Issues to Do in Sarasota: The Finest Actions & Eating places

Since shopping for our Florida residence in 2017, I’ve acquired fairly a number of DMs and emails asking about issues to do in Sarasota. This query appears to be additional standard this time of yr when everyone seems to be flocking to hotter climate. One of many explanation why we love residing right here is that there’s at all times one thing to do. This metropolis is stuffed with enjoyable actions (lots of that are free!), scrumptious locations to eat, and new areas to discover.

At this time I’m going to focus on a few of my favourite actions and eating places in Sarasota. And since I do know guests oftentimes prefer to enterprise into the encompassing areas, I’m additionally going to share some native favorites that span from Siesta Key as much as Anna Maria Island. By the tip, you’ll be able to pack your baggage, throw on a comfortable airport outfit, and plan a visit!

How Badly Did the Hurricanes in 2024 Have an effect on Sarasota?

First I needed to handle the elephant within the room and talk about how the 2024 hurricane season affected the realm. I’m not going to lie, the Sarasota space bought hit fairly laborious, struggling by far the worst hurricane season I’ve seen. Between Debbie, Milton, and Helene, we had fairly a little bit of flooding and wind injury. The excellent news is that we’re actually again within the swing of issues. All seashores aside from North Lido Seashore and South Lido Seashore are open and nearly all eating places are again in operation. The airport is in fact working at totally capability (and increasing!) and all roads are good to go.

So many small companies and household owned eating places need to make up a whole lot of missed revenue from being closed, in addition to cowl bills from damages. Now’s the time to indicate your help for the locations you’re keen on!

Favourite Issues to Do in Sarasota

There are a ton of various methods to spend a day, or perhaps a week, in Sarasota. Your best itinerary will rely on your cause for visiting the town and with whom you’re touring. Do you wish to spend time stress-free on the seaside? Possibly you’re hoping to do some purchasing and eating along with your important different? Or perhaps you’re touring with children and in search of enjoyable issues to do in Sarasota as a household? I’m going to the touch on slightly little bit of every little thing, as we’ve loved doing it all around the previous few years!

Sarasota Seashores

Probably the most standard causes to go to or dwell in Sarasota is for the breathtaking seashores. Personally, my favourite native seaside is Siesta Key. Not solely is the sand and water stunning however the location and facilities at this seaside are nice as nicely. The town paid for a large renovation of Siesta Key in 2016 and the result was an enormous improve! The facilities close by are nice together with the general public loos, meals choices, and areas of shade. Whereas this seaside is essentially the most accessible with regards to parking, I’ll warn you that almost all spots are snagged by 10 AM through the busy season. So remember to plan accordingly!

If testing seashores is on the high of your issues to do in Sarasota record, then you may also wish to make your solution to Longboat Key or Anna Maria Island. LBK has some stunning public seaside entry factors. The draw back is that the parking is extraordinarily restricted and there aren’t many facilities out there. The massive public seaside on AMI, Coquina Seashore, does have parking, loos, and altering areas. Nevertheless, I nonetheless choose Siesta Key!

Native Issues to Do in Sarasota

One thing we’ve loved whereas residing right here is experiencing the distinctive native occasions. There’s at all times one thing occurring! The town hosts First Friday occasions, for which the streets downtown are closed and there are a ton of meals choices, purchasing, and free leisure.

Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Sarasota is to discover the Farmers Market on Saturdays. This market isn’t simply restricted to provide. As an alternative, it really highlights most of the native retailers and artisans within the space.

And with regards to occasions to plan round, I at all times examine the schedule on the Van Wezel, which is our native performing arts corridor. Sarasota will get nice musical acts to carry out right here and you may usually get actually affordable costs! You’ll be able to see the present schedule right here. 

The town additionally simply accomplished an enormous mission by Van Wezel branded The Bay. It has fascinating strolling paths, a park for the youngsters, a canoe launch, waterfront sitting and The Nest the place you’ll be able to seize a drink and simply benefit from the sunshine. Additionally they have films within the park and free yoga. You’ll be able to see the whole schedule right here!

Child-Pleasant Issues to Do in Sarasota

In case you are in search of kid-friendly issues to do in Sarasota, I might advocate Selby Backyard and Mote Aquarium. Sarasota has had fairly a increase over the previous 5 years. Subsequently, the town is working to improve a whole lot of the favored points of interest, together with each of those.

Selby Backyard is an effective way to see a lot of the gorgeous nature Florida has to supply. I’ll put a disclaimer that this is likely one of the spots nonetheless recovering a from the storms, however nonetheless value a go to. They always have actions geared towards each youngsters and adults – You’ll be able to try their full schedule right here. The power simply completed a large multi million greenback renovation that incudes an unbelievable restaurant, The Inexperienced Orchid!

Mote Aquarium is a extremely candy aquarium that appears like “old style” Florida. They too are getting a MAJOR improve, set to be accomplished in 2025. For now, you’ll be able to go to the situation they’ve been at for many years on Longboat Key. They’ve sea turtles, manatees, rays and a lot extra! You’ll be able to comply with alongside right here to see when the brand new Mote will open within the UTC space.

Sarasota Museums

The Sarasota Artwork Museum, which simply opened in 2019, is an excellent spot to go to. They’re always bringing in new artworks that really feel recent and related. At 15,000 sq ft, the museum feels substantial, however not overwhelming. I additionally love the candy bistro that they’ve on-site. It’s a fantastic place to sit down and seize a espresso. Along with displaying unbelievable artwork, the museum hosts a extremely enjoyable outside jazz efficiency as soon as a month. Throughout this occasion, you’ll be able to loosen up and benefit from the music whereas additionally grabbing a glass of wine and even dinner!

The Ringling Museum will little question pop up if you find yourself in search of issues to do in Sarasota. I discover the grounds of the Ringling Museum to be gorgeous, however the precise reveals to be underwhelming. Moreover, the Ringling Museum is often crowded, particularly through the busy season. So be ready to circle for parking and to come across some traces whereas visiting.

Procuring in Sarasota

Whereas I wouldn’t say Sarasota is a shopping-centric city, we do have some true gems. Canned Ham Classic is an unbelievable classic store that you just shouldn’t miss. I’ve purchased so lots of my favourite objects there (the earrings are at all times top-notch) and they’re always getting new stock! Camilyn Beth is a neighborhood designer who’s as proficient as she is form. Her retailer is situated proper on Palm Avenue, along with her design studio proper above! The Met Vogue Home in St. Armands Circle has a fantastic choice of a few of my favourite manufacturers comparable to Veronica Beard, Self-Portrait, and See by Chloe! 

Talking of St. Armands Circle, spending a day purchasing, eating, and exploring this space is a favourite factor to do in Sarasota for a lot of guests. It’s a fantastic space if you happen to’re seeking to simply get out, seize a chew to eat, and do a little bit of purchasing. My favourite eating places in St. Armands are 15 South by Napule, Colombia (a traditional that has been round for greater than 100 years), and Crab and Fin. Sadly, Shore in St. Armands is likely one of the eating places that made the heartbreaking choice to completely shut their location after the storms.

Equally, if you happen to’re purchasing downtown, there are a lot of nice locations to seize meals or cocktails as nicely. I like Owen’s Fish Camp for dinner (they’ve a fantastic house out again for teenagers to run round with dwell music), State Avenue for cocktails, Selva for dinner (don’t miss the home chopped salad), and the Fountain for an informal pizza date. There’s additionally the newly opened Beso I like for excellent tapas.

Favourite Eating places in Sarasota

Okay, now that I’m serious about it, eating in Sarasota wants its personal part – There are simply so many nice choices! It’s laborious to nail down my favorites, however here’s a record of some of my favorites. I say this as a result of I do know I’m going to unintentionally depart somebody I like off the record!

Seafood Eating places

1. Walt’s: This restaurant is third generation-owned they usually catch fish each day. I like the Oscar off the Hook and the fish dip! Wait instances will be lengthy, as this can be a vastly standard spot for locals and guests alike. 
2. Veronica’s: Set in Southside Village, Veronicas is a darkish, cozy uncooked bar. They’ve an superior skirt steak, one of the best Caesar salad, and superior oysters (clearly!) I like eating on the bar, which is first come first serve, however they do take reservations for the eating room.
3. Owen’s Fish Camp: A captivating seafood restaurant set in an previous cottage – That is such a darling place to dine. There’s a large yard with a separate bar they usually usually have dwell music. The Low Nation Broil is wonderful, and if they’ve Scamp because the native catch get it (belief me)!! Owen’s will get insanely crowded, so that you’ll wish to arrive early and be ready to attend, as they don’t take reservations. 
4. Spearfish: Positioned on Siesta Key, this little informal spot has quick, recent, simple, and really tasty dishes. The grouper bites and the coconut shrimp are my private favorites on the menu. 
5. Whitney’s: Certainly one of my absolute favourite issues to do in Sarasota is dine at Whitney’s. This informal spot is ready in an previous gasoline station, and on most days all of the home windows and doorways are open. The queso is superior and I additionally love the LBK Bowl. This menu is nice for sharing they usually have dwell music each Friday! 
6. Jack Dusty’s – If you would like a pleasant, stress-free brunch with a view, I might try Jack Dusty’s within the Ritz. I like sitting exterior and catching up with girlfriends on a fairly Sarasota day! The Ritz additionally simply opened a brand new spot Rufa that has glorious cocktails!

American Eating places

1. Indigenous: Positioned downtown in an lovely cottage, this restaurant is domestically sourced with an ever-changing menu. All the pieces I’ve had right here is mouth-watering, even the best dishes. That is the proper spot for a pleasant date evening or to rejoice a special day.
2. Adeline: Perviously Meloria, this restaurant in South Aspect village has rebranded to Adeline. It has a brand new and up to date menu that’s simply as tasty and now presents a really cool lunch menu below the title Little A!
3. Shore: There have been two Shore places, one in St. Armands and one on LBK. Sadly the St. Armands location closed, however LBK continues to be open! Attempt to snag a desk on the Shore LBK with a water view. I get one thing totally different each time I dine right here and I’ve by no means been disillusioned. 

Different Forms of Delicacies

1. Florence and the Spice Boys: This tremendous standard meals truck opened their first everlasting location this yr and the house is as wonderful because the meals. They utterly remodeled the restaurant that they took over and added so many private touches. The menu is at all times fascinating! A few of my favorites embody the turmeric fried rooster sandwich and the fried brussel sprouts.
2. Origins Pizza: Origins is my go-to when ordering pizza. They’ve a number of places now, which makes eating in tremendous simple. The newly opened spot at The Landings is nice. I at all times order my pie skinny and further crispy! 
3. Columbia: The oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia is a full-on attraction. Dinner could be a little bit of a zoo, since that is on so many guests’ “should eat” record. For that reason, I usually love to do a late lunch right here and I get the 1905 salad with the unique Cuban.
4. Artisan Cheese Firm: Whereas that is largely a cheese store (and a rattling nice one!) it’s also possible to pop in for lunch or to order a cheese board and glass of wine to remain. The lunch menu is often small, however mighty, and the house has a really cool industrial, but welcoming, really feel. The store additionally has nice sourdough, natural wines, spreads imported from all around the world, and one of the best cheese choice in Sarasota. 
5. State Avenue: If you happen to love a cocktail, that is your home. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, this darkish, romantic bar is inside strolling distance to so many eating places. I like grabbing a martini right here earlier than heading off to Selva, Owens, or one of many different nice spots on Most important Avenue.

New Sarasota Eating places

1. Arts and Central Cafe: It’s no secret I LOVE the Rosemary district. Arts and Central is a big, trendy restaurant with indoor and outside eating that’s such a fantastic addition to Sarasota. They help artists and have a wonderful menu.
2. Spice: That is my favourite Indian spot on the town. This the sister restaurant to Tikki, named top-of-the-line Indian eating places in Florida. A superb alternative for take out on a comfortable evening or a big get collectively.
3. Malmosto: Discuss an exquisite, small Italian spot with some of the fascinating wine lists. I used to be launched to this hidden spot by a buddy and it has been a go to for each date evening and ladies evening.
4. Kojo and Bar Hana: A contemporary Asian spot that has a little bit of every little thing. I like the sushi, noodles and every little thing in between. If you would like a extra upscale eating expertise pop into Kojo however if you need extra of a enjoyable, bar setting to eat and let free, head to Bar Hana subsequent door!
5. J’s Korean: I simply ate right here for the primary time this week and shall be returning ASAP. Eating in is barely extra informal, however nonetheless fantastic and the employees is so form. The fried rooster and Bibimbap have been my private favorites.
6. Ocean Prime: Probably the most upscale eating places to open in a while, this place has acquired a whole lot of buzz. They only opened the final week in December and I’ve but to go. Buddies have raved in regards to the meals, service, and views…however it would price you a fairly penny!
7. Lefty’s Oyster Bar: Okay I haven’t been right here but both…however as a result of it opened lower than 24 hours in the past! I’ve watched them do the construct out and been following right here for updates and plan on heading there this weekend to test it out.

Sarasota Favorites

Phew, so long as this record of issues to do in Sarasota appears to be, I really feel like I’ve solely scratched the floor! I shared a number of extra Sarasota favorites in this put up as nicely. And if you happen to occur to be touring right here (or wherever!) this winter, chances are you’ll wish to try my journey must-haves, airport outfit concepts, and my favourite journey magnificence merchandise.