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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Friendly staff, cute modern rooms
Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025
Tropical Beach Resorts
The kitchen had a refrigerator, oven and microwave. The cleaning staff could not have been any nicer. They fold their towels in happy ways. This place is a must for vacationers.
Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Nice place to stay for for the price point. Nice pool and hot tub. Pool bar nice to have. Great all day/night coffee. Sparse continental breakfast, but its free. Nice staff. For the price, you should like it.
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Good value for the price
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Tropical Breeze Resort
I arrived a day early and extended for a full week. The staff was so helpful and the variety of amenities made this a wonderful trip and experience. Perfect for solo to family events. I’ll be back
Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025
The Westin Sarasota
The restaurant service is quite slow considering that only two or three tables were occupied each time we visited. On one occasion, I ordered a filet mignon medium-well, but it was served well-done. On a positive note, breakfast was very good, although the avocado had some bad sections that should ...
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
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.
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.
Fruitville
Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Fruitville. Make a stop by Nathan Benderson Park while you're exploring.
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.
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Desoto Lakes Travel Guide
- Siesta Key Beach
- Lido Beach
- St. Armands Circle
- Turtle Beach
- Coquina Beach
- Anna Maria Beach
- Nokomis Beach
- John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
- Marina Jack
- Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch
- Manasota Beach
- Nathan Benderson Park
- Ringling College of Art and Design
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
- Manatee Public Beach
- Cortez Beach
