Megan’s guidebook
Bar (no food)
Adorable Tiki Bar within walking distance (about 10-15 walk- take a route through the neighborhood rather than on tamiami trail!), legit tiki rather than 2000's tiki- this place has been around forever and retains its original charm!
9 locals recommend
Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge
4675 N Tamiami TrailAdorable Tiki Bar within walking distance (about 10-15 walk- take a route through the neighborhood rather than on tamiami trail!), legit tiki rather than 2000's tiki- this place has been around forever and retains its original charm!
Sightseeing
Great place to view unique and unusual florida plants (especially great for someone from out of town who loves plants)!
433 locals recommend
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StGreat place to view unique and unusual florida plants (especially great for someone from out of town who loves plants)!
Its right down the street! Its free on Mondays, other days an admission fee is required.
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdIts right down the street! Its free on Mondays, other days an admission fee is required.
You can see wild gators here! Great natural florida habitat. Its a bit inland so the trees and foliage are different than they are on the coast. Its about a 45 minute drive. Theres a little restaurant/bar there, you can take a boat tour and hopefully see gators. Also a very nice 1 mile hike w/ a canopy walk.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72You can see wild gators here! Great natural florida habitat. Its a bit inland so the trees and foliage are different than they are on the coast. Its about a 45 minute drive. Theres a little restaurant/bar there, you can take a boat tour and hopefully see gators. Also a very nice 1 mile hike w/ a canopy walk.
you can rent kayaks, take a hike, about a 20 minute drive
91 locals recommend
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Parkyou can rent kayaks, take a hike, about a 20 minute drive
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyThe Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
1 Dali BlvdSarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami TrailSiesta Beach
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrSarasota Classic Car Museum
5500 N Tamiami TrailFood scene
good day trip! lovely beaches, restaurants, tourist shops
374 locals recommend
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf Drgood day trip! lovely beaches, restaurants, tourist shops
a wee bit of a drive from our place but it is a good local fish place w/ great authentic florida atmosphere. be prepared for a line if its peak season and the weekend, check the hours before you go. worth it~!
102 locals recommend
Star Fish Company
12306 46th Ave Wa wee bit of a drive from our place but it is a good local fish place w/ great authentic florida atmosphere. be prepared for a line if its peak season and the weekend, check the hours before you go. worth it~!
Lots of shops, restaurants, ice cream and bars. Right by lido beach.
358 locals recommend
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirLots of shops, restaurants, ice cream and bars. Right by lido beach.
Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant
8421 N Tamiami TrailAnna Maria Oyster Bar Landside
6906 14th St WMorton's Gourmet Market
1924 S Osprey AveO & A Coffee and Supply
1316 Main StreetBuddy Brew Coffee - Sarasota
1289 N Palm Avemarina jacks
2 Marina PlazaReyna's Taqueria
935 North Beneva RoadLocal grocery store, lots of prepared foods, fruits, veggies, subs, ice cream, deli etc.
69 locals recommend
Detwiler's Farm Market
6000 Palmer BlvdLocal grocery store, lots of prepared foods, fruits, veggies, subs, ice cream, deli etc.
Rico's Pizzeria And Pasta House
5131 N Tamiami TrailRight down the street :-)
City advice
Getting around
Car is the most ideal way to get around
Public transportation is not Sarasotas forte.