Desoto Lakes Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Desoto Lakes
Popular places to visit
Lido Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Lido Beach, a popular beach in Sarasota. Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
St. Armands Circle
Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.
Mall at University Town Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall at University Town Center during your trip to Sarasota. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
See hungry sharks and delicate seahorses at this research aquarium that specializes in the sea life that flourishes on Florida’s central west coastline.
Nathan Benderson Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Nathan Benderson Park, a lovely green space in Sarasota. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
You can spend time exploring the galleries in John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. 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
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Kompose Boutique Hotel
room was clean, staff was exceptional. when we got off the elevator to our floor there was a bad smell that was there our entire stay. cleaner mixed with a funk. the pool area and hay tub leaves a lot to be desired but for a night or two it's a great choice.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Beautiful facility. Very relaxing. Staff is awesome. Beach is amazing!
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
The rooms were super clean, the staff texted and checked in on us daily seeing if we needed anything. They have two restaurants on site and a great big pool.
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Carlisle Inn
Everything was incredible!
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Not enough space here to write about all the great aspects of this wonderful place. Staff...A+ Management...A+ Coffee bar A++ Front Desk A++ Cleanliness A Restaurant A++ Food A++ Prices A++ Waitstaff A++ Pools and pool staff GREAT Beach... beautiful We are so glad to have found Lido Beach Resort ...
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Sarasota/Bradenton Airport
Very friendly staff. Location is great for the airport
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Desoto Lakes
The Meadows
The gardens and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit The Meadows. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Nathan Benderson Park and Mall at University Town Center are a few top sights nearby.
North Sarasota
While North Sarasota isn't home to many top sights, Ed Smith Stadium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
Pinecraft
While there might not be top attractions in Pinecraft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ed Smith Stadium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Fruitville
Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Fruitville. Make a stop by Nathan Benderson Park while you're exploring.
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Central Sarasota
Gardens, art galleries and theatres highlight some of the noteworthy features of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
