South Sarasota Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Emma De Fry
Photo by Emma De Fry

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

Private Luxury Boat Charter

Private Luxury Boat Charter

AU$571
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Private Luxury Boat Charter
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
Naples Florida: Downtown Electric Moped Tour

Naples Florida: Downtown Electric Moped Tour

AU$107
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Naples Florida: Downtown Electric Moped Tour
Experience Parasailing in Sarasota

Experience Parasailing in Sarasota

AU$151
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Experience Parasailing in Sarasota
Siesta Key Epoxy Resin Workshop

Siesta Key Epoxy Resin Workshop

AU$151
per adult
Siesta Key Epoxy Resin Workshop
Sarasota Florida: Skyway Fishing Tours

Sarasota Florida: Skyway Fishing Tours

AU$843
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Sarasota Florida: Skyway Fishing Tours
See all activities in Sarasota

Our pick of the best South 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! (4,262 reviews)
"The breakfast option was great. Rooms were spotless and clean"

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 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$279 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$279
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! (4,885 reviews)
"Well designed clean room. Tad on smaller side making it tight if travelling with many suitcases. Otherwise perfect."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Tropical Beach Resorts
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

4 out of 5
12324 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$317 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$317
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bradenton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,673 reviews)
"The staff very friendly and the place is kept clean."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The price is AU$352 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$352
24 Aug - 25 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,051 reviews)
Relaxing
"Wonderful Hotel! Nice location (if you fly in with out a rental…Breeze76 bus can drop you off right at hotel for $2…short minute walk to check-in desk…room was perfect! Looked and smell clean. Nice view with balcony. Big enough for us two with a table and two chairs. But not for walking around. Short ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

The Westin Sarasota
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! (1,565 reviews)
"I had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. The check-in process was quick and easy, and I was greeted with a warm smile. The room was spotless, beautifully decorated, and very comfortable. The bed felt like ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,088 reviews)
"This is such a fun property to stay at. The pool is huge and salt water. The rooms are decorated midcentury modern which is pretty cool. We had a balcony on second floor which was great to sit outside on for a breeze. Air conditioner worked well. We loved the tiki bar next door, and the food truck ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

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Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
See all 13,092 properties in South 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 South Sarasota

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Ridge Wood Heights

Ridge Wood Heights is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to The Landings or Gulf Gate Mall.

Ridge Wood Heights
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Southgate

While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Art Museum and Siesta Key Beach.

Southgate
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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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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.

Arlington Park
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Gulf Gate Estates

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Gulf Gate Estates. Make a stop by top sights like Gulf Gate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Gulf Gate Estates
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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.

Bird Key

South Sarasota Travel Guide

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