Sarasota is the “Grand Dame of the Gulf Coast”
Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and amazing Sarasota vacation rentals have made Sarasota a go-to place for couples and families. This southwest Florida area, which is about an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, continues to attract travelers with great restaurants and plenty of shopping. The beauty of Sarasota will get your attention on your first visit. If you see Sarasota first from the window of an airplane, the colors of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, contrasting with the brilliant white sand of Longboat, Lido, and Siesta beaches, will make you anxious to see more.
When staying in one of our Sarasota vacation rentals instead of a traditional hotel, you’ll have much more space and privacy, plus cost savings when booking a property for a large group. Some of our Sarasota beach house rentals even come with special amenities like a backyard pool, washer/dryer units, and bicycles. Whether you’re looking for a beach condo with amazing views, or a larger home for space for the entire family, you can find it on our site.
Sarasota, Florida travel advice
Sarasota is growing -- with more attractions, more people, and more infrastructure. Sarasota County has 13 public beaches and over 35 miles of powder-soft sand along the beachfront. Sarasota's Siesta Key Beach has been consistently named one of the top beaches in the United States. Sarasota County also has over 1,000 public, private and semi-private golf courses for residents and visitors to enjoy, so bring your clubs!
One of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast cities, Sarasota offers visitors an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills and pristine beaches.
Climate
Sarasota is warm year round. The tropical temps bring about high humidity and afternoon showers. Temps shoot up to the low 90s on the coast in the summer, and passing thunderstorms are just that: passing. Hurricanes may be spotty between July and November. But overall, 300+ sunny days and wonderful weather greets you in Sarasota.
Top activities and attractions in Sarasota
Wealthy notables called Sarasota home in the 19th and 20th centuries, which leads to the nickname the “Grand Dame” of the Gulf Coast. The chic resort town has been home to snowbirds for many, many years.
Shopping starts at St. Armands Circle. Stroll along the streets lined with coconut palms and pop into the 130 upscale shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. In the center of the shopping quadrants you’ll find Circle Park with Italian statues from John Ringling’s personal collection. Another nice walking area is Burns Court Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the area south of downtown Sarasota is made up of 15 stucco bungalows in vibrant hues like cornflower blue and fuchsia. They house everything from art galleries to residences.
The Ringling Museum of Art pays homage to the Ringlings, the family behind America’s most famous circus. Check out the old costumes, wagons, and the world’s largest miniature circus. You can also tour Ca' d'Zan Mansion, a magnificent 56-room Venetian Gothic palace and the Ringlings' old family home. You could spend days covering the 66-acre Ringling campus, but take time to walk the grounds. In particular, swing by Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, the oldest continuously operating rose garden in the state, and the Museum of Art courtyard, with replicas of ancient Greek, Roman and Baroque statues on a pristinely manicured lawn and lining the top of the buildings.
Nature lovers visiting the area gravitate to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in St. Armands Circle, where sea turtles, manatees, and sharks are on display. If you want more nature, check out the Crowley Museum and Nature Center, a 190-acre wildlife sanctuary, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a lush, 11-acre bay-front setting with more than 20,000 plants.
Art connoisseurs of every kind will discover that the art scene in Sarasota is just as vibrant as it is diverse! Experience world-class opera performances at the Sarasota Opera House, or watch the dancers of the
Sarasota Ballet, glide gracefully across the stage. The
Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s premier professional theatre and hosts up to 15 different productions each year.
Take a walk on the wild side and see some of nature’s most gorgeous creatures at
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The adventurer in your family will love the
Myakka River State Park for its ample opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and tons of other outdoor activities.
Annual Events
There’s always something fun happening in Sarasota. The action starts in April during the popular Sarasota Film Festival. Independent filmmakers, actors, and directors converge on the town to showcase 200 hundred films over this ten-day event. Also in April is the Siesta Fiesta in nearby Siesta Key. You can also check out a spring training game for the Baltimore Orioles in April/March.
Restaurants and Bars
Hungry? Sarasota restaurants have whatever you need. Start with Dolce Italia which is an upscale Italian restaurant that serves some of the best risotto you’ll ever have. End the meal with a sweet, light tiramisu. French fusion spot Antoine’s Restaurant combines French with Belgian cuisine and offers an incredible array of adventurous dishes. If your group is craving seafood, Veronica Fish & Oyster is the spot. If you’re looking for fresh seafood but with a more casual atmosphere, try Duval’s and the shrimp Po Boy. Owen’s Fish Camp has the best fish sandwiches and pecan pie, while the Screaming Goat serves up homestyle favorites like short rib tacos and cheesy tots.
When the sun goes down, the Sarasota nights heat up. Check out the two dozen daiquiri flavors available at the Daiquiri Deck which has one of the most beautiful ocean views in the area. The Beach Club is by far the most popular bar in Sarasota, and you should stop in for one of the themed events they throw. Lastly, located in Downtown Sarasota,
Pangea Alchemy Lab isn’t your typical bar or cocktail lounge. This speakeasy tucked inside a sandwich shop is pouring unique libations like boozy cereal and their famous Blue Mule.
Why you should book a Sarasota vacation rentals by owner on FloridaRentals.com
Booking a Sarasota beach rentals on FloridaRentals.com can save you up to 20% over our competitors. Plus, we have a wide array of inventory appealing to any group size or traveler tastes. Happy planning!
