Local Sarasota Vacation and Traveler Resources

Use this guide to many of the resources available to travelers includes listings of the local Chamber of Commerce offices, Tourism and Convention Visitors Bureaus and other helpful places to get visitor information and helpful local knowledge

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sarasota visitors centers

Local Visitor Centers

January 30, 2012

It seems that just about every beach community has its own chamber of commerce and visitors center. They are very good for disseminating information about many of their local gems.

The most notable visitors center is on US 41 near the downtown area of Sarasota - it also has a small museum displaying historic and natural artifacts. You'll find literature on most of the major places there.

Local Resources

Depending on what area you plan to travel to in Sarasota, you should check to see if there is a local visitors center nearby.

The largest organization serving Sarasota is the Sarasota Visitors and Convention Bureau. It's located on US 41 just north of the downtown area and has a helpful staff and small museum on-site. They publish a rather nice guide to the area, but the scope is limited to the Sarasota County area, and does not feature anything in neighboring Manatee County.

The beach islands of Longboat Key, Homes Beach, and Anna Maria each have their own visitors center, and the staff is quite helpful - particularly the Longboat Key (located at the north end of Longboat Key) and the Holmes Beach visitors center.

Keep in mind, while these establishments are quite helpful, they are there to serve their membership base and are sometimes reluctant to make recommendations one over the other - you may have to press to get an answer to "which one is better?".

The main chamber of commerce for Manatee County is located in downtown Bradenton, however, the focus appears to be on commerce and not vacation and travel.

Sarasota Travel Publications

sarasota publications:must do vacation guides Must Do - Sarasota
This seasonal publication covers Sarasota, the Gulf Islands, Venice and Bradenton. Features suggested day trips, coupons, familiy activities, lots of ads, maps, and lists of top 10 beaches, attractions, activities, family fun, tours, shopping, dining nightlife, golf and day trips. Selections based on advertiser participation. Pick up a free copy at one of many locations throughout the area.