Guidebook for Sarasota
Drinks & Nightlife
This is the place to go for drinks and socializing. The street and neighboring area has many pubs, bars, pizza places and grills. Pick what you like
West End Pub
6500 Gateway AveThis is the place to go for drinks and socializing. The street and neighboring area has many pubs, bars, pizza places and grills. Pick what you like
The Beach Club
5151 Ocean BlvdCool dancing place
Parks & Nature
Beautiful place to spend time in. Boat trips and other activities
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Beautiful place to spend time in. Boat trips and other activities
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting.
Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone:(941) 355-5305
Open Daily 10AM–5PM
This is a Zoo
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdHistoric attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting.
Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
Phone:(941) 355-5305
Open Daily 10AM–5PM
This is a Zoo
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has an extensive selection of plants including some gorgeous flowers. Nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities to snap some beautiful pictures. It is located on Sarasota Bay and the grounds overlook the waters. A Marc Chagall exhibit runs from February 12 through July 31. You should probably allow around two hours to see everything but certainly could spend longer if gardening or landscaping pique your fancy.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
433 locals recommend
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StMarie Selby Botanical Gardens has an extensive selection of plants including some gorgeous flowers. Nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities to snap some beautiful pictures. It is located on Sarasota Bay and the grounds overlook the waters. A Marc Chagall exhibit runs from February 12 through July 31. You should probably allow around two hours to see everything but certainly could spend longer if gardening or landscaping pique your fancy.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
This park, at the southern end of Lido Key, is surrounded by water on three sides - where the currents are dangerous for swimming. It is peaceful here - away from the bustle of downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. There is of course the ocean side with the wide, white beach and the southern side too but the eastern side...
25 locals recommend
South Lido Key Beach Park on the Gulf
Benjamin Franklin DriveThis park, at the southern end of Lido Key, is surrounded by water on three sides - where the currents are dangerous for swimming. It is peaceful here - away from the bustle of downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. There is of course the ocean side with the wide, white beach and the southern side too but the eastern side...
Warm Mineral Springs Drive
Warm Mineral Springs DriveWe haven't been there, but it's on our to do list
Essentials
Publix Super Market at The Landings
4840 S Tamiami TrailWalmart Supercenter
4381 Cattlemen RdWalmart Supercenter - all is there to be found
Arts & Culture
This is a museum consisting of the Circus and Art museums. The model display in the Circus Museum, is a highlight. The Art Museum comprised two parts; (1) The Ringling-owned art, and (2) the temporary exhibit. Each, on its own, was singularly worthy of the visit; together, the were too much for one visit and we will not take very long to return. A must-see attraction.
The Ringling Beach House
523 Beach RdThis is a museum consisting of the Circus and Art museums. The model display in the Circus Museum, is a highlight. The Art Museum comprised two parts; (1) The Ringling-owned art, and (2) the temporary exhibit. Each, on its own, was singularly worthy of the visit; together, the were too much for one visit and we will not take very long to return. A must-see attraction.
This mansion is a gem! Simply beautiful inside and out - hopefully they will one day open the top floors to the tour, too. After you've toured the main floor, head outside to a spectacular view! Absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to wander the grounds and check out the rose garden and Banyan trees. There is a $10 fee to tour the mansion (in addition to the general admission price) but definitely worth it
87 locals recommend
Ca d'Zan
5401 Bay Shore RdThis mansion is a gem! Simply beautiful inside and out - hopefully they will one day open the top floors to the tour, too. After you've toured the main floor, head outside to a spectacular view! Absolutely breathtaking. Be sure to wander the grounds and check out the rose garden and Banyan trees. There is a $10 fee to tour the mansion (in addition to the general admission price) but definitely worth it
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
1 Dali BlvdDali Museum
Entertainment & Activities
Best spot to snorkel around Sarasota.
I went about an hour before the high tide and saw lots of fish (bait balls, puffer, crabs, striped little fish and more) around the rocks and corals.
Access is through the Crescent Beach and walk south to the end. Parking is extremely limited and street parking is available on Old Stickney Point Road.
There is no facilities at this beach but just 2 miles north at the main Siesta Beach, there are outdoor showers. Ticketing is aggressive so plan accordingly.
6499 Midnight Pass Rd
Sarasota, FL 34242
Point of Rocks Road
Point of Rocks RoadBest spot to snorkel around Sarasota.
I went about an hour before the high tide and saw lots of fish (bait balls, puffer, crabs, striped little fish and more) around the rocks and corals.
Access is through the Crescent Beach and walk south to the end. Parking is extremely limited and street parking is available on Old Stickney Point Road.
There is no facilities at this beach but just 2 miles north at the main Siesta Beach, there are outdoor showers. Ticketing is aggressive so plan accordingly.
6499 Midnight Pass Rd
Sarasota, FL 34242
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center.
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone:(941) 388-4441
Hours: · 10AM–5PM
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyAquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center.
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone:(941) 388-4441
Hours: · 10AM–5PM
Groceries
Publix Super Market at The Landings
4840 S Tamiami TrailGroceries etc.
Detwiler's Farm Market
6000 Palmer BlvdFarm fresh produce, seafood, preserves etc. Great prices