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
Clean room, free ice cream and nice staff!
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Comfortable accommodations and kind staff. Request to NOT stay in room 422. Was woken up by some rhythmic mechanical pounding noise at 4am. Sounded like it was hotel machinery somewhere nearby.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
The pool was very inviting. I used the pool and hot tub. Breakfast was good. There was also the restaurant/bar and both were good. It’s a 15 min drive to St. Armand’s Circle.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
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
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
They hotel was amazing and affordable but what really made it grand and welcoming was the staff especially miss Sharon who we would see cleaning the lobby area. Her energy felt like family we would greet her from the balcony as she came in for her shift. 10/10
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Great location on beach with convenient lounge chairs and umbrellas. Kids also loved the new pool. Many restaurants within walking distance but they get crowded. Our 2nd visit there and will be back in future.
Reviewed on 9 May 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.
