Central Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Central Sarasota
The Westin Sarasota
The shower water went full cold while standing in it, housekeeping was asked to bring more decaf coffee and did not do so, the downstairs lobby bar was closed at nine o'clock on Friday evening - we were looking for an Irish coffee, the valet service is ridiculous at $50 per day, the room itself was ...
Reviewed on 20 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
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Excellent all around
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
voco Sarasota by IHG
Great staff at the desk. Tiffany was great! Room was very modern. WiFi was mostly good. Location was central to downtown within walking distance of restaurants and cafes. Nice walking trail down by the water, too.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Aloft Sarasota
It was convenient to everything downtown-just a few blocks away. The bar was swamped every night so hard to get a happy hour drink or bites but otherwise great!
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Im not going to lie, for the amount of money that was spent for the room i would say that the holiday inn have much nicer beds then this place the bed was so hard felt like u was sleeping on a bench at the beach, when we came to our room it had had someone else name for the welcoming, and the walls ...
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Check Central Sarasota hotel availability
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.
