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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Desoto Lakes
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Rooms still reeked of cigarette smoke, even though they are 100% against it. Whatever place this was before them clearly allowed smoking in the rooms. You know how putrid that can be, once a room is smoked in, it'll never be the same. Room keys unprogrammed themselves every morning so we had to go ...
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Ninguno
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Loved the hotel, pool, staff and location
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Bathroom is incredible small.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Great hotel, location, and experience! Hot tub and pool were relaxing. Hotel is close to everything.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
A would love to say our stay was terrible to keep this hidden gem to ourselves but can not lie Hotel was one of the nicest cleanest quiet facilities I have ever stayed Every one of the staff was absolutely great and plan on utilizing as a long term stay option is in the hub of everything
Reviewed on 8 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.
