Vacation Rentals in Sarasota

Flying to Sarasota

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.

Driving to Sarasota

Enjoy a road trip from Miami to Sarasota, a distance of about 240 miles. The drive time may be between 4 to 5 hours, depending on the number of stopovers that you make along the way.

From Miami, head to West Palm Beach through the Everglades/Alligator Alley, which is about 70 miles away. A halfway stopover can be spent at the vibrant Pompano Beach with its idyllic coastline. From the West Palm Beach, take the US-1 route towards the North Palm Beach. This stretch is about 7 miles long, and it will take you about 14 minutes to complete if you drive non-stop.

Once you reach the North Palm Beach, proceed along the Beeline Highway (710) taking a northwest bearing to Okeechobee. You can stop and stretch before turning west to Arcadia on 70, then 72 west. Along this route, you’ll pass the Myakka River State Park, a lovely place to stop over as well before heading to Sarasota. Cruising along this route gives you a scenic insight into Florida’s agricultural heritage.

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.

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.

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.

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!

1. Siesta Key

Besides its clear turquoise water for swimming, this beach is ideal for paddling and parasailing as you enjoy the dazzling ocean views.

2. Lido Key

Beaches It has three exclusive beaches - the North Beach, the South Beach and the Public Beach. Most facilities are at the South Beach. The other two offer more privacy.

3. Longboat Key

Being uncrowded makes this beach a favorite for parties, shell-collecting, and sunbathing. Drive north from Lido Key to access this hidden gem and enjoy your swim.

4. Coquina Beach

It draws its distinct character from the tall Australian pine trees that dominate its coastline. It offers numerous facilities such as pavilions, picnic tables, and concessions.

5. Venice Municipal Beach

This pristine beach is famous for its fossilized shark teeth. It offers thrilling activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. There are also two volleyball courts to enjoy.

Do you want to sip cold beer under an umbrella with your toes in the sand? Then O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill is the right place for you. Besides its laid-back, tropical-themed atmosphere, it’s a dog-friendly eatery accessible by boat or car.

The Beach Club is the venue of choice for live entertainment full of music and dancing. Pop in for happy hour from 12pm-7pm and enjoy some delicious cocktails. It's particularly lively during the annual bikini contest.

Stop at Livingston’s Amusements for billiards and other late night fun with friends as you sample its signature shots. This bar and restaurant is a smoke-free setup and offers arcade games and go-karting.

Visit Mattison’s City Grille, a patio restaurant for a night of dining, music, and dancing. Located in downtown Sarasota, its extensive wine list offers the perfect complement to your evening meal.

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!

1. County Fair

Away from their busy schedules, the people of Sarasota come together to celebrate and honor what’s dear to them. Visit the gulf coast in March and experience a 10-day festival at the Ringling Boulevard. It features musical entertainment, agricultural exhibits, amusement rides, pie-eating contests, among others.

2. Holiday Parade

Perfect if you’re visiting in December, be sure to participate in the Holiday Parade during your stay. It attracts thousands of spectators and performers, including marching bands, local businesses, and area churches. Tag along with your family to join locals along the parade route as you marvel at this long-standing tradition. The icing on the cake is the arrival of Santa Claus.

3. A Taste of Sarasota

This is the ultimate food event held in September and brings together all the top chefs and restaurants. Attend it to see them compete with their cooking skills, and have a taste of the wide range of dishes on display. There’s also an ice-carving contest, arts and crafts, kids' games and live music to add to the fanfare.

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.