Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Sarasota
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Lido Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Lido Beach, a popular beach in Sarasota. Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
St. Armands Circle
Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.
Mall at University Town Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall at University Town Center during your trip to Sarasota. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
See hungry sharks and delicate seahorses at this research aquarium that specializes in the sea life that flourishes on Florida’s central west coastline.
Activities
Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Our pick of the best Downtown Sarasota Hotel Deals
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Everyone was really friendly and helpful. It is a beautiful property. The rooms are nice and art everywhere is so cool. Only one improvement would be stronger coffee as it was super weak and bland but expensive!
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025
Aloft Sarasota
Excellent
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Beautiful hotel with well kept rooms. Immaculate pool and hot tub area with ping pong, fire, and other activities. Great breakfast, friendly staff. WELL worth your money.
Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025
Tropical Beach Resorts
Courteous staff. Nice room, short stroll to beach for sunset.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Nice
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Carlisle Inn
Room was very clean and the food from the restaurant was excellent.
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Sarasota hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Sarasota
Central Sarasota
Gardens, art galleries and theatres highlight some of the noteworthy features of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sarasota Art Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit Lido Beach and South Lido Park.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Art Museum and Lido Beach.
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.
North Sarasota
While North Sarasota isn't home to many top sights, Ed Smith Stadium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
