Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Downtown Sarasota
Popular places to visit
Sarasota Opera House
Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.
Florida Studio Theatre
You can get tickets for a performance at Florida Studio Theatre during your stay in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in the area.
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.
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
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Experience Parasailing in Sarasota
Signature Service at the Spa- Refreshment Bar, Access to Serenity Lounge
Top hotels in Downtown Sarasota
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Staff was wonderful!
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Great experience
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
The staff here is excellent and extremely attentive.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Grounds and beach access were top notch. Room was fine but a bit tight on space. It was clean and had kitchen utensils and necessities. I would come again and also recommend.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Location was great, staff so positive
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Top notch
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Check Downtown Sarasota hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown 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.
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.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
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.
Saint Armands Key
Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Pinecraft
While there might not be top attractions in Pinecraft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ed Smith Stadium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
