Central Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Central Sarasota
Popular places to visit
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
See a diverse range of exciting musical, dance and comedy shows at this architectural landmark inspired by the jagged shape of seashells.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.
Sarasota Opera House
Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.
Bayfront Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Bayfront Park, a lovely green space in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in the area.
Florida Studio Theatre
You can get tickets for a performance at Florida Studio Theatre during your stay in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in the area.
Causeway Park
Causeway Park is just one of the places to see in Sarasota, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Things to do
Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Top hotels in Central Sarasota
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Beautiful hotel, great service, food in restaurants was delicious. Clean rooms and comfortable beds. Thank you for a wonderful stay! We will be back!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
The Westin Sarasota
Everything was great
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Caitlyn came to our table last night and spent about 25 minutes with us, sharing her story about how she became a team member at The Ritz-Carlton. Even while taking the time to connect with us, she was still seamlessly managing the entire restaurant; truly impressive to watch. I don’t know where ...
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Great room. Great location.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
We stayed one night for a NY Eve dinner and thankfully it was only one night. The staff is super friendly; the facility was decorated for the holidays and is in a good location, that makes walking an option. The one issue we had was that there was no hot water in the shower and apparently had been ...
Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026
Aloft Sarasota
Great location!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
While visiting Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Jungle Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Saint Armands Key
Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach.
