Discover Sarasota
Local picks for the best beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants, and events on the Suncoast.
Your local guide to Sarasota, Florida
LOCAL Sarasota is an independent guide to Florida's Cultural Coast — a bayfront city of white-sand beaches, circus history, opera, theater and Gulf sunsets. Dig your toes into Siesta Key, tour the Ringling and Ca' d'Zan, browse St. Armands Circle, and explore neighborhoods from Downtown and the Rosemary District to Lido and Longboat Key.
Only in Sarasota
Sunsets, sand & the bay
From the Saturday farmers market to a Siesta Key sunset drum circle, here's how locals spend a perfect Saturday.
Explore things to doChoose Your Path
However you're experiencing Sarasota
Tap a card for local recommendations.
For Visitors
Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park and must-see spots.
For Locals
Neighborhood picks, hidden gems and where to spend Sundays.
For Families
Kid-friendly parks, museums and family dinner spots.
For Movers
Neighborhoods and what it's actually like to live here.
Things to Do & See
Iconic spots, curated for you
The essentials to hit in Sarasota.
BeachesSiesta Key Beach
Powder-soft quartz sand that stays cool underfoot, often ranked the best beach in America.
ArtsThe Ringling
John and Mable Ringling's estate: a world-class art museum, the Circus Museum and gardens on the bay.
HistoryCa' d'Zan
The Ringlings' 1926 Venetian Gothic mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay.
NatureMarie Selby Botanical Gardens
Orchids, bromeliads and bayfront banyans on a downtown peninsula.
Neighborhoods
Find your corner of Sarasota
Six distinct neighborhoods — from barefoot Siesta Key to bayfront Downtown.
Downtown
Bayfront · Arts
Main Street, the Bayfront Park marina, the Van Wezel and the Saturday farmers market.
Siesta Key
Beach · Laid-back
Siesta Village bars, Crescent Beach snorkeling and that famous white sand.
St. Armands & Lido
Shopping · Gulf
The circle's boutiques and cafés, steps from Lido Beach.
Rosemary District
Creative · Foodie
Galleries, new restaurants and the Sarasota Art Museum nearby.
Southside Village
Walkable · Local
Neighborhood restaurants and shops near Sarasota Memorial.
Longboat Key
Quiet · Upscale
Gulf-front resorts, golf and calm beaches on a long barrier island.
Cuban roots, and so much more
Fresh Gulf grouper, stone crab, Amish pies and Spanish-Cuban classics on St. Armands.
- Columbia RestaurantThe St. Armands outpost of Florida's oldest restaurant, serving Spanish-Cuban classics since 1959.
- Owen's Fish CampSouthern seafood and a backyard bar in a 1920s cottage in Burns Court.
- Yoder's RestaurantAmish comfort food and legendary pies in Pinecraft.
- The Old Salty DogFish and chips with a view on City Island and Siesta Key.
- Clasico Italian ChophouseHandmade pasta and people-watching on Main Street.
Shopping
Where locals actually shop
From converted landmarks to indie strips.
St. Armands Circle
More than 130 boutiques, galleries and cafés around a landscaped circle.
Downtown Main Street
Local shops, bookstores and the Saturday Sarasota Farmers Market.
Siesta Village
Beachwear, souvenirs and island gifts a block from the sand.
Always something happening in Sarasota
Gasparilla, the Florida State Fair, Lightning hockey and riverfront festivals all year.
See the calendar- SpringSarasota Film FestivalDowntown venues
- NovemberSiesta Key Crystal ClassicSiesta Beach
- Every SaturdaySarasota Farmers MarketLemon Avenue
- MonthlyRingling UndergroundThe Ringling