Desoto Lakes Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Desoto Lakes
Popular places to visit
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.
Nathan Benderson Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Nathan Benderson Park, a lovely green space in Sarasota. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
You can spend time exploring the galleries in John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Things to do
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Great place to stay. Clean room and nice staff
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Front desk was very nice and the breakfast buffet was good. The only issue is that it is in the room to the side of the restaurant and they place the plates in the middle of the line so everyone is knocking in to each other. Placement of plates on either end would be more helpful and/or a sign for ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Awesome place to stay :)
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
The hotel is located quite near to the beach, great restaurants and local attractions. Parking at public beaches can be a challenge so the complimentary ride can be a great benefit. There is no in-room safe but a safety deposit box was available at the front desk. Continental breakfast was not great ...
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Great location on a beautiful beach. The pool was amazing, just the right temperature.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Very nice location. Great staff and facility. Close, convenient to attractions in area. Shuttle was a great option for when we didn't feel like walking. Beach was lovely! Beach umbrellas were pay to use. Ac in older rooms was loud. Would recommend a stay.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Desoto Lakes
The Meadows
The gardens and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit The Meadows. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Nathan Benderson Park and Mall at University Town Center are a few top sights nearby.
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.
Fruitville
Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Fruitville. Make a stop by Nathan Benderson Park while you're exploring.
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - 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.
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.
