Erinn’s Guidebook
Beaches
Great beach right off of St. Armand’s Circle, so there’s plenty of restaurant options available
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrGreat beach right off of St. Armand’s Circle, so there’s plenty of restaurant options available
This is about a five minute drive south of the main entrance of Lido Key Beach. This beach area is a lot more picnic-friendly as there is plenty of parking, lots of picnic tables and grills for having cookouts right along the beach. You’ll see jet-skiers and kayakers out in the water having a great time. If you visit during a holiday weekend, expect a lot of traffic and for this area to be full, unless you get there before 10am.
25 locals recommend
South Lido Key Beach Park on the Gulf
Benjamin Franklin DriveThis is about a five minute drive south of the main entrance of Lido Key Beach. This beach area is a lot more picnic-friendly as there is plenty of parking, lots of picnic tables and grills for having cookouts right along the beach. You’ll see jet-skiers and kayakers out in the water having a great time. If you visit during a holiday weekend, expect a lot of traffic and for this area to be full, unless you get there before 10am.
Voted #1 best beach in America back in 2016! Has some of the softest sand you’ll ever experience! Plenty of restaurants and shops along Siesta Key Village to check out on your visit
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
Voted #1 best beach in America back in 2016! Has some of the softest sand you’ll ever experience! Plenty of restaurants and shops along Siesta Key Village to check out on your visit
Parks
Great park within minutes of the space. Has a community pool, a designated dog park, tennis courts, basketball court, racquetball, scenic walking trails, full update playground for children and a KOMPAN gym for adults. Beautiful location that you’ll love!
Full playground for children, lots of amenities for adults, and a dog-friendly park that will guarantee a great time for any family. Also a perfect place to get some exercise!
23 locals recommend
Arlington Park Sarasota
2650 Waldemere StFull playground for children, lots of amenities for adults, and a dog-friendly park that will guarantee a great time for any family. Also a perfect place to get some exercise!
17th Street Paw Park
4570 17th StOne of two dog parks in Sarasota
Lakeview Paw Park
7150 Lago StThe other dog park in Sarasota
Amazing park that’s also dog-friendly. Great place to exercise or bring your dog to burn off some energy :)
60 locals recommend
Celery Fields
6893 Palmer BlvdAmazing park that’s also dog-friendly. Great place to exercise or bring your dog to burn off some energy :)
Bee Ridge Park
4430 S Lockwood Ridge RdGreat place to bring the kids!
Urfer Family Park
4012 Honore AveAnother great place for families with kids
Excellent park that has a 3.5 mile paved track surrounding a large lake where they host rowing competitions. Playground available for kids and leashed dogs are welcome too. They host a lot of events so visit their website to see what’s coming up: https://nathanbendersonpark.org/
82 locals recommend
Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson CirExcellent park that has a 3.5 mile paved track surrounding a large lake where they host rowing competitions. Playground available for kids and leashed dogs are welcome too. They host a lot of events so visit their website to see what’s coming up: https://nathanbendersonpark.org/
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Great place to see wildlife, especially alligators!
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront DrRingling Bridge Causeway Park
John Ringling CausewaySightseeing
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdGreat place for families to see Florida wildlife
Great place to see beautiful fauna with a great view of the Bay!
433 locals recommend
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StGreat place to see beautiful fauna with a great view of the Bay!
Another great place to take families to see wildlife!
158 locals recommend
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer BlvdAnother great place to take families to see wildlife!
Unconditional Surrender - Sarasota, FL
Shopping
University Town Center
257 N Cattlemen RdSt Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirThings to do
Longboat key paddleboard and kayak
PARASAIL SIESTA
1250 Stickney Point RdAXE AND BULL SARASOTA, FL
4088 Bee Ridge RdGreat, fun thing to do with friends and family!
Hands of Light Massage Therapy
5255 Ocean BlvdAmazing place to get a very relaxing massage
Food scene
New coffee cafe that is within walking distance of the space and right in the heart of Pinecraft. Try their coffees or give their raspberry green tea a try! You’ll be glad you did.
21 locals recommend
Postal 98 Cafe
1240 Yoder AveNew coffee cafe that is within walking distance of the space and right in the heart of Pinecraft. Try their coffees or give their raspberry green tea a try! You’ll be glad you did.
Local favorite within walking distance of the space. Must try the homemade pies!!
The Amish village is complete with a gift shop, produce, and deli. Great places to pick up some sweet treats to prepare for your day on the beach.
109 locals recommend
Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
3434 Bahia Vista StLocal favorite within walking distance of the space. Must try the homemade pies!!
The Amish village is complete with a gift shop, produce, and deli. Great places to pick up some sweet treats to prepare for your day on the beach.
Fantastic place for Amish-style, southern comfort food cooking! Known for their large buffets, big gift shop and coffee cafe complete with homemade donuts and pies. Must try to have the Amish culture experience that Pinecraft has to offer.
57 locals recommend
Der Dutchman Sarasota
3713 Bahia Vista StFantastic place for Amish-style, southern comfort food cooking! Known for their large buffets, big gift shop and coffee cafe complete with homemade donuts and pies. Must try to have the Amish culture experience that Pinecraft has to offer.
Great place within five minutes of the space that serves awesome food in a friendly atmosphere. They have live music on the weekends and it’s a great place to grab some food and catch a game. Give their Buffalo chicken dip a shot! You won’t regret it.
20 locals recommend
The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill
3602 Webber StGreat place within five minutes of the space that serves awesome food in a friendly atmosphere. They have live music on the weekends and it’s a great place to grab some food and catch a game. Give their Buffalo chicken dip a shot! You won’t regret it.
Arguably some of the best barbecue you’ll ever eat! Must try the brisket...it’s slow cooked for 18 hours and will fall off your fork if you’re not careful...
40 locals recommend
Brick's Smoked Meats
1528 State StArguably some of the best barbecue you’ll ever eat! Must try the brisket...it’s slow cooked for 18 hours and will fall off your fork if you’re not careful...
Sommers Dutch Family Restaurant
4000 Cattlemen RdLocally-owned restaurant that specializes in breakfast with a mango twist. It’s a cheerful environment that’s known for fast service!
70 locals recommend
Toasted Mango Cafe
430 N Tamiami TrailLocally-owned restaurant that specializes in breakfast with a mango twist. It’s a cheerful environment that’s known for fast service!
Locally-owned breakfast place in downtown Sarasota that specializes in healthy, fresh breakfast options with a Mediterranean twist. If you go on a nice day, you HAVE to sit outside. Bamboo surrounds the outside eating area and makes for a very relaxed, pleasant dining experience.
21 locals recommend
Fresh Start Cafe
630 S Orange AveLocally-owned breakfast place in downtown Sarasota that specializes in healthy, fresh breakfast options with a Mediterranean twist. If you go on a nice day, you HAVE to sit outside. Bamboo surrounds the outside eating area and makes for a very relaxed, pleasant dining experience.
Locally-owned restaurant that’s served Sarasota for over 50 years. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, and I highly recommend the apricot and blueberry French toast and the ricotta cheese pancakes with lingon berries. Very cute place with a vintage feel! If planning to visit between October and April, plan to arrive earlier in the morning, especially on weekends, to avoid a long wait. Locals love this place as much as seasonal residents and vacationers!
12 locals recommend
Millie's
3900 Clark RdLocally-owned restaurant that’s served Sarasota for over 50 years. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, and I highly recommend the apricot and blueberry French toast and the ricotta cheese pancakes with lingon berries. Very cute place with a vintage feel! If planning to visit between October and April, plan to arrive earlier in the morning, especially on weekends, to avoid a long wait. Locals love this place as much as seasonal residents and vacationers!
Locally-sourced American breakfast and lunch bites that are served in a restored train depot dating to 1852. Very cool atmosphere! Also, try the lemon ricotta pancakes :) they are 👌🏻
54 locals recommend
Station 400
400 N Lemon AveLocally-sourced American breakfast and lunch bites that are served in a restored train depot dating to 1852. Very cool atmosphere! Also, try the lemon ricotta pancakes :) they are 👌🏻
Great craft beers! They also have a rotating selection of food trucks out front. Visit their Facebook page to learn about their upcoming events @JDub’s Brewery & Tap Room
24 locals recommend
JDub's Brewing Company
1215 Mango AveGreat craft beers! They also have a rotating selection of food trucks out front. Visit their Facebook page to learn about their upcoming events @JDub’s Brewery & Tap Room
Oak & Stone University Parkway
5405 University PkwyIndoor/outdoor brew pub that serves tasty pub grub and craft beer
Excellent coffee with several locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. They use their own specially-roasted beans to make all their coffee drinks and have a small selection of pastries available for breakfast. One my husband and my favorite coffee places!
119 locals recommend
Kahwa Coffee
204 2nd Ave SExcellent coffee with several locations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. They use their own specially-roasted beans to make all their coffee drinks and have a small selection of pastries available for breakfast. One my husband and my favorite coffee places!
Hipster-style coffee shop that also roasts their own beans. Great place to grab some coffee while exploring downtown Sarasota.
18 locals recommend
Buddy Brew Coffee - Sarasota
1289 N Palm AveHipster-style coffee shop that also roasts their own beans. Great place to grab some coffee while exploring downtown Sarasota.
Trendy, locally-run coffee shop with various coffee drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and outside tables. Be sure to sit outside and observe the ambiance and pace of downtown Sarasota!
13 locals recommend
Pastry Art Bakery Cafe
1512 Main StTrendy, locally-run coffee shop with various coffee drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and outside tables. Be sure to sit outside and observe the ambiance and pace of downtown Sarasota!
Great seafood spot with an outdoor raw bar patio, upstairs dining room, a piano bar and expansive water views (it’s located right on the marina)
257 locals recommend
marina jacks
2 Marina PlazaGreat seafood spot with an outdoor raw bar patio, upstairs dining room, a piano bar and expansive water views (it’s located right on the marina)
Jack Dusty
1111 Ritz Carlton DrFine dining in a historic cottage! Very cool experience
43 locals recommend
Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft
5540 Gulf of Mexico DrFine dining in a historic cottage! Very cool experience
The duck l’orange is amazing! Atmosphere is “old world” and the food is epic
20 locals recommend
Cafe L'Europe
431 St Armands CirThe duck l’orange is amazing! Atmosphere is “old world” and the food is epic
Super cute restaurant that serves excellent, fine dining quality food and tasty cocktails. If it’s on the menu, get the compressed watermelon and focaccia bread as appetizers. You will NOT regret it :)
Highly recommend this place! One of my favorites :)
37 locals recommend
Baker & Wife
2157 Siesta DrSuper cute restaurant that serves excellent, fine dining quality food and tasty cocktails. If it’s on the menu, get the compressed watermelon and focaccia bread as appetizers. You will NOT regret it :)
Highly recommend this place! One of my favorites :)
C'est La Vie
1553 Main StAuthentic French cafe and bakery with excellent crepes and quiche!
Amazing gelato! The owners are super friendly too and have been doing business in Sarasota for a couple decades
7 locals recommend
Settimi's Gelato
367 St Armands CirAmazing gelato! The owners are super friendly too and have been doing business in Sarasota for a couple decades
New ice cream place in downtown Sarasota that has fantastic ice cream!
9 locals recommend
Main Street Creamery
1359 Main StNew ice cream place in downtown Sarasota that has fantastic ice cream!
Goodfellas Cafe & Winery
4571 Clark RdGreat authentic Italian food!
Great pizza that’s right around the corner. Be sure to try their Heart Attack pizza for the full meat-lovers experience!
11 locals recommend
Solorzano Bros. - Webber St.
3604 Webber StGreat pizza that’s right around the corner. Be sure to try their Heart Attack pizza for the full meat-lovers experience!
Great place for some of the best pizza that Sarasota has to offer! White pie is a personal favorite :)
28 locals recommend
Venezia Italian Restaurant
373 St Armands CirGreat place for some of the best pizza that Sarasota has to offer! White pie is a personal favorite :)
Patellini's Pizza
1429 Main StGreat New York style pizza!
KaCey's Seafood and More
4904 Fruitville RdGreat place for seafood!
Excellent seafood with a unique, “fish camp” atmosphere. Seats fill up fast, especially in season, so go early or make reservations.
260 locals recommend
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtExcellent seafood with a unique, “fish camp” atmosphere. Seats fill up fast, especially in season, so go early or make reservations.
Authentic fish market that doubles as a restaurant serving fresh fish
150 locals recommend
Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami TrailAuthentic fish market that doubles as a restaurant serving fresh fish
Great seafood on the Circle (St. Armand’s) with an extensive wine list
43 locals recommend
Crab & Fin Restaurant
420 St Armands CirGreat seafood on the Circle (St. Armand’s) with an extensive wine list
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
35 S Lemon AveHigh end steakhouse in downtown Sarasota
Great food! Their house salad is a signature dish and they prepare the dressing right in front of you
118 locals recommend
Columbia Restaurant
411 St Armands CirGreat food! Their house salad is a signature dish and they prepare the dressing right in front of you
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2001 Siesta DrGreat place for awesome steak
Awesome place to visit for fresh, local produce, flowers, food and various other locally-made items such as soaps and honey. Great, local thing to do! Available only on Saturdays in downtown Sarasota. Be sure to bring the dog too!
136 locals recommend
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon AvenueAwesome place to visit for fresh, local produce, flowers, food and various other locally-made items such as soaps and honey. Great, local thing to do! Available only on Saturdays in downtown Sarasota. Be sure to bring the dog too!
Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrQuick food
Local family-owned grocery store with tons of options at a good price. Give their açaí bowl a try for a quick, healthy snack! Super delicious
Detwiler’S Farm Market
2881 Clark RdJersey Mike's Subs
2031 Bahia Vista StALDI
4705 Cortez Rd WTrader Joe's
4101 S Tamiami Trail