Sarasota

Find more than 40 miles of beaches along Florida’s southwestern coast in Sarasota, also one of the state’s cultural centers. South of the Tampa Bay area and north of Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, Sarasota also includes several keys, including the popular Siesta and Longboat keys. Diverse dining, arts and culture, shopping and so much more await visitors to Sarasota.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is the closest major airport to Sarasota proper. Rental car counters can be found in the baggage claim area; rideshares, taxis and bus services are also on offer. On-demand sedans, luxury vehicles and SUVs are provided, at the west end outside of baggage claim, through ALD Limo. Travelers can also opt to fly into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport, depending on their Florida itinerary. Throughout Sarasota travelers can drive or use taxis, rideshares or bus service.

LODGING

Resort at Longboat Key Club

Located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, this AAA Four-Diamond resort enjoys prime real estate on 410 acres of lawn and beachfront with old Florida boardwalk. Enjoy 226 luxury accommodations as well as five restaurants and lounges, golf, tennis and more.

220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228, tel 941 383 8821 longboatkeyclub.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Describing Sarasota as both an urban destination and a coastal retreat, The Ritz-Carlton embodies both energies in its luxury hotel. Perfect for events with 60,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space, there’s also a spa, golf and the Beach Club on Lido Key.

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236, tel 941 309 2000 ritzcarlton.com

Westin Sarasota

Enjoying poolside cocktails at the rooftop bar will be just one highlight of a stay at Westin Sarasota. In addition to the top-of-the-line guestrooms and amenities and a signature restaurant serving healthy comfort food, the hotel is also positioned minutes from top attractions.

100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236, tel 941 217 4777 marriott.com

Cultural Collection:

The John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art

PHOTO: © LISA MCKOWN | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

Made

Made stands for Modern. American. Delicious. Eats. Located in downtown Sarasota, the eatery is dedicated to supporting local farms, growers and ranchers and crafting modern American comfort food for brunch, lunch and dinner.

1990 Main St., #112, Sarasota, FL 34236, tel 941 953 2900 maderestaurant.com

Michael’s on East

Since 1987 Michael’s on East has become not only a Sarasota icon but one of the nation’s most awarded restaurants. The 1940s supper club atmosphere includes live entertainment nightly and a service philosophy of “each guest should be treated the way they expect to be treated.”

1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, FL 34239, tel 941 366 0007 bestfood.com

Owen’s Fish Camp

Bringing in the bay’s local fish every day, Owen’s Fish Camp is an homage to old Florida living, from the banyan tree in the front to the rope swing in the back. Southern classics, craft beer and wine complement the delicious seafood.

516 Burns Court #7030, Sarasota, FL 34236, tel 941 951 6936 owensfishcamp.com ATTRACTIONS

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Sarasota. Longboat Key offers 12 miles of shoreline. Brohard Paw Park is the only dog beach. Four beaches can be found on Manasota Key, while Casey Key was designed with visitors in mind. And those are just some of the sandy options.

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

This museum began out of the circus impresario’s and his wife’s love of art, Italy and Sarasota. Ringling traveled the world and collected art, eventually housing his collection in a museum. Today, the museum is noted as one of the world’s preeminent art and cultural collections.

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243, tel 941 359 5700 ringling.org

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

“Science is the attraction” at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The research spans from sharks to human cancer and, along with education, remains the focus. At the aquarium visitors can discover more about both our oceans and the scientists working to understand them.

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, tel 941 388 4441 mote.org