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
Staff was very welcoming, we only stayed one night. The rooms can use some new paint on the walls and cleaner bathrooms but I liked the room it is very vintage and I also liked the soundproofing cause the hotel was packed with guests and usually you can hear everyone going and coming out the rooms ...
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Nice hotel
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
The location is perfect if you’re planning on the beach. It’s about a mile away if you want a cheap Uber or a great walk over the bridge if you like walking. Hotel has a great view of the water. Total win
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
The new pool was awesome. The whole resort was accommodating and no surprises.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
It was so mid
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Carlisle Inn
This is a beautiful hotel centrally located in Sarasota. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was clean and super comfortable. All the services needed were provided well. Would definitely recommend and would definitely stay there again.
Reviewed on 5 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.
