Sarasota
Get a Feel for Sarasota
Find the best place to go on vacation to the beach. In 2011, Dr. Beach called Siesta Key the best beach in the United States. Its fine, white quartz sand and clear blue water are reason enough to visit Sarasota County on the southwest coast of Florida. But Sarasota County is full of more than just sand, surf, and sun. It’s also full of museums, art galleries, performing arts places, shops, and great restaurants. This beach getaway is also one of the best places to see art in Florida.
People can walk around St. Armand’s Circle or look in unique specialty shops in charming Venice to find expensive clothes and unique gifts. You can do a lot of big-box shopping at malls and stores.
While you’re on the “Circle,” you can eat fresh local fish outside at one of Sarasota’s independent restaurants, or you can take a boat to one of the Keys and eat at Ophelia’s on the Bay. For a laid-back nightlife, check out famous places in the area like Blue Rooster and Siesta Key Oyster Bar, which both have live music.
Take in a show at one of Florida’s performing arts places, such as the Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, Asolo Rep Theatre, or the Sarasota Ballet. The area is called Florida’s Cultural Coast. People who like art can also enjoy it in city galleries.
Another famous thing about Sarasota County is that it used to be where the Ringling Bros. Circus spent the winter. You can see live circus shows at Circus Sarasota and Sailor Circus in February. You can also visit The Ringling Circus Museum.
Plan your trip to coincide with one of Sarasota County’s well-known events. In February, Sarasota has the Greek Glendi, a cultural event. In April, the Sarasota Film Festival shows alternative films. The Sarasota Chalk Festival and the Crystal Classic sand-sculpting competition in November are two events you shouldn’t miss.
With all the things going on, don’t forget to take a break and look for old shark teeth on Venice Beach. You can rent bikes and ride down the Sarasota County Legacy Trail, or you can take a canopy walk through Myakka River State Park to see more. You can either bring your fishing tools or rent some.
Attractions in Sarasota County are very different. At Mote Aquarium, you can see manatees and other sea creatures. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, you can see beautiful flowers. At Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, you can see saved exotic animals. Last but not least, check out the farmers’ markets or U-pick farms in the area.
Leisure sports include both traditional ones like golf and tennis and more extreme ones like stand-up paddleboarding and ropes courses. There are lots of options for people who want to add some exercise to their vacation.
To add to the honors, the World Rowing Championships will be held in Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County in 2017. It is the first U.S. location to host the event since 1994 and is the only course in North America that is allowed by the International Rowing Federation.
Sarasota County is a great place to go for romance, business, family fun, and exploring. It has a wide range of accommodations, from seaside bungalows to high-end resorts, and there are special events all year long.