The Lakes Travel Guide
Sarasota
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
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
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Top hotels in The Lakes
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
We loved the retro styling — it gave the hotel a fun, unique character. The budget-friendly price made it an even better value, especially considering the great location close to town. Everything was convenient, comfortable, and easy, making this a really enjoyable place to stay. We’d definitely ...
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
The staff here is excellent and extremely attentive.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Grounds and beach access were top notch. Room was fine but a bit tight on space. It was clean and had kitchen utensils and necessities. I would come again and also recommend.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Location was great, staff so positive
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Top notch
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Pelican Post at Anna Maria Island Inn
The good: Room was clean and bed was firm and comfortable. The not good: The room that they entry door opened into did not have air conditioning or a ceiling fan and got hot with the sun beating on the outside wall. The door to the bathroom could not be opened all the way due to the towel bar mounted ...
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around The Lakes
Sarasota Springs
The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travellers visit Sarasota Springs. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Ed Smith Stadium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a few top sights 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.
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.
Bee Ridge
Notable for its beaches, restaurants and shopping, Bee Ridge is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Sarasota. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.
South Gate Ridge
South Gate Ridge is well liked for its churches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.
