Welcome to Sarasota
Discover the timeless beauty of "Florida's cultural coast"
Sarasota's beautiful, even-keeled Gulf Coast waters provide limitless ocean views for those seeking a more grounded Florida lifestyle than its Atlantic Coast counterparts. All along Sarasota's extended Gulf coastline are first-class dining and cultural establishments — and its artistic and historical presence puts Sarasota in a class of its own, even compared to St. Petersburg and Tampa. With perfect weather, even-tempered waters, and depthless natural wonder, Sarasota is also home to some of the west Florida coast's most magnificent natural amenities as well.
What to Love
- Luxury dining and upscale designer shopping
- Multi-faceted cultural and historical significance
- Superb outdoor recreation and gathering areas
- Year-round average temperature of 75°
Local Lifestyle
Sarasota's impressive and wide coastal footprint is so replete with the finest natural and metropolitan amenities that it's no wonder it lends esteemed credence to the cultural accolades of the entire state. With many nationally significant museums and outdoor landmarks, perhaps what's most impressive is how easy and natural Sarasota's luxury lifestyle truly is. At the same time, its vast coastal and island territory ensures locals have no shortage of life-affirming natural wonder, where one's imagination can find all the muse needed to bolster even the most artistic sensibilities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Even Sarasota's restaurant scene is a veritable work of art, with innumerable fine dining options available throughout the coastline and offshore island resorts.
At
Roessler's Restaurant, it's hard to decide whether their beautiful garden setting or exquisitely prepared Continental dishes are what create the dining experience of a lifetime. Having earned multiple Wine Spectator awards as well, it all makes for a truly remarkable dining experience. Wine lovers should also keep
The Bijou Café in their date book, which claims to serve the highest number of South American wines in the state — and their cajun-inspired seafood cuisine is simply outstanding.
For a completely unforgettable occasion, take a boat to Longboat Key and treat yourselves to impeccable international dining at
Euphemia Haye Restaurant. With its deeply cheerful but sense-enlivening ambiance, it's clear to see why the idyllic cottage restaurant was voted one of the Top 200 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.
Sarasota is also home to a multitude of designer shopping amenities. You'll no doubt find numerous high-end shops to sate even the most refined tastes at
Saint Armands Circle, an island shopping center on the St. Armands Key.
Things to Do
Enjoy a tranquil coastal walk at the
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where you'll enjoy their professionally designed display of beautiful tropical plants, inspired water features, and majestic old-growth trees. The site also hosts local events, and the setting takes a dramatic shift when its artful light features illuminate the evening.
Nowhere else are Sarasota's cultural accolades more prevalent than at the
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Named the state art museum of Florida, visitors are treated to over 30 separate galleries in a sprawling, Romanesque estate that is itself worth slowly taking in.
At the core of the coastal mainland, nature lovers will be enraptured by
Myakka River State Park, where tall suspended walkways provide impressive views of the untouched marshlands.
For a more heart-racing outdoor experience, families and fitness enthusiasts will love the fun and unique challenges in store at
TreeUmph! Adventure Course. There, adventure seekers experience an unforgettable day, challenging limits and traversing painstakingly-designed obstacle courses in a wooded expanse. It's clear to see, no matter what heart rate you prefer, Sarasota has everything needed for a deeply fulfilling lifestyle throughout the Gulf-side paradise.
