Central Sarasota Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Sarasota
Popular places to visit
Marina Jack
Explore the waterfront of Marina Jack and enjoy other activities such as boating in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
See a diverse range of exciting musical, dance and comedy shows at this architectural landmark inspired by the jagged shape of seashells.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.
Sarasota Opera House
Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum is just one of the places to see in Sarasota, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in the area.
Florida Studio Theatre
You can get tickets for a performance at Florida Studio Theatre during your stay in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in the area.
Activities
Mangroves, Manatees & a Hidden Beach Kayak Tour (Siesta Key)
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen?
Our pick of the best Central Sarasota Hotel Deals
The Westin Sarasota
Helpful staff; room was very humid and smelled a bit.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
voco Sarasota by IHG
If you’re looking to rest, this is not the hotel for you. Lots of banging that started extremely early in the morning and continued through out the day, ending around 11pm. The housekeeping team hung out on the floor starting at 7am, talking loudly, finishing mid afternoon. Bring your own multiplugs ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Valet parking staff was extremely accomodating. Loved the ocean club. Bar was wonderful. Beach was great. Amenities were fantastic. Room was somewhat dated but very clean.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
The heated pool was quite pleasant. The exercise room was clean and had good equipment. However, the rooms themselves were problematic as the HVAC was very noisy and disruptive to sleep. The shower did not drain well and there was a large puddle, as if it was not installed level. The party and catering ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Room floor was dirty, after wiping up a spill of water in the main guest room, the towel I used to wipe up the water was pretty appalling. Grout in the bathroom was pretty dingy, disappointing for a $500/night room. We called to request additional coffee and toilet paper for the next morning and ...
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
I didn't stay in the hotel for too long but it's a great place great customer service clean totally totally recommended
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
While visiting Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Jungle Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Saint Armands Key
Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach.
