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
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Lobby and restaurant area were inviting; staff was personable. Breakfast was well stocked with a good variety of options. Parking lot seemed well lit. Very close to airport which was a bit of a downside.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Unfortunately, my husband and I were unable to use the pool or Tiki bar as it they were reserved for a Private Party (wedding). I booked the Golden Host because of the pool and Florida's oldest Tiki bar. If the hotel had told me either when booking or at least at Check-in, I would have been able ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Excellent
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
An incredibly friendly staff. The room was clean and the bathroom large. The bed and pillows were so comfortable - top of the line. Free breakfast was good. The location was great, just over the bridge from the island, overlooking the Anna Maria Sound. We watched a beautiful sunset from the harbor ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
Beautiful place. Check out is at 10 - a bit early. I asked to stay a couple hours in the parking spot so we could go to the beach. It was affirmative and we left 2 hours later, which is the time that was relayed. Then I was charged $11.25. That was not relayed that there would be a charge.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
The hotel was not a hotel but a motel... they only had bagels for breakfast there was no hot food. The rooms were very small VERY small. The room was clean but the tub was stained and could use an update... This was just a 3 night get away for us but i would of been a little upset if we'd of stayed ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 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.
Pinecraft
While there might not be top attractions in Pinecraft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bobby Jones Golf Complex and Ed Smith Stadium.
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.
