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
Was a nice clean room for the price.Close to everything and great staff. Pool excellent.would stay stay again.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
It just simply beautiful and amazing loved it I wanna live there haha
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Beautiful rooms and property
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
This resort is beautiful. The rooms are very cute and clean and updated. The beach is only a minute walk away and the sand and water is incredible. Cannot beat the location! They also have a new pool that is just awesome! Built by the famous Insane Pools! The staff are all very friendly and for our ...
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Overall great stay...from breakfast in the am to the pool bar in the late afternoon...staff very friendly and accommodating. We definitely will be back again.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
Only complaint I have is our room didn’t have a microwave the property is beautiful and staff is very friendly. You have to upgrade to a deluxe room in order to get a microwave. It’s truly is a great property!
Reviewed on 5 May 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? Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack 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.
