Sarasota Guides
Local guides to Sarasota: things to do, beaches, and seasonal plans. No business can pay to be included.
Holiday Lights and Christmas in Sarasota
Where to see holiday lights around Sarasota in 2026, with parade dates, Lights in Bloom, Night of Lights on St. Armands, and a live list of holiday events.
New Year's Eve in Sarasota
Where to ring in the new year around Sarasota, from the downtown Pineapple Drop and bayfront fireworks to family-friendly early countdowns.
The Best Beaches Near Sarasota
Which Sarasota beach is right for your day: Siesta for the sand, Lido for easy access from St. Armands, South Lido for trails, Nokomis for families, and more.
Things to Do in Sarasota
The best things to do and places to go in Sarasota, from The Ringling and Siesta Beach to Selby Gardens, Mote, the Saturday market, and Myakka River.
The Best Restaurants in Sarasota
Where to eat in Sarasota, by the night you're having: Michelin-recognized spots, special occasions, the water, seafood, and the neighborhood places locals love.
Downtown Sarasota Restaurants
Where to eat in downtown Sarasota, from Main Street and Lemon Avenue to Burns Court and the Rosemary District, sorted by what kind of night it is.
Waterfront Restaurants in Sarasota
Where to eat on the water around Sarasota: bayfront downtown, Gulf views on Lido and Longboat Key, old Cortez, and sunset spots in Venice and Nokomis.
Best Brunch and Breakfast in Sarasota
Where to get brunch and breakfast around Sarasota: French bakeries, Siesta Key classics, Gulf Gate institutions, and weekend brunch downtown.
Date Night in Sarasota
Date night ideas in Sarasota: a speakeasy in Southside Village, bayfront dining, theater downtown, and a stroll after dinner. Pick a night and go.
New Restaurants in Sarasota
The new restaurants in Sarasota worth knowing about in 2026, from Alma de España and V&Co Pizzeria to Mimi's, Delany's, and El Greco.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Sarasota
Where to get great seafood around Sarasota: fish markets, oyster bars, old Cortez, and where to find stone crab in season.
Best Italian and Pizza in Sarasota
Where to get great pizza and Italian in Sarasota: a Michelin-recommended pizzeria, Neapolitan pies, Jersey-style slices, and romantic red-sauce rooms.
Happy Hour in Sarasota
Where to find happy hour around Sarasota, downtown, on the water, on Siesta Key, and in Venice. Deals change, so call ahead before you go.
Live Music in Sarasota
Where to hear live music around Sarasota, from a Rosemary District listening room and downtown bars to tiki bars, breweries, and this week's shows.
Sarasota Bars and Breweries
Where to get a drink around Sarasota: craft breweries from Lakewood Ranch to Venice, downtown cocktail rooms, a hidden speakeasy, and a proper Irish pub.
Best Coffee Shops in Sarasota
The best coffee shops around Sarasota, from Main Street espresso bars and Gulf Gate pour-overs to Pinecraft, Venice roasters, and places to sit a while.
Siesta Key: Where to Eat and What to Do
Plan a day on Siesta Key: the beach, parking, the free trolley, where to eat in the Village and the south end, kayaking the mangroves, and sunset.
St. Armands Circle: Restaurants, Shops, and Parking
A guide to St. Armands Circle in Sarasota: where to eat, what to shop, where to park, and how to pair it with Lido Beach just down the road.
Free Things to Do in Sarasota
The best free things to do in Sarasota: beaches with free parking, The Ringling's Monday galleries, nature preserves, The Bay, markets, and art.
Rainy Day Things to Do in Sarasota
What to do in Sarasota when it rains: museums, the new Mote SEA aquarium, theater, a bookstore, high tea, and coffee with adoptable cats.
Sarasota with Kids
The best things to do in Sarasota with kids: Mote SEA, Big Cat Habitat, Jungle Gardens, beaches with playgrounds, a historic BMX track, and a family farm.
Venice, Florida: Where to Eat and What to Do
A guide to Venice, Florida: shark teeth at Caspersen Beach, the fishing pier, the Legacy Trail, historic downtown on Venice Avenue, and where to eat.
Anna Maria Island: Where to Eat and What to Do
Plan a day on Anna Maria Island from Sarasota: the free trolley, Pine Avenue, the City Pier, Coquina and Manatee beaches, Bean Point, and where to eat.
Bradenton: Where to Eat and What to Do
A guide to Bradenton, Florida: the Riverwalk, Village of the Arts, the Bishop Museum, Robinson Preserve, and restaurants on the Manatee River.
Lakewood Ranch: Where to Eat and What to Do
A guide to Lakewood Ranch: restaurants on Main Street and at Waterside Place, the Sunday farmers market, Nathan Benderson Park, and where to get a drink.
Longboat Key: Where to Eat and What to Do
Where to eat on Longboat Key, from dockside dinners to a 45-year-old garden institution, plus Joan M. Durante Park and how to pair it with St. Armands.
New to Sarasota: A Neighbor's Starter Guide
Just moved to Sarasota? Where to find community, how to keep up with what's on, reliable local services, and how to get ready for hurricane season.
Visiting The Ringling
How to plan a visit to The Ringling in Sarasota: what's on campus, hours, free parking, Thursday evenings, picnics, and where to eat while you're there.
Visiting Mote SEA
How to plan a visit to Mote SEA, the aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park: where it is, hours, timed tickets, free parking, what to see, and accessibility.
Visiting Selby Gardens
How to plan a visit to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: the downtown campus, what's included, hours, Lights in Bloom, and the Historic Spanish Point campus.
Lido Beach: A Visitor's Guide
How to plan a day at Lido Beach in Sarasota: the three stretches of sand, parking, the pool, concessions, and how to pair it with St. Armands Circle.