Nicole's Sarasota Guidebook
Sightseeing
Siesta Key beach has white snow powder like sand and is amazing anytime of day to listen to the waves and bask in the sunshine. We especially like to go early and park in Siesta Village at the Sun Garden for breakfast and then take a 5 minute stroll through the village to 'Public Beach Access 5' (you can also just park here) where you can walk right onto the beach.
798 recommandé par les habitants
Plage de Siesta
Siesta Key beach has white snow powder like sand and is amazing anytime of day to listen to the waves and bask in the sunshine. We especially like to go early and park in Siesta Village at the Sun Garden for breakfast and then take a 5 minute stroll through the village to 'Public Beach Access 5' (you can also just park here) where you can walk right onto the beach.
Bayfront park has something for everyone - it's a beautiful place for a stroll, a stop at the Tiki bar for live music and a drink, and the perfect place to catch the sunset before walking to the downtown (5 minutes) to enjoy dinner.
You can also bring a blanket and have an afternoon picnic and there is plenty of space for kids to run around. It's at the marina so you can see the local boats and cruises and enjoy some people watching.
The Park welcomes dogs and they also have a nice playground for children. We often go for the sunset and then head into town for a dinner reservation.
103 recommandé par les habitants
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront DrBayfront park has something for everyone - it's a beautiful place for a stroll, a stop at the Tiki bar for live music and a drink, and the perfect place to catch the sunset before walking to the downtown (5 minutes) to enjoy dinner.
You can also bring a blanket and have an afternoon picnic and there is plenty of space for kids to run around. It's at the marina so you can see the local boats and cruises and enjoy some people watching.
The Park welcomes dogs and they also have a nice playground for children. We often go for the sunset and then head into town for a dinner reservation.
Don't miss the Selby Botanical Gardens - it has a truly impressive array of plants, trees and flower varieties; stunning open views along the bay; a fantastic little cafe with coffee, tea and kombucha and snacks; a fun kids area with different animals and a tree top walkway that is suitable for toddlers; and a huge lawn for picnics or chasing little ones around.
433 recommandé par les habitants
Jardin botanique Marie Selby
1534 Mound StDon't miss the Selby Botanical Gardens - it has a truly impressive array of plants, trees and flower varieties; stunning open views along the bay; a fantastic little cafe with coffee, tea and kombucha and snacks; a fun kids area with different animals and a tree top walkway that is suitable for toddlers; and a huge lawn for picnics or chasing little ones around.
This aquarium has two zones with one for marine mammals including two manatees and adorable otters and another zone for other aquatic life including sea horses, sharks and a huge variety of fish, jelly fish, an octopus, etc. The aquarium does a lot of marine research and support for injured local marine life. They often have special exhibits for kids and it's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Next door to the aquarium there is a little park on the water with swings and picnic tables. You can also grab a drink pr snack on the water at the Old Salty Dog across the street after.
532 recommandé par les habitants
Laboratoire marin et aquarium de Mote Marine
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyThis aquarium has two zones with one for marine mammals including two manatees and adorable otters and another zone for other aquatic life including sea horses, sharks and a huge variety of fish, jelly fish, an octopus, etc. The aquarium does a lot of marine research and support for injured local marine life. They often have special exhibits for kids and it's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Next door to the aquarium there is a little park on the water with swings and picnic tables. You can also grab a drink pr snack on the water at the Old Salty Dog across the street after.
Lido beach has gorgeous white sand and a huge array of shells! It's a very wide beach and it's the best place to take a stroll and look for some beautiful shells, especially early in the morning.
We always visit the Ritz Tiki Bar when we come as well to grab a drink and watch the sunset. After you can head into St Armand's circle for dinner and an ice cream :)
442 recommandé par les habitants
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrLido beach has gorgeous white sand and a huge array of shells! It's a very wide beach and it's the best place to take a stroll and look for some beautiful shells, especially early in the morning.
We always visit the Ritz Tiki Bar when we come as well to grab a drink and watch the sunset. After you can head into St Armand's circle for dinner and an ice cream :)
Laurel Park is an adorable little neighborhood playground that is never too busy. The playground has swings, a little green area to run around, a sandbox, and various outdoor toys for the neighborhood to use!
22 recommandé par les habitants
Laurel Park
1725 Laurel StLaurel Park is an adorable little neighborhood playground that is never too busy. The playground has swings, a little green area to run around, a sandbox, and various outdoor toys for the neighborhood to use!
Anna Maria Island has gorgeous beaches with palm tree shade, park space on the water, piers to walk along, a sandbar, wonderful little cafes and restaurants, and even sometimes a dolphin sighting!
We park along Gulf Drive at the beach access point where there is a little park, playground and bathrooms - this is towards the tip of Anna Maria Island near the Donut Experiment on Pine Ave (trust us, you want to get a donut and a coffee while visiting!).
374 recommandé par les habitants
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf DrAnna Maria Island has gorgeous beaches with palm tree shade, park space on the water, piers to walk along, a sandbar, wonderful little cafes and restaurants, and even sometimes a dolphin sighting!
We park along Gulf Drive at the beach access point where there is a little park, playground and bathrooms - this is towards the tip of Anna Maria Island near the Donut Experiment on Pine Ave (trust us, you want to get a donut and a coffee while visiting!).
MUST SEE!!
The Ringling is one of the top things to see in all of Florida for a reason. Don't miss this epic mansion, grounds and museums while you are here. This is where part of the Great Gatsby was filmed and the history is fascinating.
540 recommandé par les habitants
Musée d'Art John-et-Mable-Ringling
5401 Bay Shore RdMUST SEE!!
The Ringling is one of the top things to see in all of Florida for a reason. Don't miss this epic mansion, grounds and museums while you are here. This is where part of the Great Gatsby was filmed and the history is fascinating.
St Armands Circle is a lively place with many upscale shops and restaurants and is well worth a visit when you are planning to also check out Lido Beach which is right there.
You can park in the circle and walk around or park at the beach entrance and enjoy some time at the beach and then it's just a 5 minute walk to St Armands Circle for lunch and some shopping.
358 recommandé par les habitants
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirSt Armands Circle is a lively place with many upscale shops and restaurants and is well worth a visit when you are planning to also check out Lido Beach which is right there.
You can park in the circle and walk around or park at the beach entrance and enjoy some time at the beach and then it's just a 5 minute walk to St Armands Circle for lunch and some shopping.
The Legacy Trail is worth an afternoon as you can bike from Sarasota to Venice (about 10 miles) and it has beautiful views through the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey and then into Nokomis and then Venice where you can grab lunch and visit the shops and beach.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Legacy Trail (Sarasota to Venice Rail-Trail)
Legacy TrailThe Legacy Trail is worth an afternoon as you can bike from Sarasota to Venice (about 10 miles) and it has beautiful views through the Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey and then into Nokomis and then Venice where you can grab lunch and visit the shops and beach.
Food scene
After a dinner out or when you are taking an afternoon stroll around St Armand's Circle, be sure to stop at Big Olaf Creamery for some delicious and locally made ice cream!
59 recommandé par les habitants
Big Olaf Creamery
5208 Ocean BlvdAfter a dinner out or when you are taking an afternoon stroll around St Armand's Circle, be sure to stop at Big Olaf Creamery for some delicious and locally made ice cream!
Perf has delicious coffee and baked goods and is just a 5 min walk from the cottage! It's one of the best places for a flat white in Sarasota and reminds us of the little coffee shops in Brooklyn.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Perq Coffee Bar
1821 Hillview StPerf has delicious coffee and baked goods and is just a 5 min walk from the cottage! It's one of the best places for a flat white in Sarasota and reminds us of the little coffee shops in Brooklyn.
We love Project Coffee for the delicious coffee drinks and green smoothies. They also have fantastic egg and biscuit sandwiches. You can walk there from the house in about 25 min or drive and park to walk around the downtown.
If you have children, we love to walk up to Project coffee and then go to either the Bayfront Park or Laurel Park to visit the playground.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Project Coffee
538 S Pineapple AveWe love Project Coffee for the delicious coffee drinks and green smoothies. They also have fantastic egg and biscuit sandwiches. You can walk there from the house in about 25 min or drive and park to walk around the downtown.
If you have children, we love to walk up to Project coffee and then go to either the Bayfront Park or Laurel Park to visit the playground.
Morton's is less than a 5 min walk from the cottage and has a delicious bakery with coffee and morning breakfast sandwiches, the market has everything you need in a little grocery store and they also have a wine shop.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Morton's Gourmet Market
1924 S Osprey AveMorton's is less than a 5 min walk from the cottage and has a delicious bakery with coffee and morning breakfast sandwiches, the market has everything you need in a little grocery store and they also have a wine shop.
Fantastic restaurant with great outdoor seating in St Armand's Circle. Don't miss the coconut shrimp!
41 recommandé par les habitants
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
300 John Ringling BlvdFantastic restaurant with great outdoor seating in St Armand's Circle. Don't miss the coconut shrimp!
Libby's is a 5 min walk from the house and has absolutely delicious burgers and appetizers. It's great for happy hour or for a casual dinner near the cottage.
42 recommandé par les habitants
Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
1917 S Osprey AveLibby's is a 5 min walk from the house and has absolutely delicious burgers and appetizers. It's great for happy hour or for a casual dinner near the cottage.
Don't miss Owen's fish camp when you are visiting!!!
They have the most delicious food (the scallops are the best we have ever had) and while you wait for your table you can enjoy a cocktail in the backyard with games like cornhole and a bonfire and live music. Call to get a reservation ahead of time if possible, otherwise go early to get a table! You can thank us later! :)
260 recommandé par les habitants
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtDon't miss Owen's fish camp when you are visiting!!!
They have the most delicious food (the scallops are the best we have ever had) and while you wait for your table you can enjoy a cocktail in the backyard with games like cornhole and a bonfire and live music. Call to get a reservation ahead of time if possible, otherwise go early to get a table! You can thank us later! :)
Veronica's is owned by the same people that own Owen's Fish Camp so the food is out of this world amazing AND it is only a 3 minute walk from the cottage!
All of the seafood is some of the best in Sarasota and the bar is lively and has fantastic cocktails. Don't miss it for a walkable special dinner one evening!
49 recommandé par les habitants
Veronicas Fish and Oyster bar
1830 S Osprey AveVeronica's is owned by the same people that own Owen's Fish Camp so the food is out of this world amazing AND it is only a 3 minute walk from the cottage!
All of the seafood is some of the best in Sarasota and the bar is lively and has fantastic cocktails. Don't miss it for a walkable special dinner one evening!
Clasico is a gem of a restaurant among many in Sarasota. They have delicious food and their old fashion with a large ice cube rivals those of top NYC bars. We highly recommend the burrata salad appetizer and the scallops and short ribs.
Be sure to ask for a table outside in one of the alcoves - you are surrounded by lush green vines, can hear the live music, and are set a bit back from the sidewalk to enjoy your dinner. Let us know what you think!
68 recommandé par les habitants
Clasico Cafe Bar
1341 Main StClasico is a gem of a restaurant among many in Sarasota. They have delicious food and their old fashion with a large ice cube rivals those of top NYC bars. We highly recommend the burrata salad appetizer and the scallops and short ribs.
Be sure to ask for a table outside in one of the alcoves - you are surrounded by lush green vines, can hear the live music, and are set a bit back from the sidewalk to enjoy your dinner. Let us know what you think!
Oleary's Tiki Bar is a must visit for happy hour when catching the sunset at the Bayfront Park before wandering into the downtown for dinner.
DO NOT make the mistake of ordering any food (the food is just awful!) but grab a beer or a wine and take in the fantastic view and the scene. They have some fun live music and it's always a great place for a quick stop!
171 recommandé par les habitants
Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrOleary's Tiki Bar is a must visit for happy hour when catching the sunset at the Bayfront Park before wandering into the downtown for dinner.
DO NOT make the mistake of ordering any food (the food is just awful!) but grab a beer or a wine and take in the fantastic view and the scene. They have some fun live music and it's always a great place for a quick stop!
Best sushi in Sarasota! Fantastic for eat in or takeaway/delivery.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
100 Central AveBest sushi in Sarasota! Fantastic for eat in or takeaway/delivery.
Some of the BEST Greek food we have had outside of Greece! Don't miss this place!!!
18 recommandé par les habitants
1592 | Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
1592 Main StreetSome of the BEST Greek food we have had outside of Greece! Don't miss this place!!!
We love the pizza at Caragiulo's (pear and gorgonzola is excellent) and often get delivery, though I hear the restaurant is great for dine in as well.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Caragiulo's Italian American
69 S Palm AveWe love the pizza at Caragiulo's (pear and gorgonzola is excellent) and often get delivery, though I hear the restaurant is great for dine in as well.
Station 400 does an epic breakfast - the omelets, the pancakes, the waffles, you can't go wrong!
54 recommandé par les habitants
Station 400
400 N Lemon AveStation 400 does an epic breakfast - the omelets, the pancakes, the waffles, you can't go wrong!
We love this place for a weekend brunch! The Pineapple coconut pancakes are the best pancakes we have ever had!
15 recommandé par les habitants
The Breakfast Cottage
2301 N Tamiami TrailWe love this place for a weekend brunch! The Pineapple coconut pancakes are the best pancakes we have ever had!
If you like BBQ, cornbread and delicious sides, we should hang out. and you should go to Brick's.
40 recommandé par les habitants
Brick's Smoked Meats
1528 State StIf you like BBQ, cornbread and delicious sides, we should hang out. and you should go to Brick's.
Best of the best for local traditional Italian! We love the burette, pizza and chicken marsala.
14 recommandé par les habitants
La Mucca Ballerina
1668 Main StBest of the best for local traditional Italian! We love the burette, pizza and chicken marsala.