Sarasota Vacation Rentals

Flying In

The city is served by Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, which is located on the border of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The quickest and easiest way to get to your Sarasota vacation home from the airport is with a taxi. Sarasota includes the mainland as well as Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key - three islands connected by scenic causeways.

Dining in Sarasota

The city is dotted with seafront restaurants and cafés offering global cuisine. Consider Marina Jack, which offers diner in theater-style seating to make the most of the expansive ocean views. For dinner on a cruise, the Marina Jack Dinner Boat does the trick.

French Continental fare is best sampled at Miguel's restaurant, while Savory Street Café serves delightful salads, coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. For sumptuous gourmet burgers and a taste of 80 beers from around the world, Shakespeare's English Pub is the place to go. Bring the night to a close at Urban Reef, where jazz, karaoke, DJs, flamenco dancers, and other performers keep patrons thoroughly entertained.

A Good Time to Visit

The transitional months in spring and fall are the best times to visit, due to pleasant temperatures and discounted rates on Sarasota vacation rentals. Although the peak season is between December and April, summer can get particularly busy because of school vacations. You'll need to book your Sarasota vacation home in advance during high season.

Things to Do and See

Sarasota's historic Palm Avenue and Saint Armands Circle are reminiscent of Europe, with beautiful buildings, restaurants, and indie boutiques. Siesta Key Beach is one of the city's most popular beaches and has been rated among the most beautiful beaches on Earth thanks to its 99% pure crystal quartz sand. It features a cookout area where you can make your own barbeque. Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, and Lido Beach are excellent options too.

Nature lovers should catch an animal show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, home to rare and exotic species plus beautiful plant life. Follow this up with some award-winning artisan rum at the Siesta Key distillery. For fresh fruit, veggies, meats, and cheese, stop by the Sarasota Farmers' Market and pick a few goodies to snack on back at your Sarasota vacation rental.

Art and Culture

The city's arts scene has to be seen to be believed. Palm Avenue's First Friday Art Walks features free art installations, gallery openings, food, and great music. Sarasota's undisputed pride is the Ringling Museum of Art. This houses the Circus Museum, where you can discover rare handbills, circus props, parade wagons, wardrobes, and posters. It also houses 21 galleries of European paintings, works from legends such as Benjamin West, Marcel Duchamp, Diego Velázquez, and casts of original statues by Michelangelo. The 66-acre Ringling estate also includes Mable’s Rose Garden, the Cà d’Zan Mansion and the Historic Asolo Theater.

Sarasota's other artsy attractions include the Museum Of Asian Art, South Florida Museum, Art Center Sarasota, and Sarasota Classic Car Museum. For a peek into the past 5,000 years of Southwest Florida's history, the Historic Spanish Point beckons. Or take the kids down to the Parker Manatee Aquarium, where your aquatic buddies await!

Excursion Ideas

Plan an excursion to the Great World Way, a wilderness area sprawling over 100,000 acres. It is accessible by horseback, bikes, canoes, kayaks, or even on foot if accompanied by a state-certified Master Naturalist. Commune with nature at the Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park, where hiking, swimming, bird-watching, and camping opportunities abound amid majestic pine trees and swamps.

Anglers will have a field day on the city's numerous fishing piers, while the Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary is best visited during the baby birding season.

A cosmopolitan appeal and tons of cultural heritage have made this city a hot destination among discerning travelers. Book your Sarasota vacation rental and start packing those suitcases!

Sublime Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Discover the underwater world of sharks and dolphins, for which Sarasota is famous, at this incredibly interactive research and conservation center.

Sarasota National Cemetery

A memorial to veterans of World War II and the Korean War, this huge national cemetery is a beautiful, solemn spot.

Ca d'Zan Mansion

Famous for its Wine Walk, on which you can discover delicious local grapes and vintages, this Mediterranean Revival residence was once the home of the eccentric circus-owner and art collector John Ringling.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Learn about epiphyte conservation at this rainforest garden, research center, and living museum for children.

The Ringling

Part of the John Ringling complex, discover the circus-owner's Baroque art collection, visit the Circus Museum, and check out what's on at the Venetian-style Historic Asolo Theater. There are also over 60 acres of gardens and verdant fields.