On the Gulfcoast of Florida
Sarasota
:
Feb 22
66°F / 19°C
© Image: top10Sarasota
Visit Sarasota
Sarasota, famous for its award-winning white sand beaches is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Sarasota not only offers visitors an extensive coastline to explore but also charming shopping districts, art galleries, museums, and attractions.
Believe it or not, there is a myth that says the white quartz sand of Siesta Key holds magical healing powers and that Native Americans who settled here blessed the area to keep it safe from the elements.
Bucket List:
Shop & Stroll St. Armands Circle
Walk the Ringling Bridge
Visit the Farmers Market downtown on Saturdays
Make a picnic on the beach at sunset
Believe it or not, there is a myth that says the white quartz sand of Siesta Key holds magical healing powers and that Native Americans who settled here blessed the area to keep it safe from the elements.
Bucket List:
Shop & Stroll St. Armands Circle
Walk the Ringling Bridge
Visit the Farmers Market downtown on Saturdays
Make a picnic on the beach at sunset
Hotels & Resorts
Ritz Carlton
© Image: Ritz Carlton
Elegance never goes out of style, and neither does a Ritz Carlton Hotel. Ritz Carlton Sarasota is a luxury hotel in a class of its own according to the Forbes Travel Guide.
The resort includes not only the actual hotel in downtown Sarasota and the Bay but also a beach club right on the shore of Lido Key, where you can spend your day in the shade of the endless palm trees. All you'll be worrying about is your next pina colada and what treats you choose from the Beach Club menu. After sunbathing you can let yourself be pampered in the spa. A convenient hotel shuttle takes guests to the Ritz Beach Club on Lido Key. Golf lovers head to The Ritz Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio.
Ritz Carlton Sarasota
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 309-2000
Website
The resort includes not only the actual hotel in downtown Sarasota and the Bay but also a beach club right on the shore of Lido Key, where you can spend your day in the shade of the endless palm trees. All you'll be worrying about is your next pina colada and what treats you choose from the Beach Club menu. After sunbathing you can let yourself be pampered in the spa. A convenient hotel shuttle takes guests to the Ritz Beach Club on Lido Key. Golf lovers head to The Ritz Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio.
Ritz Carlton Sarasota
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 309-2000
Website
Longboat Key Beach Club
Nestled away along the southern end of Longboat Key where the beach is not just our backyard, it's our way of life.
Luxury accommodations coupled with personalized service and a full spectrum of world-class amenities make this Sarasota's most exclusive private club.
Explore the coast on kayaks or relax on the pristine beach. Play 45 holes of championship golf or hit the courts at the award-winning Tennis Gardens. Enjoy eight remarkable restaurants and lounges, unwind at the Spa, or get a workout at the fitness center. This resort has an unparalleled list of amenities and guest services in order to make your stay truly memorable.
Longboat Key Beach Club
301 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL, 34228
Phone: (941) 383-8821
Website
Luxury accommodations coupled with personalized service and a full spectrum of world-class amenities make this Sarasota's most exclusive private club.
Explore the coast on kayaks or relax on the pristine beach. Play 45 holes of championship golf or hit the courts at the award-winning Tennis Gardens. Enjoy eight remarkable restaurants and lounges, unwind at the Spa, or get a workout at the fitness center. This resort has an unparalleled list of amenities and guest services in order to make your stay truly memorable.
Longboat Key Beach Club
301 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL, 34228
Phone: (941) 383-8821
Website
Zota Beach Resort
Waking up to the sound of crashing waves, could there be anything more relaxing? Zota Beach Resort has everything you want in a beach retreat!
You have a restaurant with sunset views that you couldn't even imagine, a pool bar that gives you that ultimate vacation vibe, a beach that is right outside your door, and balconies that make you never want to see anything but the ocean ever again! Tip: Rent a pool cabana equipped with everything you need for a pool/beach day!
Zota Beach Resort
4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Phone: (941) 383-2451
Website
You have a restaurant with sunset views that you couldn't even imagine, a pool bar that gives you that ultimate vacation vibe, a beach that is right outside your door, and balconies that make you never want to see anything but the ocean ever again! Tip: Rent a pool cabana equipped with everything you need for a pool/beach day!
Zota Beach Resort
4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Phone: (941) 383-2451
Website
Stroll & Shop
Shopping in Sarasota might as well be Shopaholic Heaven! You can start by strolling through the adorable little boutiques of Downtown Sarasota, St Armands Circle, or Siesta Key Village.
Then keep your day of shopping going by checking out the University Town Center mall. With 130+ stores you'll find everything from designer boutiques to department stores. To wrap up your day you don't have to go far, UTC also offers amazing Restaurants and Bars!
Little insider tip: Save some time for the local farmer's market downtown every Saturday!
Then keep your day of shopping going by checking out the University Town Center mall. With 130+ stores you'll find everything from designer boutiques to department stores. To wrap up your day you don't have to go far, UTC also offers amazing Restaurants and Bars!
Little insider tip: Save some time for the local farmer's market downtown every Saturday!
Restaurants
Boca
Hip Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Downtown Sarasota
Our Tip: Get the staff meal, uniquely created every day!
This farm-to-table restaurant does not just serve you food, they serve you an experience. The entire menu is created from locally sourced ingredients. So close, in fact, that they have a lot of their produce growing directly next to your table. Enjoy amazing flavors, friendly staff, signature cocktails, and the company of a basil plant.
Boca
19 S Lemon Ave Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 256-3565
Website
Our Tip: Get the staff meal, uniquely created every day!
This farm-to-table restaurant does not just serve you food, they serve you an experience. The entire menu is created from locally sourced ingredients. So close, in fact, that they have a lot of their produce growing directly next to your table. Enjoy amazing flavors, friendly staff, signature cocktails, and the company of a basil plant.
Boca
19 S Lemon Ave Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 256-3565
Website
Sharky's & Fin
Enjoy great seafood, a colorful sunset, and the sound of live music at this beachfront restaurant in Venice.
Step off the dining deck and let your feet meet the sand. You can search for fossilized sharks' teeth or play volleyball on the sand courts right there on the beach.
Sharky's & Fin
1600 Harbor Drive S, Venice, FL 34285,
Phone: (941) 488-1456
Website
Step off the dining deck and let your feet meet the sand. You can search for fossilized sharks' teeth or play volleyball on the sand courts right there on the beach.
Sharky's & Fin
1600 Harbor Drive S, Venice, FL 34285,
Phone: (941) 488-1456
Website
Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurants
Margaritas, Avocado Salad, Quesadillas, ...
From the moment you step through the door at mi Pueblo, you will think you are in Mexico. All your senses will be aroused. The colors, the smell, and the sound will all transport you to a tiny Mexican village or pueblo here in Florida.
The scent of chilies, cilantro, and fresh made tortillas are in the air. The sounds of familiar canciones or songs fill the room.
If you feel adventurous try the Pollo con Mole, which is the perfect combination of chocolate and chile poured over a tender chicken quarter. For dessert you should try the irresistible cream cheese flan.
If you are interested in the more familiar dishes try the tacos, enchiladas, or steak prepared the way they prepare it in Mexico. Everything is prepared fresh and delivered to your table with Mexican hospitality.
From the moment you step through the door at mi Pueblo, you will think you are in Mexico. All your senses will be aroused. The colors, the smell, and the sound will all transport you to a tiny Mexican village or pueblo here in Florida.
The scent of chilies, cilantro, and fresh made tortillas are in the air. The sounds of familiar canciones or songs fill the room.
If you feel adventurous try the Pollo con Mole, which is the perfect combination of chocolate and chile poured over a tender chicken quarter. For dessert you should try the irresistible cream cheese flan.
If you are interested in the more familiar dishes try the tacos, enchiladas, or steak prepared the way they prepare it in Mexico. Everything is prepared fresh and delivered to your table with Mexican hospitality.
Shore Longboat Key
From your first sip of their signature cocktail to your last bite of our Key West shrimp and Scallop Risotto, the entire Shore experience is nothing short of a beach day makeover, with laughter, cool vibes, and delicious eats. Shore has two locations, one is located on St. Armands Circle, the other one on Longboat Key, directly on the Bay.
Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228,
Phone: (941) 259-4600
Website
Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228,
Phone: (941) 259-4600
Website
Bites & Drinks
99 Bottles
You will be happy to have found this hole in the wall, marked only by a blue neon number on a smoked glass door: 99. Experience craft beer, boutique wines, and extraordinary liquids of the finest kind, a rotating selection of craft beer from all over the world.
99 Bottles is what happens when someone who loves great beer lets his imagination run wild. A beer bar where “What if we put this on draft?” becomes “Why didn't we think of that sooner?” The place where world-class pilsners share a tap list with Rosé All Day and hazy IPAs. A world where kombucha has a tap and so does prosecco – whatever your taste, this is where you find your new favorite. Like Willy Wonka's factory meets an art gallery for beer lovers – and every exhibit is meant to be tasted!
99 Bottles
1445 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Phone: (941) 487-7874
Website
99 Bottles is what happens when someone who loves great beer lets his imagination run wild. A beer bar where “What if we put this on draft?” becomes “Why didn't we think of that sooner?” The place where world-class pilsners share a tap list with Rosé All Day and hazy IPAs. A world where kombucha has a tap and so does prosecco – whatever your taste, this is where you find your new favorite. Like Willy Wonka's factory meets an art gallery for beer lovers – and every exhibit is meant to be tasted!
99 Bottles
1445 2nd Street, Sarasota, FL, 34236
Phone: (941) 487-7874
Website
Food + Beer
FOOD+BEER serves American-style scratch-made bar food. It is a sports bar that serves a full menu until 1 am during the week and 2 am during the weekend.
Enjoy a wide selection of beers and cocktails while watching your favorite game on one of many big-screen TVs. On the weekend they serve brunch and on Sundays, you get to enjoy bottomless Mimosas. FOOD+BEER is a fun place for fun people!
Food + Beer
1525 4th St Unit B, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 444-1101
Website
Enjoy a wide selection of beers and cocktails while watching your favorite game on one of many big-screen TVs. On the weekend they serve brunch and on Sundays, you get to enjoy bottomless Mimosas. FOOD+BEER is a fun place for fun people!
Food + Beer
1525 4th St Unit B, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 444-1101
Website
Nightlife
Georgie's Bar
© Image: Lux Travel Buzz
If you are looking for a drink with a wow factor, look no further than Georgie's Bar.
Their shots are fire ... literally, they set their shots on fire. With unique cocktails and a live DJ that transforms the bar at night, this is the perfect spot to turn up your night.
Georgie's
229 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941) 952-5001
Website
Their shots are fire ... literally, they set their shots on fire. With unique cocktails and a live DJ that transforms the bar at night, this is the perfect spot to turn up your night.
Georgie's
229 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941) 952-5001
Website
Joyland
True country western bar with a huge dance floor and concert stage.
Live music 3+ nights per week with frequent country concerts. Take line dance lessons or just relax, listen to country music, and watch Line Dancing.
Joyland
8445 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941) 210-4110
Website
Live music 3+ nights per week with frequent country concerts. Take line dance lessons or just relax, listen to country music, and watch Line Dancing.
Joyland
8445 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941) 210-4110
Website
Pangea
Looking for a speakeasy? Pangea Alchemy Lab is a local hangout bar with a cool vibe.
You won't be able to find a front entrance on Main Street, it is hidden in the back alley! Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy some crazy handcrafted cocktails. Or have one of the award-winning mixologists create a spin on one of your classic favorites! Just like during prohibition, they serve some drinks like an Old Fashion in little medicine bottles. Our Lux Tip: Fruit loops cereal cocktail!
Pangea
1564 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 870-5555
Website
You won't be able to find a front entrance on Main Street, it is hidden in the back alley! Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy some crazy handcrafted cocktails. Or have one of the award-winning mixologists create a spin on one of your classic favorites! Just like during prohibition, they serve some drinks like an Old Fashion in little medicine bottles. Our Lux Tip: Fruit loops cereal cocktail!
Pangea
1564 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 870-5555
Website
Attractions
Did you know that Sarasota is also known as the Culture Coast of Florida?
That should come as no surprise as it is home to staples such as the Asolo Theater Company and The Florida West Coast Symphony. The Opera of Sarasota, and even the Sarasota Ballet Company. Talk about class!
That should come as no surprise as it is home to staples such as the Asolo Theater Company and The Florida West Coast Symphony. The Opera of Sarasota, and even the Sarasota Ballet Company. Talk about class!
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
© Image: Lux Travel Buzz
Have you ever met a manatee up close? Meet manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and otters at Mote Aquarium, located just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach.
You can explore touch pools, pet stingrays, hands-on exhibits, and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory. They often nurse wounded or sick sea creatures back to health.
Mote Marine
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 388-4441
Website
You can explore touch pools, pet stingrays, hands-on exhibits, and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory. They often nurse wounded or sick sea creatures back to health.
Mote Marine
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236,
Phone: (941) 388-4441
Website
Ringling Museum
Visit the Ringling Museum, the park, the Circus Museum, and Ca'd'Zan in an afternoon of art immersion.
Plan for several hours if you plan to explore the whole area. The Ringling Museum features an extraordinary collection of art through the centuries and temporary exhibitions. Take a stroll through the courtyard where classical sculptures line the paths. Continue your way to Ca'd'Zan, the residence of the circus king John Ringling which resembles a Venetian Gothic palazzo. on your way back make sure to stop at the circus museum showcasing the historic costumes, the posters, the props, and the wagons of the former Ringling Circus.
Ringling Museum
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941)359-5700
Website
Plan for several hours if you plan to explore the whole area. The Ringling Museum features an extraordinary collection of art through the centuries and temporary exhibitions. Take a stroll through the courtyard where classical sculptures line the paths. Continue your way to Ca'd'Zan, the residence of the circus king John Ringling which resembles a Venetian Gothic palazzo. on your way back make sure to stop at the circus museum showcasing the historic costumes, the posters, the props, and the wagons of the former Ringling Circus.
Ringling Museum
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243,
Phone: (941)359-5700
Website
Beaches
Siesta Key Beach
© Image: Lux Travel Buzz
Named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and also Number 1 beach in the USA, Siesta Key Beach is a must-see!
The white quartz sand and the turquoise blue water is a once in a lifetime experience! This 35-mile-long coast has multiple public accesses as well as the main beach. Take some time to soak up the sand, sun, and water before being blown away by the colors of the breathtaking sunsets.
The white quartz sand and the turquoise blue water is a once in a lifetime experience! This 35-mile-long coast has multiple public accesses as well as the main beach. Take some time to soak up the sand, sun, and water before being blown away by the colors of the breathtaking sunsets.
Lido Key Beach
Located on the Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key Beach is known for being a diverse beach.
Being divided up into North Lido, Lido Public Beach, and South Lido Park, on this beach you'll find everything from Luxury Resorts to Picnic and BBQ spots. It also has the added bonus of being a really popular stop for boaters because you can anchor off and enjoy the beach. Also, keep your eyes out for surfers on a windy day as Lido Key gets the best waves.
Being divided up into North Lido, Lido Public Beach, and South Lido Park, on this beach you'll find everything from Luxury Resorts to Picnic and BBQ spots. It also has the added bonus of being a really popular stop for boaters because you can anchor off and enjoy the beach. Also, keep your eyes out for surfers on a windy day as Lido Key gets the best waves.
Turtle Beach
At the end of Siesta Key, there is a little local beach known as Turtle Beach!
While the sand here is darker and coarse, it is well known as the spot where sea turtles dig their nests. While you won’t usually see the turtles, it is a great place to work on that seashell collection.
While the sand here is darker and coarse, it is well known as the spot where sea turtles dig their nests. While you won’t usually see the turtles, it is a great place to work on that seashell collection.
Adventures
Myakka State Park is one of the oldest and largest state parks and protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas and wildlife habitats.
It is home to a large number of alligators and many different species of birds. The park´s rivers and lakes can be used for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and meeting the gators up close. Lake tours are offered daily on a large airboat.
It is home to a large number of alligators and many different species of birds. The park´s rivers and lakes can be used for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and meeting the gators up close. Lake tours are offered daily on a large airboat.
Flyventure
© Image: Flyventure
Soar through the sky, the cool wind hitting your face, and all you hear is the humming of the Helicopter blades.
The Sarasota skyline looks so close you feel like you could touch it. Open-door flights offer an indescribable experience. The experienced pilots are sure to make you comfortable throughout your whole trip. Let's face it, anyone with an adventurous side would jump at the opportunity to fly through the sky in a helicopter!
Flyventure
Phone: (844) 359-4354
Website
The Sarasota skyline looks so close you feel like you could touch it. Open-door flights offer an indescribable experience. The experienced pilots are sure to make you comfortable throughout your whole trip. Let's face it, anyone with an adventurous side would jump at the opportunity to fly through the sky in a helicopter!
Flyventure
Phone: (844) 359-4354
Website
Drum Circle
Every Sunday at sunset drummers and dancers gather at Siesta Key Beach for an evening of music and dancing.
Dozens of people form a circle on the warm sand to play their drums. Feel this amazing energy right when the last rays of sunshine hit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This is an event you don't want to miss!
Drum Circle
948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242,
Phone: (941) 861-5000
Dozens of people form a circle on the warm sand to play their drums. Feel this amazing energy right when the last rays of sunshine hit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This is an event you don't want to miss!
Drum Circle
948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242,
Phone: (941) 861-5000
