Great Beaches & Artsy Energy

Sarasota shines with crystal-white sand shores and a thriving arts scene. Spend your days shopping in chic districts, savoring fresh local seafood and catching opera, ballet or theater along Florida’s Cultural Coast. Festivals and outdoor adventures make every season exciting.

Sun-soaked beaches

Hop on a trolley and head for quartz sands and warm turquoise waters.

Showstopping experiences

Discover entertainment for all ages, from live music to sand sculpting and circus events.

Outdoor excitement

Bike scenic trails, explore state parks and spot manatees and other sea life.

Sarasota Gems

Arts & Style

  • See big-top history brought to life through costumes, circus wagons and colorful displays.

  • Experience immersive 3D illusions at the USA’s first international chalk-art festival.

  • Browse fashion finds in walkable St. Armands Circle and Venice Avenue.

Fresh-Air Fun

  • Rent a bike and take in the scenery along gentle coastal routes like the Legacy Trail.

  • Try paddleboarding, kayak through mangrove tunnels or join a deep-sea fishing charter.

  • Trek to wetlands and wildflower meadows, and get a bird’s-eye view from the Canopy Walkway.

Experiences

Downtown dining in Sarasota, Florida; Credit: VisitSarasota.com

Gulf Flavors

Enjoy fresh seafood and outdoor dining from St. Armands Circle to Sarasota Bay.

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Ringling Rose Garden in Sarasota, Florida

Botanical Beauty

Stroll through the blooms at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and other local parks.

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An otter at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida

Wildlife Encounters

Observe Sarasota’s amazing animals in sanctuaries and natural settings.

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Golf course on Longboat Key, Florida

Tee Time

Take your shot at over 1,000 holes of golf in Sarasota County.

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The Ringling Art Gallery in Sarasota, Florida

Cultural Coast Experiences

Explore acclaimed stages, galleries and public-art installations.

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Open umbrellas on Longboat Key Club beach near Sarasota, Florida

Visit Sarasota

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