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See yourself in Sarasota.
Discover the ultimate beach vacation destination. -
Catch the energy of downtown Sarasota.
Steps from shopping and dining lies Sarasota's bay front - nestled in a thriving marina and expansive park. -
Sarasota offers the complete package
With America's best beach, arts & culture, attractions and more, Sarasota offers something for everyone.
Sarasota Events For the next 30 days
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Magnificent mainland
There's no need to stay on the beach to enjoy all that Sarasota has to offer. After all, no matter where you stay the beaches are only minutes away. The mainland is home to many of the attractions and activities that add depth and character to Sarasota vacations.
Off the islands, Sarasota is defined by a rich and varied arts scene that belies the size of the city. There's the famous John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, featuring an enormous selection of paintings -- including one of the biggest collections of Rubens in the world. There's the vibrant gallery scene showcasing Sarasota's talented local artists, as well as visiting collections from artists around the world. And we haven't even started on live performances.
Opera in the historic Sarasota Opera House. The Sarasota Ballet and Sarasota Orchestra. National touring shows in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. And three different theater companies all within a mile of each other.
But you don't have to stay inside to enjoy mainland Sarasota. Stroll through the park along downtown Sarasota's bayfront and be sure to take your picture with the 25-foot tall "Unconditional Surrender" sculpture depicting the famed kiss between sailor and nurse at the end of WWII. Or stop by Sarasota Jungle Gardens and come face-to-face with some of the mundane and exotic creatures that call Sarasota home.
For a more personal encounter with Florida's natural beauty, Sarasota has some of the most extensive public park lands in the state, including the incomparable Myakka State Park. Take a casual walk along one of the park's short trails to a towering wooden structure that takes you above the tree canopy for unobstructed views in all directions, then hop on an airboat for a guided tour of the river. If you're a committed outdoor enthusiast, Myakka also boasts miles of hiking trails dotted by primitive campsites.
Sarasota's natural beauty has also made it into an international golf destination, with dozens of courses in the area designed by some of the biggest names in the sport. If you'd rather be a spectator than a participant, head to Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training headquarters of the Baltimore Orioles and home to a minor league franchise.
As you travel across Sarasota you'll find historic neighborhoods that invite sightseeing, like the colorful old-Florida houses of downtown Sarasota's historic Towles Court art district. You'll also find areas of independent shops, restaurants and bars that make for an easy and exciting nighttime destination.
Accommodations on the mainland range from high-end resorts to cozy inns, with enough hotels to fill in the gaps depending on which of Sarasota's many beautiful locations you'd like to be near. It's almost enough to make you forget the beaches that lie just on the other side of Sarasota Bay.
Sarasota Articles
What's on the Menu in Sarasota: Coffee
There's a certain je ne sais quoi about a quaint little coffee shop--a homey place to sip a cappuccino, read a book, work your laptop or catch up with friends. If you have an insatiable craving for good coffee and a comfy sofa that even a 24-hour Starbucks can't quite...
Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival
When we think of the annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival, we may conjure up images of fast boats and family fun on gorgeous Lido Beach, but it's so much more. Throughout its quarter century run, the festival proceeds helped create over $14 million worth of...
Sarasota Ballet's Giselle
The Sarasota Ballet celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, during the 2010-2011 season. The season kicks off with a powerful start in its revival of Anne Frank. First premiered by the Sarasota Ballet in 2003, the performance is a tribute to Anne Frank and her...
Find your home away from home
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The Residence Inn completed a full renovation October 2011.
Morning begins with a breakfast of fresh fruits, homemade muffins, and a gourmet entree served on...
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Located in the heart of Sarasota, only minutes away from the beautiful Gulf beaches and all the area...
Located just off I-75 at Clark Road (Exit 205). This Days Inn hotel has won the Chairmans's Award...
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The Holiday Inn Express-Siesta Key is located 1 mile from the #1
Whether it's the cozy accommodations, the fresh baked cookies, the complimentary breakfast or the...
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The Homewood Suites by Hilton - Sarasota is located in the heart of Sarasota, FL within minutes of...
Hyatt Regency Sarasota now boasts a casually sophisticated "Florida chic" feel inspired by the...
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Sun n Fun is not only for the RV'er. We have small vacation homes for rent. Long-term or short-term....
The Comfort Inn is located within walking distance to the Ringling museum and New College. 1/4 mile...
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In-town resort, amidst attractions, theater district, golf and beaches.
A luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast offering championship golf, private beach-front...
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Luxury rental community featuring 1-, and 2-bedroom apartments. Pool, fitness center, lighted tennis...
All suite property offering 25% larger hotel rooms
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The Comfort Inn Sarasota @ I-75 is located just off I-75 at exit 205, Clark Road.
The AmericInn Hotel & Suites is conveniently located off of I-75 close to the beaches, museums,...
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Inspired service, intriguing design, invigorating atmosphere: Hotel Indigo is a trendy refreshing...
Introducing Hyatt Place, a new kind of hotel that puts style, innovation and The Hyatt Touch
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The Hampton Inn Sarasota is completely remodeled from top to bottom. Free hot deluxe breakfast,...
An urban boutique hotel in the heart of vibrant downtown Sarasota, within walking distance to shops,...
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Newly renovated!
Newly renovated, 100% smoke free, cozy hotel with free Wi-Fi and deluxe continental breakfast....
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Welcome to Charter One Hotels & Resorts! We manage and feature some of the finest hotels on...
The next best place to being on Siesta Key! Just 2 miles-Peaceful vacation villa rentals. Spacious,...
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Introducing the Hampton Inn and Suites Sarasota/Bradenton Airport, the first LEED (Leadership in...
What to see, what to do
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One-hour narrated tour aboard the "world's largest airboat" to see 'gators in the wild. The land...
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison's City Grille is a local favorite and is perfect...
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Come to the Sarasota Family YMCA's water park and Alpine Tower. Waterslides, cannons, concessions...
A taste for every pallet
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Broken Egg's newest location is
Daily selections of Florida's freshest seafood have earned this local favorite Florida Trend's...
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One of Sarasota's finest fresh seafood restaurants. No water-view, just great resort-style food at...
In-house catering options feature a large waterfront ballroom, an Italian Galleria, and multiple...
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Elegant indoor dining with a breezy, tropical outdoor patio, Mattison's Forty-One offers...
The Caragiulo brothers graciously share their passion for traditional Italian cooking, wines, and...
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Restaurant features dining Al Fresco under the blue skies of the solarium with remarkable cuisine...
Michael's On East Celebrating 25 years of delicious memories! Outstanding service, exceptional food,...
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Sarasota's only waterfront Tiki bar featuring appetizers, salads, and sandwiches
Owned and operated by the Seidensticker family that hails from the renowned Gasparilla Inn in Boca...
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An old tradition in a new setting since 1969. Troyer's Dutch Heritage serves traditional Amish...
Sarasota Magazine's "Best of the Best," Herald Tribune's "Best Steak House" and finalists in Florida...
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Located in a tropical waterfront setting, this family restaurant features multiple seafood choices...
Under the watchful eye of Chef de Cuisine Greg Howe, Vernona's seasonal menus feature the freshest...
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For over 50 yeas Morton's Market has maintained the trust and loyalty of generations of Sarasotans....
A waterfront location offering superior food and service along with an excellent view. Featuring...
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Cosimo’s Brick Oven, known for "seriously good Italian" cuisine, combines classic and new...
Currents restaurant, the new upscale dining venue at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, is now open and...
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More than a Buffalo-NY style wing joint, we offer a complete menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, &...
Fresh, Local Flavor! Dedicated group of more than 50 independently owned restaurants with a desire...
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Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison's City Grille is a local favorite and is perfect...
An intimate, casual dining experience serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Where guests can...
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Great food, spirits & fun-This neighborhood grill & sports connection is locally owned/operated...
Enjoy Darwin-style cuisine. Experience the result of a fascinating evolution of foods and cultures....
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A restaurant that is upscale casual and serving contemporary progressive cuisine. A place for more...
Award-winning, 1985-established restaurant in the heart of the downtown theater district. Great food...
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Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine. Enjoy...
Roessler's classic continental cuisine offers the best steaks in town and the freshest seafood...
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Original 50s drive-in. Outside seating, hotdogs, hamburgers and daily specials. Celebrating 50...
As Sarasota's original Amish restaurant, Yoder's prides itself in Amish home cooking made from...
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MoZaic restaurant on Main Street Featuring the exquisite Western Mediterranean cuisine of chef/owner...
