What to see and do in Sarasota
Siesta Key Beach
948 Beach Road, 34242
Just a 20-minute drive from Sarasota via SR 758, Siesta Key Beach is an eight-mile stretch of sugary-white sand – made of quartz that flowed down the rivers along the west coast from the Appalachian Mountains. Breathe in the fresh sea air, walk barefoot along the sand and take a dip into the glittering turquoise waters. The shorefront is swimming with hotel resorts, restaurants and stores.
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72, 34241
Enjoy the great Floridian outdoors when you explore Myakka River State Park, just a short 30-minute drive from the city. Spread across nearly 60 square miles of wetland, it’s one of the state’s oldest and biggest parks and is a place where alligators, ospreys and turtles call home. Get back to nature by putting on your hiking boots, hopping on your bike, or take a kayak onto the lake.
Village of the Arts
1017 12th Avenue, Bradenton, 34205
Soak up local creativity along the streets of the Village of Arts in neighboring Bradenton. It’s the artistic Bohemian town next door to Sarasota and is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the state’s creative side. The community offers an extensive mix of galleries and art workshops – grab a seat outside a coffee shop and you’ll see countless works lining the streets.
Top hotels in Sarasota
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
1000 Boulevard of the Arts, 34236
A Four Diamond award-winning establishment, 10 minutes from the cultural district, Hyatt Regency is a beautifully designed contemporary hotel, with nearly 300 available suites. Soak away the rush of the day in the lagoon pool and hot tub or roll out of bed for a quick stroll to the beach.
The Westin Sarasota
100 Marina View Drive, 34236
The Westin is located right in Downtown Sarasota, making it the perfect base for those hoping to dive into the city’s lively social scene. The rooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views of surrounding Sarasota Bay and its sparkling waters, which can also be admired from the 19th-floor rooftop bar and pool.
The Inn
515 Beach Road, 34242
Enjoy the privacy of your own beach house, just off the white sands of Siesta Key. The Inn is classily decorated with classic calming coastal interiors and has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room and private pool.
Top restaurants in Sarasota
Made
1990 Main Street, 34236
As the acronym suggests (Modern American Delicious Eats), Made serves up classic comforting American cuisine. Head chef, Mark Woodruff, oversees a diverse menu of everything from deep-fried corn dogs and mac n’ cheese, to ocean-themed dishes like fresh salmon and scallops.
G’s Southern Kitchen
1000 Circus Boulevard, 34232
Hidden behind Bobby Jones Golf Club, G’s is a soulfood restaurant, known for its wonderfully zesty flavors and blends. You won’t be limited to tradition here, mac n’ cheese comes in parmesan-crusted bites, egg rolls are enhanced with smoked turkey breast and the shrimp n’ grits are delicious.
Icon Eatery & Bar
5450 Bollettieri Boulevard, 34210
Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, Icon Eatery & Bar serves local cuisine, inspired by flavors from around the world. You’ll find the restaurant in the Legacy Hotel, where you can feast on seasonal Florida-grown produce, like mouthwatering coastal seafood.