Central Sarasota Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Sarasota
Popular places to visit
Marina Jack
Explore the waterfront of Marina Jack and enjoy other activities such as boating in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
See a diverse range of exciting musical, dance and comedy shows at this architectural landmark inspired by the jagged shape of seashells.
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.
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum is just one of the places to see in Sarasota, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in the area.
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.
Activities
Mangroves, Manatees & a Hidden Beach Kayak Tour (Siesta Key)
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
1.5-Hour LED Illuminated Clear Kayak Night Adventure Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Our pick of the best Central Sarasota Hotel Deals
The Westin Sarasota
Great food and the roof top bar is great!
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Professional, friendly and knowledgeable staff. I was impressed to see many of the same staff from my visit four years ago, including vallet, Bellman, food service, and concierge. This says that the Ritz Carlton treats their employees well and in turn their customer service is top notch.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
voco Sarasota by IHG
The hotel was clean and staff were accommodating. I would book again.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Excellent hotel with everything a business traveller needs. Oz's breakfast omelettes were delicious.
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
This hotel is so cute! Everyone was so friendly. Well styled clean rooms, and the shower water pressure was amazing.
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Aloft Sarasota
Every thing was very nice!
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
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 Lido Beach and South Lido Park.
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.
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.
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.
