Check out local things to do in Sarasota

Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

What are the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida? From world-class attractions and incredible local restaurants to beaches, trails, and life on the water, Sarasota has far more to explore than most visitors realize. After living here for 27 years, these are the places and experiences I think belong on your list.

Looking for the Best Things to Do in Sarasota? Start With a Local’s List

There are plenty of “best things to do in Sarasota” lists online. But here’s the problem: a lot of them are written by people who spent a weekend here.

I’ve lived in Sarasota since the late 1990s. I grew up here, built my life here, and have spent decades exploring the beaches, restaurants, trails, attractions, and…

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Why Everyone Is Choosing Sarasota, Florida Over Tampa, Naples & Orlando

It’s not just the beaches. Sarasota offers a combination of Gulf Coast lifestyle, housing options, healthcare, arts, recreation, and smaller-city living that can be surprisingly hard to match.

If you’re researching moving to Sarasota, Florida, you’ve probably compared it with other popular Florida destinations.

Maybe Tampa caught your attention because it offers a bigger-city lifestyle, professional sports, and a major airport.

Maybe Naples is on your list because of its luxury homes, golf, and Southwest Florida lifestyle.

Or perhaps Orlando makes sense because of its attractions, employment opportunities, and accessibility.

Then there’s Sarasota.

For many people,…

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The Bay Sarasota: The BIG Changes Coming to Sarasota’s Waterfront

If you’re considering moving to Sarasota, Florida, there are a few things that immediately stand out about this city: the beaches, the incredible weather, and the lifestyle that comes with living on the Gulf Coast.

But there’s another major transformation happening right in the heart of downtown Sarasota that could have a lasting impact on how locals live, work, and spend their free time: the Sarasota Bayfront Master Plan and the continued development of The Bay Sarasota.

Spanning more than 50 acres along Sarasota Bay, this ambitious project is transforming what was once a collection of parking lots, aging buildings, and disconnected waterfront spaces into a large-scale public…

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Living in Sarasota Florida Isn’t What It Used to Be — Is That a Good Thing?

If you’ve been thinking about living in Sarasota, Florida, you’ve probably heard the same thing over and over: Sarasota isn’t what it used to be.

And honestly, that’s true.

Sarasota County has grown significantly, seasonal traffic is more noticeable, homeownership costs have changed, and communities that once felt like “outside of Sarasota” are now part of the conversation for buyers moving to the area.

But does that mean Sarasota has gotten worse?

Not necessarily.

In fact, for many people, Sarasota has become more convenient, connected, and livable than it was several years ago. The bigger question is whether the changes fit your lifestyle, budget, and…

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Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: What It Gets Right About the Florida Lifestyle

If you’re searching for the Florida lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch, there’s one community that deserves a closer look: Waterside at Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch has become one of the most successful master-planned communities in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, offering new construction homes, neighborhoods for a wide range of lifestyles, schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, golf, and recreational amenities.

But Waterside feels different.

The difference isn’t necessarily the homes. It’s what happens when you step outside your front door.

At Waterside, you can live near the water, walk to restaurants, meet friends for live music, take the kids to a splash park, explore…

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Sarasota vs. Lakewood Ranch: The Lifestyle Decision

Which is a better fit for your lifestyle: Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch?

Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are often grouped together when people are considering a move to the area, but living in these two places can feel very different. Sarasota offers a more established coastal and downtown experience, while Lakewood Ranch has grown into a destination of its own, with town centers, restaurants, events, trails, and everyday amenities spread throughout the community.

The best way to compare them isn't simply by looking at home prices or floor plans. It’s by looking at how you would actually spend your time once you live here.

What Daily Life Looks Like in Sarasota vs. Lakewood Ranch

One of the…

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6 Developments Reshaping Sarasota's Future: What You Need to Know

Downtown Sarasota skyline showcasing the city's continued growth and waterfront lifestyle.

Are these new developments changing Sarasota for the better?

Absolutely. Sarasota is growing with purpose, and several major developments are redefining how people live, work, and enjoy the Gulf Coast. From innovative master-planned communities to infrastructure improvements and new mixed-use destinations, these projects are shaping the future of the region while creating exciting opportunities for current and future residents.

Sarasota Is Entering a New Era

If you've spent any time in Sarasota over the past few years, you've probably noticed the changes. Construction cranes have become part of the skyline, new neighborhoods continue to emerge, and areas that were once open…

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Welcome to Paradise: Why Visit Longboat Key

A Tranquil Escape on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Picture a barrier island straddling the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, its turquoise waters of the Gulf lapping at white-sand beaches so soft you’ll swear they squeak. That’s Longboat Key Florida in a nutshell.

The island consistently lands on “best‑of” lists. Travel + Leisure even called it “one of the region’s best‑kept secrets” and crowned it the South’s top island in 2025.

Whether you crave outdoor adventures, lazy hammock naps, or upscale dining with views of Sarasota, Longboat Key offers a slice of island life that still feels serene and refreshingly tranquil.

Who Longboat Key is Perfect For

Families love the pristine shoreline; snowbirds savor…

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Siesta Beach Named the Best Beach in the U.S. for 2025

If you’ve ever set foot on the soft, powdery sands of Siesta Beach, you already know why it consistently ranks among the best beaches in the world. Now, it has claimed the title of the No. 1 beach in the U.S. and the fourth-best beach in the world, according to Tripadvisor's 2025 Best of the Best Beaches list.

What Makes Siesta Beach So Special?

Siesta Beach isn’t just another Florida shoreline. It stands out for its:

  • Incredible Sand – Composed of 99% pure quartz, the sand stays cool underfoot, even on the hottest days.
  • Crystal-Clear Waters – The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for the perfect backdrop.
  • Shallow, Calm Surf – Ideal for families, swimmers, and…

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St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota is a popular destination renowned for its stunning waterfront views, proximity to beautiful beaches, and vibrant dining and shopping scene. In this article, we'll delve into everything that makes St. Armand’s Circle a must-visit spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast.


History of St. Armand’s Circle

Originally owned by circus magnate John Ringling, St. Armand’s Circle was gifted to the city of Sarasota during the Great Depression. It remained undeveloped for about 30 years until the 1950s when it began to flourish into the vibrant hub it is today.

Getting to St. Armand’s Circle

Accessing St. Armand’s Circle is a scenic journey. Visitors travel over the Ringling Bridge, pass Bird Key, and take a small bridge…

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