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.
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.
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.
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
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Clean room, fun hotel, boutique style, close enough to airport to walk with suitcases. Great lounge, coffee, and cafe.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Rooms still reeked of cigarette smoke, even though they are 100% against it. Whatever place this was before them clearly allowed smoking in the rooms. You know how putrid that can be, once a room is smoked in, it'll never be the same. Room keys unprogrammed themselves every morning so we had to go ...
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Loved the hotel, pool, staff and location
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Room was clean and neat. Amenities were more than enough. Close to 2 pools both clean and spacious. Private beach is wonderful easy access. Overall everyone and thing was spectacular!!
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Great hotel, location, and experience! Hot tub and pool were relaxing. Hotel is close to everything.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Lido Beach Resort
I stayed in the motel section, as it was the only room available and it was very clean and nice modern elevated style. The Drift Kotchen and bar is beautiful with great views. The service was very good all around.
Reviewed on 8 May 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.
