Sarasota Vacation Guide to Hotels, Resorts, Attractions, Real Estate Vacation Rentals, Dining and Nightlife
The Beaches of Sarasota rank among the best
From Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Anna Marie Island - pick a beautiful beach to play in the sand.
Boaters Paradise
Between Anna Marie Island's Coquina Beach and the northern tip of Longboat Key recreational boaters hang out and swap sea stories.
Sarasota - Stunning Natural Features
Just before you get to Anna Marie Island, turn left at the old Chevron station (now closed), park your car, and walk north to see this amazing natural spectacle.
Sarasota is beautiful, too. Located on the Gulf of Mexico and just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a collection of mainland cities and towns (Bradenton, Venice and Sarasota), 30 miles of stunning waterways and bays, vast stretches of beaches and tropical barrier islands (Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Anna Marie Island).
Certainly, the 35 miles of barrier island beaches are a magnet; but Sarasota also is a cultural center. Close enough to the Tampa Bay area to draw on support, yet far enough to have a unique identity all to its own. Notables include, the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and many others.
Golf was introduced to Florida from Scotland right here in Sarasota. The first course was laid out in 1886 and there are over 30 courses within minutes of downtown. Check out our Sarasota Golfing Guide.
Greyhound racing, water skiing performances, opera, ballet, botanical gardens, river kayaking and wildlife tours, car museum, children's museums - the list of attractions goes on an on. There's enough to keep you busy in Sarasota for weeks. Is it any wonder that many people spend the entire winter season here in one of Florida's most attractive small cities?