Areas & Neighborhoods in Sarasota
Home to several of Southwest Florida's favorite cultural institutions, Sarasota offers something for everyone. World-class restaurants and museums brimming with Baroque art line the lanes in Downtown, while St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach appeal to resort-ready travelers on tropical holiday.
Downtown
Those searching for cultural delights will find them in Downtown—the civic and artistic epicenter of the city. Setting out on foot, the Sarasota Opera, the Florida Studio Theatre, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are all accessible in a matter of minutes.
Laurel Park Historic District
An idyllic enclave of Downtown, the Laurel Park Historic District offers a look at what life was like in the 1920s. Spanish moss grows on the region's oak trees and colonial revival and craftsman bungalows line the red-brick streets.
St. Armands Circle
With more than 150 shops offering everything from homemade fudge to designer clothing "the Circle," as locals lovingly refer to Sarasota’s seaside commercial district, is your destination for retail therapy.
Lido Beach
Sarasota's top-rated beach isn't just a beach, it's a community built around a pearlescent strip of coast. Boutique hotels, seafood restaurants, and a plethora of sailing and dolphin-watching experiences spring up along the sand.
Things to See in Sarasota
With its diverse cultural scene, Sarasota is a treat for the senses. To understand how the city's illustrious past plays a role in its current vibrancy, head to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Inside, find a stunning collection donated by the circus master himself. See European masterpieces by Rubens, Bernini, and Duchamp, and then travel a short distance to the restored Ca' d'Zan for a look at the Ringlings' former mansion. Longing to take in a show during your stay in Sarasota? Also owned by the museum, the Asolo Repertory Theatre stages up to 15 productions each year.
Sightseeing in Sarasota
There are a bevy of things to do in Sarasota, from educational tours to outdoor pursuits that promise fun in the sun. Begin by diving headfirst into Sarasota’s underwater world during a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, lauded for its trailblazing research into the connections between humans and the natural world. Back on dry land, venture to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to admire its striking orchid and bromeliad exhibits. Avid golfers can hit the links at The Groves Golf Course, while little ones fall head over heels for the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where parrots, flamingos, crocodiles, lemurs, and prairie dogs can be observed in their natural habitats.
