Downtown Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Downtown Sarasota
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown Sarasota
Aloft Sarasota
Nice hotel and location! Friendly, professional staffs, delicious breakfast clean room!
Reviewed on 23 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
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Very nice, clean place to stay. Very close to a Walmart, CVS, and a laundromat. We also had a nice walk to a nearby residential area where we saw a group of wild peacocks. Also a very nice cozy Tiki Hut bar.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Need more elevators Update in suites - paint and walls beat up with marks
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Hotel was easy accessed, clean , all immunities we needed, cost was great
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Great location, easy to get to the beach and the pools were very nice. Also the staff was great - accommodating our need to stay parked a bit longer after checkout, offering use of towels after check out, etc. I will definintely stay here again!
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
