Your Sarasota Area Guide
From white-sand beaches to world-class dining: everything you need to plan the perfect Sarasota getaway, curated by Roelens Vacations.
Discover Sarasota with Roelens Vacations
Sarasota is one of Florida's Gulf Coast gems: a place where arts, culture, nature, and laid-back coastal living come together. Whether you're here for a long weekend or an extended stay, there's no shortage of things to see and do. We've broken down the best of Sarasota into four guides so you can make the most of every day.
Sarasota Shopping
St. Armands Circle
A perfect area to come enjoy a bite to eat or go shopping. 130 different boutiques are featured in this center making it the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Sarasota.
Crossings at Siesta Key
This shopping mall in Siesta Key has a variety of 21 stores for guests to explore and shop in. These stores include Talbots, Macy’s, Loft, Esporta Fitness and The Orchid Lady.
Ellenton Outlets
This outdoor shopping center is a premium outlet mall that allows guests to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while enjoying some incredible deals. Located not far from Sarasota, Ellenton has stores ranging from Kate Spade, Adidas, Coach Outlet and Under Armour.
St. Armands Circle
A perfect area to come enjoy a bite to eat or go shopping. 130 different boutiques are featured in this center making it the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Sarasota.
Crossings at Siesta Key
This shopping mall in Siesta Key has a variety of 21 stores for guests to explore and shop in. These stores include Talbots, Macy’s, Loft, Esporta Fitness and The Orchid Lady.
Ellenton Outlets
This outdoor shopping center is a premium outlet mall that allows guests to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while enjoying some incredible deals. Located not far from Sarasota, Ellenton has stores ranging from Kate Spade, Adidas, Coach Outlet and Under Armour.
Sarasota Beaches & Parks
Siesta Key
Ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S. you will quickly understand why when you feel the quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes, and experience the soft waves and the abundance of sun and fun at gorgeous Siesta Beach.
Bayfront Park
This city park offers a variety of amenities for its guests including picnic tables, playgrounds, walking path, fishing areas, and public art throughout. This park is dog friendly making it a perfect place for you to bring the whole family!
Lido Key Beach
This Sarasota beach is known for its eco-tourism, dolphin watching, and sailing. A perfect way you and your family to enjoy the sun, sand, and waves.
Longboat Key
This beach town is a short drive from Sarasota and offers a beautiful public beach for visitors to enjoy. This white sand beach is the perfect place to search for Southwest Florida wildlife and seashells.
Crescent Beach
This Sarasota beach is less known to tourists. With only two public access points, this beach is less crowded and more secluded, offering its visitors their own private oasis.
Turtle Beach
Ideal for shelling and finding shark teeth, with more shaded picnic areas.
Sarasota Bars & Restaurants
Brick’s Smoked Meats
Looking for unforgettable Barbeque during your stay in Sarasota, then make sure to stop by Brick’s Smoked Meats. Enjoy a menu featuring smoked meats, fried chicken, tacos, delicious sandwiches, and southern sides.
Colombia Restaurant
Claimed as Florida’s oldest restaurant, this chain first opened it’s doors in 1905. Stop in to enjoy a wonderful menu of Cuban food. They are known for their original 1905 salad, Cuban sandwiches, and Valenciana. Make sure to leave room for dessert so you can enjoy the most delicious White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Boca Sarasota
Known for using fresh and seasonal ingredients, Boca Sarasota serves a delicious menu of food ranging from flatbreads, salads, and seafood. Boca Sarasota is open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner and has a full drink menu.
Brick’s Smoked Meats
Looking for unforgettable Barbeque during your stay in Sarasota, then make sure to stop by Brick’s Smoked Meats. Enjoy a menu featuring smoked meats, fried chicken, tacos, delicious sandwiches, and southern sides.
Colombia Restaurant
Claimed as Florida’s oldest restaurant, this chain first opened it’s doors in 1905. Stop in to enjoy a wonderful menu of Cuban food. They are known for their original 1905 salad, Cuban sandwiches, and Valenciana. Make sure to leave room for dessert so you can enjoy the most delicious White Chocolate Bread Pudding.
Boca Sarasota
Known for using fresh and seasonal ingredients, Boca Sarasota serves a delicious menu of food ranging from flatbreads, salads, and seafood. Boca Sarasota is open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner and has a full drink menu.
Sarasota Tours & Activities
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
This family friendly aquarium is the perfect way to spend the day with the kids learning all about the ocean and its inhabitants. Guests can learn more about the different sea habitats in Florida and get up close and personal with manatees, sea turtles, and many other fish!
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown
These beautiful grounds offer a variety of gardens for guests to explore. These gardens range from rainforests styles, mangroves, and display gardens.
The Ringling
The Ringling is Florida’s center for the arts, history, and learning, bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling is a place of exploration, discovery, and respite. The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, a historic mansion, an 18th-century theater, and Bayfront Gardens – is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
