Central Sarasota Travel Guide

Sarasota

A theater with a sign reading "Florida Studio Theatre" and a smaller sign for "Wednesday's Child Now Playing".
A modern building with a purple facade and a large white dome structure.
A coastal cityscape with a marina, sailboats, and high-rise buildings.
A waterfront with palm trees, a dock, and a clear blue sky.
A street with a building labeled "The Step Up" and a parked black car.

Stay near popular Central Sarasota attractions

A sign for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

9.0/10 (533 reviews)
See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.
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Things to do

Lido Key: Self-Guided Paddleboard Rental

Lido Key: Self-Guided Paddleboard Rental

฿1,444
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lido Key: Self-Guided Paddleboard Rental
Mangroves, Manatees & a Hidden Beach Kayak Tour

Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour

฿1,991
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
The Micewicz’s

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

฿4,919
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

฿2,193
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

฿1,991
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

฿2,193
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
See all activities in Sarasota

Top hotels in Central Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive Sarasota FL
The price is ฿7,058 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
฿7,058
฿8,815 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
The Westin Sarasota
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

5 out of 5
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr Sarasota FL
The price is ฿17,195 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
฿17,195
฿21,625 total
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,019 reviews)
"Very well maintained property. Staff very kind and professional. Our room was spacious and well appointed . The beds were somewhat comfortable , they need better pillows. Also, they need more dining options. Overall, nice property."

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2026

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Aloft by Marriott Sarasota

Aloft by Marriott Sarasota

3.5 out of 5
1401 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota FL
The price is ฿5,298 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
฿5,298
฿5,986 total
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2026

Aloft by Marriott Sarasota
voco Sarasota by IHG

voco Sarasota by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1223 Boulevard Of The Arts Sarasota FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,138 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
฿5,138
฿6,718 total
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
voco Sarasota by IHG
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota FL
The price is ฿5,511 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
฿5,511
฿7,173 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,789 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1255 North Palm Avenue Sarasota FL
The price is ฿5,115 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
฿5,115
฿6,851 total
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Not worth the price overpriced"

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2026

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
See all 15,549 properties in Central Sarasota
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Central Sarasota

Find the best Central Sarasota areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A beach lifeguard tower with a flag, a rescue sign, and people walking on the sand.

Lido Key

Traverse a winding woodland path and spend the afternoon on this island’s secluded beaches before ending at a beachside bar to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

A cityscape with a mix of modern and historic buildings, palm trees, and a cloudy sky.

South Sarasota

Though South Sarasota may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Siesta Key Beach and The Landings.

A large metallic sculpture in a public square with a brick-paved walkway, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Downtown Sarasota

While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.

A river with a fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, with buildings in the background.

Palmer Ranch

While there might not be top attractions in Palmer Ranch, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club and Turtle Beach.

A coastal cityscape at dusk with illuminated buildings, a bridge, and a marina.

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.

Central Sarasota Travel Guide