Lake Sarasota Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Lido Beach

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.

Lido Beach
Mall at University Town Center

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.

Mall at University Town Center
St. Armands Circle which includes a statue or sculpture

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.

St. Armands Circle
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

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.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

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.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design

Explore the campus of Ringling College of Art and Design during your visit to Sarasota. In the area, take in the fascinating museums and beautiful sunsets.

Ringling College of Art and Design

Activities

Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour

Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour

AU$84
per adult
Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour
Picture 4 for Activity Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour

Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour

AU$84
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

AU$99
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

AU$90
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Afternoon Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

AU$146
per adult
Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico
Ghost Tour in Palmetto, Florida

Palmetto: Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours

AU$61
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Palmetto: Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours
See all activities in Sarasota

Our pick of the best Lake Sarasota Hotel Deals

Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,203 reviews)
"I spent 2 nights here with my best friend for a birthday getaway and it exceeded our expectations. Every aspect of our stay was a 10 +! The front desk & housekeeping were all smiles at every interaction! Would most definitely recommend and I would stay there again if I am back in the area."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle, Siesta Key, FL
The price is AU$278 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$278
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,819 reviews)
"The property was maintened inside and outside. Grounds were well kept. Close to beach. Walking distance to restaurants was ideal."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Tropical Beach Resorts
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
Fully refundable
The price is AU$304 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$304
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,049 reviews)
"Yummy food comfortable bedding fridge staff wonderful house keeping"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

The Westin Sarasota
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$294 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$294
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,552 reviews)
"I stay in this hotel frequently... Great location, views and amenities!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway

3 out of 5
6600 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
The price is AU$177 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$177
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,493 reviews)
"The hotel is very nice. It's near a plaza with shops and small restaurants. The room was very clean and comfortable. The breakfast could have been a little better. I mean, scrambled eggs instead of boiled eggs. Other than that, it was okay."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

5 out of 5
1601 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL
The price is AU$1,316 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$1,316
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Longboat Key. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and a private beach. Popular attractions Lido Beach and St. Armands ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
See all 10,575 properties in Lake Sarasota
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lake Sarasota

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Bee Ridge

Notable for its beaches, restaurants and shopping, Bee Ridge is a sought-after destination for many travellers visiting Sarasota. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.

Bee Ridge
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Sarasota Springs

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travellers visit Sarasota Springs. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Ed Smith Stadium and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a few top sights nearby.

Sarasota Springs
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Fruitville

Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Fruitville. Make a stop by Nathan Benderson Park while you're exploring.

Fruitville
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South Gate Ridge

South Gate Ridge is well liked for its churches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.

South Gate Ridge
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Pinecraft

While there might not be top attractions in Pinecraft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Commons Shopping Center and Ed Smith Stadium.

Pinecraft
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Palmer Ranch

While there might not be top attractions in Palmer Ranch, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club and Turtle Beach.

Palmer Ranch

Lake Sarasota Travel Guide

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