Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Downtown Sarasota
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Sarasota
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Same as always……..EXCEPTIONAL AND AWESOME!! THe nice touches you all do really stand out. Warm cookies, sangria at sign in and ALL the goodies in the room make for an awesome stay. It’s our go to in Sarasota and has awesome bar and restraunt.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Aloft Sarasota
Everything was excellent
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Overall, excellent experience the hallways on the floor is the lighting is so cool and modern. In the room is spacious, modern, very nice looking. I had an excellent experience.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Tropical Beach Resorts
Updated, clean room. They thought of Everything one could possibly need. Amazing new tropical pool. Very friendly Staff. Close to the beach and great eating options within walking distance!
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Fantastic views! Fantastic time😀
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Carlisle Inn
This was our second stay at the Carlisle Inn - always extremely clean, classy and the employees go out of their way to make for a pleasant stay.
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown 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.
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 Lido Beach and South Lido Park.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
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.
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.
