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.
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.
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.
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
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing 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
Great
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025
Aloft Sarasota
Clean , friendly staff , great location
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Kompose Boutique Hotel
This hotel was one for the books for my boyfriend and I. first saty here and we're already looking forward to our next stay. Location, staff, comfortability, safety, cleanliness and everything in-between was amazing!!
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025
Tropical Beach Resorts
Clean rooms, nice location, great beach access
Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
The pool was the perfect temperature and the bar staff was very nice.
Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025
Tropical Breeze Resort
Excellent staff and always a great place to stay when in Siesta Key!!!
Reviewed on 27 Oct 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 Sarasota Art Museum 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.
North Sarasota
While North Sarasota isn't home to many top sights, Ed Smith Stadium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
