class brand with an impressive array of amenities and beautifully appointed rooms, each with a private balcony. Book a Bayview Suite for extra room (625 square feet) and jaw-dropping views over Sarasota Bay. There’s little reason to leave the resort, with its award-winning restaurants (including the exceptional seafood haunt Jack Dusty ) and stylish bars, not to mention the full-service spa and the inviting swimming pool.
Guests also have access to the exclusive beach club on Lido Key, just three miles from the hotel (complimentary transport provided). Canine companions (under 40 pounds) also are welcome. The best part? The hotel’s exceptional hospitality, with a friendly staff that remembers your name and your favorite drink order.
- Nearest airport: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Time: 10 minutes by car
- Distance: 4 miles
Best architectural design: The Sarasota Modern
Evoking effortless style, the 89-room Sarasota Modern is a well-equipped boutique hotel that’s a short hop (0.3 miles) from the waterfront. It has sun-drenched rooms boasting an appealing modernist aesthetic, and the pool area, though small, makes for a welcome respite after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy the complimentary bikes, which are handy for pedaling over to the restaurants and cafes along Main Street.
- Nearest airport: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Time: 9 minutes by car
- Distance: 3.5 miles
Best Airbnb: North Longboat Key Beach Retreat
Longboat Key has a dazzling 12 miles of beachfront, located just a short drive northwest of Sarasota. For a fabulous island stay, this Airbnb can’t be topped. The three-bedroom house has all the essentials for a memorable getaway with a few good friends.
You won’t need to go far once you put your bags down: the private beach access starts right outside your door. There’s also a heated saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor shower, a gas fireplace, high-quality furnishings, and a backyard filled with tropical greenery. The only downside is that you simply won’t want to leave.
- Nearest airport: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Time: 30 minutes by car
- Distance: 16 miles
Where to eat
Sarasota offers ample dining choices, from sustainably sourced seafood restaurants perched on the waterfront to small-batch bakeries whipping up some of Florida’s best breakfast pastries. Aptly named Main Street is the best place to browse the dining scene. Price ranges are indicated with a “$” sign. For your reference:
- “$” = budget-friendly or cheap
- “$$” = average
- “$$$” = expensive
Best seafood: Indigenous
Award-winning chef Steve Phelps remains one of Sarasota’s most distinguished chefs. At Indigenous, he showcases seasonal American cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on sustainable seafood. The changing menu features delicacies like Cobia with kimchi and ginger sauce or Thai caramelized pork, plus a good vegetarian option (wild mushroom and lentil bolognese was hit). You can order the menu for takeaway, with curbside pick-up available.
- $$$
Best spot for sunset: Marina Jack
Marina Jack is a festive waterfront spot with expansive outdoor seating that hits all the right notes when it comes to food, drinks, and atmosphere. Around sunset, come for tropical cocktails on the breezy wraparound deck to the backdrop of live music. Afterward, head to the bay-front dining room for oysters on the half-shell, sherry crab bisque or grilled Chilean sea bass; the steaks are also first-rate. There’s also more casual al fresco dining on the patio. Curbside pick-up is available.
- $$
Best for drinks: State Street Eating House + Cocktails
This trendy hotspot has been racking up awards like “Best New Restaurant,” “Best Burger,” and “Best Cocktail” for a whopping 12 years in a row! This place takes fresh, seasonal ingredients to a whole new level, with mouthwatering dishes like crispy skin salmon and Iberico pork. But the cocktails are the real stars here. With a talented mixology team, they’ve snagged accolades for “Best Mixologist,” “Best Cocktail Menu,” and even “Best Non-Alcoholic Drink” for those who prefer a tasty mocktail.
- $$
What to do
Some of the best attractions in the Sarasota area don’t require an admission ticket. Beaches steal the show here, and there’s something for everyone: always lively Siesta Key, upscale Longboat Key, and slow-paced Anna Maria Island.
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Designed by the great Tom Fazio, the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club makes a dazzling setting for a game. The 18-hole championship course has verdant fairways and velvety greens amid 12 shimmering lakes, and it’s often ranked among the best in Florida.
Those who are up for a challenge will relish “the lion’s den” — the name given to the last three holes, which are among the hardest consecutive holes in Florida. Stop for lunch and drinks at the handsomely designed Golf Club Grille environmentally friendly course that lies 15 miles northeast of Sarasota at Lakewood Ranch. Free transportation is provided to guests of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, just make sure to tip well.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Home to the world’s largest collection of orchids and bromeliads, these botanical gardens are among the most impressive in the entire state. The downtown campus spreads across some 15 acres along Sarasota Bay and features mangrove walkways, rainforest gardens, desert landscapes, and native Florida species.
If time allows, visit the larger Historic Spanish Point campus some 10 miles south. Here you can walk fabulous nature trails and scenic boardwalks, and learn about some of the early 19th-century settlers to the area.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a must-visit gem located on City Island in Sarasota. This independent, nonprofit marine research organization offers an expansive aquarium that’s home to a fascinating array of sea life, including otters, sea turtles, seahorses, and a jaw-dropping 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Not only will you have an amazing time exploring the exhibits, but your ticket also supports vital ocean science and conservation efforts at the facility.
How to save money on your trip to Sarasota
Experiences
Of course, Sarasota wouldn’t be rated one of America’s Top 10 beach towns by Travel + Leisure magazine if it weren’t for its alluring beaches and tropical warm weather. However, did you know that Sarasota was also honored in 2020 by the U.S. News and World Report as the best place for retirees to settle down in the U.S.? It’s all thanks to the warm locals, excellent restaurants, and magnificent attractions. Good thing that Kayak has so many amazing deals for you to experience without having to break a bank.
Hotels
After an exhausting day at Sarasota’s local beach, of course, you’d want to spend the rest of your day relaxing. Fortunately, Sarasota has a wide range of hotels where you can just lay and not think about a single thing. Kayak gives you the option to choose from the most luxurious to the cheapest hotels in the city.
Vehicle rentals
If you’re on a short vacation in Sarasota, it’s highly recommended to rent a car if you want to go around the city and experience the local life. Worry not, because renting a vehicle does not necessarily have to be costly. Kayak has great deals for vehicle rentals as well, so you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.
