The Lakes Travel Guide
Sarasota
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 The Lakes
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
The bathroom shower funnels all over the floor. Towels were laid out all over the floor to prevent slipping.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Everything was amazing even the breakfast buffet!
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
great place!
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
BEWARE! The pictures you see of the beach are not what you get. We were there for four days and two of them, the seaweed was a foot high, hot and smelly and went into the water so you couldn’t just step over it. I told the front desk, they said I was the first person to mention it (I find that VERY ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Clean hotel, great customer service. Easy check in process. I did see little roaches in my room. Other than that very clean.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
Fabulous!
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around The Lakes
Sarasota Springs
The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travellers visit Sarasota Springs. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Ed Smith Stadium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a few top sights 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.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach.
Bee Ridge
Notable for its beaches, restaurants and shopping, Bee Ridge is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Sarasota. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.
South Gate Ridge
South Gate Ridge is well liked for its churches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack.
