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
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Staff was very welcoming, we only stayed one night. The rooms can use some new paint on the walls and cleaner bathrooms but I liked the room it is very vintage and I also liked the soundproofing cause the hotel was packed with guests and usually you can hear everyone going and coming out the rooms ...
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Very modern place. If you like that kind of thing, breakfast was great wasn't always people at the desk, but they were for the most part pretty friendly.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
The property was in an excellent location. It was clean and had a nice, large pool. Breakfast was definitely beyond the normal continental breakfast provided by typical hotels. We’d definitely stay here again.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
FYI, this is a motel, doors open to the outside. There is no soundproofing between rooms. There was a large group with kids next door that was playing loud music most of the evening. At 11pm we could hear a noise, possibly a door closing, every minute or two that kept us from falling asleep.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
It was so mid
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
Everything was great
Reviewed on 6 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.
Bayou Oaks
While there might not be top attractions in Bayou Oaks, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Jungle Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
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.
