Southside Village Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Southside Village
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
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Top hotels in Southside Village
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Overall, we found the hotel to be cute. The staff was very welcoming. The beds were very comfortable. The decor was contemporary and funky unfortunately, they have one sliding door that either doubles as the shower door or the bathroom door so you can’t use both at the same time and have privacy ...
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Rooms were very nice but location sucks. Pool was green looking.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Excellent
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
The pool was very enjoyable. The staff were excellent and very accommodating.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
Beautiful place. Check out is at 10 - a bit early. I asked to stay a couple hours in the parking spot so we could go to the beach. It was affirmative and we left 2 hours later, which is the time that was relayed. Then I was charged $11.25. That was not relayed that there would be a charge.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Great staff. Very nice pool, bar and seating
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Check Southside Village hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Southside Village
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.
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.
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.
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.
South Sarasota
While visiting South Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like The Landings and Coconuts Family Entertainment Center.
