Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide

Sarasota

A wooden pier extending into a body of water with a cloudy sky above.
A large indoor auditorium with tiered seating, a stage, and a balcony.
A theater marquee advertising a children's play, outdoor seating, palm trees, and a brick pathway.
A theater with a sign reading "Florida Studio Theatre" and a smaller sign for "Wednesday's Child Now Playing".
A multi-level atrium with arched ceilings, wooden columns, and a glass skylight.

Stay near popular Downtown Sarasota attractions

A two-story building with a balcony, arched windows, and a sign that reads "Open".

Sarasota Opera House

8.4/10 (164 reviews)
Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.
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Things to do

Lido Key: Self-Guided Paddleboard Rental

Lido Key: Self-Guided Paddleboard Rental

฿1,404
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

฿1,935
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Taking in the views of another epic Siesta Key sunset!

Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour

฿2,343
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

฿4,781
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

฿2,132
per adult
86% 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

฿1,935
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
See all activities in Sarasota

Top hotels in Downtown Sarasota

Aloft by Marriott Sarasota

Aloft by Marriott Sarasota

3.5 out of 5
1401 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota FL
The price is ฿4,476 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
฿4,476
฿5,058 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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! (1,000 reviews)
"patient staff helped resolve my checkin mishap"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2026

Aloft by Marriott Sarasota
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1255 North Palm Avenue Sarasota FL
The price is ฿5,582 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
฿5,582
฿7,365 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
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 ...
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
The price is ฿1,269 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
฿1,269
฿2,145 total
6 Oct - 7 Oct
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 breakfast and the ...
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

4 out of 5
12324 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton FL
The price is ฿4,202 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
฿4,202
฿5,684 total
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bradenton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is ฿4,476 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
฿4,476
฿5,919 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (5,916 reviews)
"Amazing resort,"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive Sarasota FL
The price is ฿4,758 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
฿4,758
฿6,200 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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
See all 15,201 properties in Downtown 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 Downtown Sarasota

Find the best Downtown 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 theater with a sign reading "Florida Studio Theatre" and a smaller sign for "Wednesday's Child Now Playing".

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.

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 Sarasota Square.

A sunset over a calm bay with a bridge and boats.

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.

Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide