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Your Guide to Sarasota

Discovering the best things to do in Sarasota has never been easier. From stunning beaches to unique museums to delicious restaurants and waterfront rooftop bars, Sarasota has something for everyone.

Explore Sarasota
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Explore Sarasota

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Make awesome plans with these locally-curated guides.

Our Day in Sarasota

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If you haven’t explored Sarasota yet, add it to your list! We started our day off with a caffeine fix from Project Coffee, a totally Instagram-worthy coffee shop with lots of yummy breakfast options – many of which are vegan.

Next, we headed to the beautiful Ringling Museum. We enjoyed exploring inside and out. The 150,000 square foot grounds includes 21 art galleries, the circus museum, and the Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ mansion.

After the museum, we explored St. Armands Circle for some shopping. We couldn’t pass up lunch and drinks from the rooftop of Daiquiri Deck. There were dozen of frozen daiquiris to choose from – the Karen, Pina Colada & Frose mixed, was a must!

Finally, to end the day, we hit up Lido Key to take in some sunshine and ocean views. North Lido Key is just a short walk, quarter of a mile, from St. Armands Circle, so it’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset after your day of exploring.

Some Cool Tips You Should Know.

Soak Up the Sun

Grab your bathing suit and find out why Siesta Key Beach was ranked the #1 beach in 2020!

Take in the Sights

Explore and enjoy popular attractions such as The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Stroll and Shop

St. Armands Circle is home to over 130 different restaurants, retail shops, and bars all set in a tropical paradise. You can even walk from Downtown to The Circle by taking a scenic walk over the Ringling Bridge. Make sure to bring your sneakers!

Come Happy (& Early)

Enjoy happy hour specials without the wait! Enjoying dinner on the earlier end will let you sneak in before the crowds and make finding parking much easier!

Don't Rush

St. Armands Circle opens at 10AM on weekdays/Saturday and 11AM on Sundays. So sleep in, grab your coffee, and enjoy the sunrise at the 2020 #1 beach!

Learn More About Sarasota

Want to be an expert on Sarasota? Learn more about this unique neighborhood.

About

Experience all things Sarasota! Dip your toes in their white-sand beaches for the day…
Experience all things Sarasota! Dip your toes in their white-sand beaches for the day such as Siesta Key Beach, get your shopping on at St. Armands Circle, and if you’re feeling artsy, immerse yourself into the art and history of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Bring the whole family for some fun at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, explore their exhibits animal shows and more!
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Getting Around

We’re sharing some tips and tricks for getting around Sarasota. Try these the next time…
We’re sharing some tips and tricks for getting around Sarasota. Try these the next time you’re here!
Transportation


Parking
  • St. Armands Parking Garage
    • 57 North Adams Drive
    • $0.50 cents per hour
  • State Street Garage
    • 1538 State Street
    • First 2 hours complimentary parking. $3.00 for hours 2-3, then $1.00 for each hour thereafter or part thereof up to $23.00 daily
  • The Palm Avenue Garage
    • 1289 North Palm Avenue
    • First 2 hours complimentary parking. $3.00 for hours 2-3, then $1.00 for each hour thereafter or part thereof up to $23.00 daily
  • The 2nd Street Garage at Whole Foods
    • 1400 Block of 2nd Street
    • FFREE, but there are time restrictions. Ground Level: 2 Hours, Level 2-3: 4 hours
  • Street Parking – use park mobile app
  • More parking info found here
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FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions about Sarasota.

Yes! The Baltimore Orioles spring train in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium and the Atlanta Braves spring train in North Port at CoolToday Park. They also have their own soccer team, the Sarasota Metropolis FC!

The Ringling Museum and the Ca d’Zan are perfect ways to spend your time on rainy days! You can also stroll through the Mote Aquarium, shop at The Mall at University Town Center, or watch a show at the Florida Studio Theatre.

Sarasota is packed with different ways to explore the city! They have trolley tours, bike tours, self-guided walking tours, kayak/boating tours, and so much more! These are perfect ways to experience the best of Sarasota.

Siesta Key is a barrier island off the Southwest coast of Florida, located between Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A portion of the island lies within the city boundary of Sarasota, but the majority of the key is its own area! It has four main areas: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Siesta Key Village. 

Yes! There are many activities to do with the whole family, from touring the Ringling Museum, shopping around St. Armand’s Circle, exploring the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or having a beach day at Siesta Key!

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