South Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit South 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
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Top hotels in South Sarasota
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Great place to stay. Clean room and nice staff
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Front desk was very nice and the breakfast buffet was good. The only issue is that it is in the room to the side of the restaurant and they place the plates in the middle of the line so everyone is knocking in to each other. Placement of plates on either end would be more helpful and/or a sign for ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Awesome place to stay :)
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Our room smelled like mildew bad the pillows were terrible we asked for extras that also smelled like mildew. The representative was awesome and transferred us to a better room. It didn’t smell like mildew. however it was very loud and I couldn’t sleep would not stay here again and breakfast was ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Great location on a beautiful beach. The pool was amazing, just the right temperature.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Very nice location. Great staff and facility. Close, convenient to attractions in area. Shuttle was a great option for when we didn't feel like walking. Beach was lovely! Beach umbrellas were pay to use. Ac in older rooms was loud. Would recommend a stay.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Sarasota
Ridge Wood Heights
Ridge Wood Heights is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Siesta Key Beach or Lido Beach.
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.
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.
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.
Gulf Gate Estates
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Gulf Gate Estates. Make a stop by top sights like Gulf Gate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.
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.
