Holiday rentals in Sarasota

Located on Florida’s southwest coast, Sarasota is best known for its miles of white-sand beaches and thriving art scene. The popularity of this former fishing village grew once a circus impresario built a magnificent estate here at the beginning of the 20th century, which is now home to The Ringling, an art museum with an impressive collection. Performance still plays an important role in Sarasota, home to an enviable range of performing arts venues, including the Sarasota Ballet, Florida Studio Theatre, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The scenic shoreline of Sarasota Bay is sheltered by a number of barrier islands and keys. People are drawn here to soak up the natural beauty of the local beaches, including Lido Beach on St Armands Key and Siesta Key Beach, known for its white quartz sand, which stays cool when you walk on it, even on the hottest days.

Sarasota enjoys mild winters, so many people come to stay in the city between January and April. One of the busiest periods is March, when the beaches fill with spring breakers. Hot, humid days and nights can make summer visits uncomfortable, and bear in mind that Florida has a hurricane season every year between June and November.

As a major beach resort, the city holds a number of festivals during the year, including the Suncoast Summer Fest in late June, which features a parade of boats through the streets, and the Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival in November, when artists show off incredible creations. In November, the Medieval Fair takes you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages with jousting competitions.

The Ringling

Centred around a Venetian Gothic mansion on a 66-acre estate, the Ringling Museum of Art boasts over 600 old masters. The complex is also home to the Circus Museum, which features an impressive model made of 44,000 pieces, Bayfront Gardens with its banyan trees, and the Historic Asolo Theater.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on the waterfront is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Head into the greenhouse to witness the spectacle of more than 6,000 orchids and wander along the pathways that take in a bamboo garden, rainforest garden, and the mangrove walkway along Sarasota Bay.

Myakka River State Park

Spread across 58 square miles, Myakka River State Park offers wetlands, prairies, and pinelands alongside the Myakka River, around a 30-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. You can take a boat trip or step into a kayak, head out on the park’s many trails, or follow the canopy walkway up amongst the oak and palm trees.