About Sarasota
Sarasota is a city in and the county seat of Sarasota County, Florida, United States. It is located in Southwest Florida on Sarasota Bay, a lagoon on the Gulf Coast. The population was 54,842 at the 2020 census. The two-county Sarasota metropolitan area has an estimated 935,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Florida and 61st-largest in the United States.
Places to visit in Sarasota
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The Ringling
Museum · 3 mi from centreThe estate of circus magnate John Ringling, with an art museum of Baroque masterpieces, a Venetian Gothic mansion, a circus museum and bayfront gardens. Allow most of a day.
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Siesta Key Beach
Beach · 4 mi from centreA wide beach on a barrier island known for its fine, powdery white quartz sand and calm Gulf waters, with a relaxed village nearby. Sunsets are a highlight.
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
ParkBayfront gardens specializing in epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads, with a tropical conservatory and shady paths beside mangroves. It is a short drive from downtown and makes a peaceful morning visit.
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St. Armands Circle
MarketA ring of shops, galleries and restaurants on St. Armands Key, a good stop on the way to Lido Beach for browsing and dining. Evening strolls are popular.
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Myakka River State Park
Nature · 15 mi from centreWetlands and prairies east of the city where alligators and birds are easy to spot, with a canopy walkway, airboat tours and hiking trails. Arrive early for wildlife.
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Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Zoo · 6 mi from centreAn aquarium connected to a working marine research center, with sharks, manatees, sea turtles and exhibits on ocean science. It sits on City Island near Lido Key and is a good choice on a rainy day.
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Lido Key
Beach · 3 mi from centreA barrier island with public beaches, calmer than Siesta and close to St. Armands Circle, plus nature trails and kayak routes through mangroves. Parking can fill early.
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Historic Spanish Point
Historic · 10 mi from centreA bayfront site in Osprey with prehistoric shell mounds, pioneer buildings and gardens, telling the story of thousands of years of human settlement. Walking trails link the sites.
Where to stay in Sarasota
Popular hotels in Sarasota, out of 161 properties you can book.
Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort
From $329 per night
Tropical Beach Resorts
From $183 per night
Comfort Suites Sarasota
From $217 per night
Ramada by Wyndham Sarasota Waterfront
From $153 per night
The Westin Sarasota
From $575 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Ellenton Bradenton Area
From $95 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Sarasota East I 75
From $201 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
From $550 per night
Courtyard Bradenton Sarasota/Riverfront
From $442 per night
Coral Pointe, An Ascend Collection Hotel
From $231 per night
Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound
From $256 per night
Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia
From $127 per night
Best time to visit Sarasota
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sarasota is February and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 70–76°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Sarasota weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 78° 59° 3%
- Thu 22 Oct 82° 65° 3%
- Fri 23 Oct 81° 63° 3%
- Sat 24 Oct 83° 65° 10%
- Sun 25 Oct 81° 70° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 83° 69° 5%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Sarasota
These are the airports closest to central Sarasota. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SRQ Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Sarasota
The city includes the mainland downtown as well as three islands, called "keys." These are Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. Causeways to all these keys are free and very picturesque. Downtown Sarasota is very vibrant with a healthy mix of businesses, residences, restaurants, and city services.
Sarasota travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sarasota?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sarasota is February and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 70–76°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Sarasota?
August is usually the warmest month in Sarasota, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 262 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Sarasota?
Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Sarasota.
What time zone is Sarasota in?
Sarasota uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Sarasota?
The city includes the mainland downtown as well as three islands, called "keys." These are Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. Causeways to all these keys are free and very picturesque. Downtown Sarasota is very vibrant with a healthy mix of businesses, residences, restaurants, and city services.
What are the best places to visit in Sarasota?
Top sights in Sarasota include The Ringling, Siesta Key Beach, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and St. Armands Circle. The estate of circus magnate John Ringling, with an art museum of Baroque masterpieces, a Venetian Gothic mansion, a circus museum and bayfront gardens. Allow most of a day.
Where should I stay in Sarasota?
Popular areas for hotels in Sarasota include Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice. Well-reviewed options include Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort and Tropical Beach Resorts.
How many hotels can I book in Sarasota?
Destina Holidays currently lists 161 properties in and around Sarasota, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
