Sarasota: Sublime on and Beyond the Beaches

From the indulgence of a powder white sand beach, to the escape of a kayak cutting through tropical mangroves, to the power of awe-inspiring works of art, Sarasota County, on Florida's Gulf Coast, offers an experience for every taste, every age, and every desire. Many visitors come to Sarasota County to experience the casual elegance of our thriving beach community. Others, drawn to Sarasota's reputation as Florida's “Cultural Coast,” revel in the abundant cultural amenities that grace the area and rival the offerings of much larger metropolitan areas. Whether you crave sandy sunsets or rousing encores, you will find a wealth of both -- merely minutes away from one another -- in Sarasota County on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Location                 

Sarasota and her string of eight islands are tucked into the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida, 60 miles south of Tampa and 75 north of Fort Myers. Sarasota and Her Islands includes Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Englewood, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey, and Venice.

Downtown Districts and Islands         

Siesta Key: Famous for its satiny white sand beaches, clear warm waters and authentic beach town feel, the barrier island of Siesta Key draws visitors from all over the world, year-round. A favorite place for flip-flop weddings and barefoot sunsets, Siesta Key enjoys its reputation as the place to rest and relax.

Longboat Key: Elite estate homes and luxury retreats dominate this gorgeous barrier island, which boasts some of the finest restaurants in the area, as well as The Longboat Key Club –an internationally recognized resort with world-class tennis facilities.

Lido Key/ St. Armands: An exquisite blend of luxury boutiques, delectable dining, and stunning beaches, this area truly exemplifies Sarasota's diversity. Only a quick stroll separates the shopping paradise of St. Armands Circle from the white sand oasis of Lido Key.

Downtown Sarasota: From the upscale and luxurious to the hip and trendy, downtown Sarasota buzzes with eclectic activity. A sidewalk seat on Main Street offers great people watching, especially during First Friday gallery walks. Many Sarasota natives find a bar stool under the Tiki hut at O'Leary's to make new friends and catch a sunset on the water.

Venice: Discover a little bit of peaceful Old Florida in Venice, where quaint shops line tree-lined streets, and sharks teeth abound! Nicknamed the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” Venice is a favorite destination for treasure hunters seeking to collect the prehistoric teeth that continually wash up on Venice's shores.

North Port: It is said that Ponce de Leon came to Florida in 1513 searching for the Fountain of Youth. While de Leon did sail into nearby Charlotte Harbor where he met natives who knew about this Fountain of Youth, he never found the original, now called Warm Mineral Springs. Northport's Warm Mineral Springs, with 9 million gallons of fresh water at a constant temperature of 87 degrees Fahrenheit attracts visitors from all over the world.

Englewood: Naturalists have many opportunities to enjoy the flora and fauna of the tidewater flats and mangrove islands in Englewood's Lemon Bay. Photographers, fishermen and boaters alike can enjoy the proximity of grazing manatees, playful dolphins or the colorful life of the birds. But Englewood is not only about the water that surrounds it, downtown Main Street is a quaint collection of art galleries, boutiques and antique shops all within an easy and relaxing stroll.

Arts and Culture

Sarasota boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to arts and culture amenities. From the performing arts to the visual arts, from classic to edgy, this community embraces its dynamic arts environment.

Eco-Adventures

Strolling through orchids, kayaking through mangroves, communing with wild birds or dolphins – Sarasota County visitors truly benefits from nature's bounty with a diverse array of outdoor escapes and eco-friendly experiences.

Sarasota's Circus Heritage

Thanks to the legacy of circus magnate John Ringling, Sarasota is known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” with many offerings designed to honor the past, present, and future of the circus.

Dining – A Foodie's Mecca

Known for its staggering array of independently-owned restaurants, Sarasota boasts one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida. Sarasota has become a true restaurant destination, whether you seek beach-inspired fresh seafood dishes or five-star gourmet fare.

Every summer, Sarasota hosts “Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week,” giving patrons the opportunity to taste Sarasota's diverse culinary excellence at a bargain price -- $29 for a multi-course dinner.  More than 30 area restaurants participate, from the elegant to the casual.

Visitor Information

For more information on discovering Sarasota County, call Visit Sarasota County at 800-522-9799 or visit www.visitsarasota.org or www.discovernaturalsarasota.com .

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LYNN HOBECK BATES

VISIT SARASOTA COUNTY

941.955.0991 ext. 103

LHOBECK@visitsarasota.org