Desoto Lakes Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Desoto Lakes
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Enjoyed our stay, loved the tropical theme, staff was really friendly. Our stay was short and sweet, didn't make it to the pool or Tiki bar. Will definitely be back hoping for a longer stay!!
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
The room was clean and some staff members were helpful. However the second floor had a strong smell (possibly mold)? Breakfast was ok. The floors in our room were not cleaned (dirty socks and feet) the day we got there. They also did not clean our room while we stayed even after we asked.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Great location, very clean, good breakfast.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
This was exactly what we expected. The apartment was spacious and well kept. It was quiet and felt safe. It’s a 5 min walk to the beach and close to a shared pool. There wasn’t an outside balcony/ patio but they provide everyone with a couple of chairs which proved great for an early morning light ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Clean hotel, great customer service. Easy check in process. I did see little roaches in my room. Other than that very clean.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
Our stay at the Carlisle Inn was wonderful! The woman at the front desk was very pleasant, informative, and hospitable. The lobby was inviting and beautiful!!! Our room was clean, and it was a bonus having 2 sinks! I hope we get the opportunity to stay here again!
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Desoto Lakes
The Meadows
The gardens and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit The Meadows. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Nathan Benderson Park and Mall at University Town Center are a few top sights nearby.
North Sarasota
While North Sarasota isn't home to many top sights, Ed Smith Stadium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
Fruitville
Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Fruitville. Make a stop by Nathan Benderson Park while you're exploring.
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - 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.
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.
