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
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
yes we did enjoy the pool
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Staff
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Never used the pool. But we enjoyed both the simplicity and the 50s kitchy-ness. Would have liked to have had more towels. Lobby staff was great and the room cleaning staff were both effective and efficient.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Very beautiful beach location, pools and accommodations. Staff was very good, and the room was very clean and kept up nicely. It was our first stay there and I can tell you we will plan on returning again. Thank you!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Loved the marina view off of our balcony. The pool was great and the free breakfasts were very good.
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
Sparkling clean room, bathroom, all pool areas!
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Check Downtown Sarasota hotel availability
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 St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
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.
Pinecraft
While there might not be top attractions in Pinecraft, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bobby Jones Golf Complex and Ed Smith Stadium.
