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.
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
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel 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
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Top hotels in The Lakes
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Clean
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Love the location, very comfortable beds, front desk staff was very helpful
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Good BAR, pool and room
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
This was such a great place to stay. The pool was GREAT and the beach access was fantastic
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Really great place free of smoking
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
Stay was very good. Only complaint is that the beds were uncomfortable and breakfast is always the same and average not much variety. Property is closed to everything and only 10 minutes away from the beach.
Reviewed on 15 May 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.
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.
Alta Vista
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alta Vista and surrounding area, you can visit Colonial Village Shopping Center and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
