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.
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.
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.
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
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee 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
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Unique design and well decorated. Clean and efficient.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Place still under construction or rehabikitation
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Excellent
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
An incredibly friendly staff. The room was clean and the bathroom large. The bed and pillows were so comfortable - top of the line. Free breakfast was good. The location was great, just over the bridge from the island, overlooking the Anna Maria Sound. We watched a beautiful sunset from the harbor ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Ocean view completely obstructed due to beach restoration. We were never notified this was happening 😡
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
Excellent!!
Reviewed on 28 Feb 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 Bobby Jones Golf Complex and Ed Smith Stadium.
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.
