All About Sarasota, FL

Located about 37 miles north of Manasota Key, Sarasota offers visitors an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills and pristine beaches, and a wide array of shopping opportunities.  Sarasota features world-renowned beaches and a vibrant coastline that has hosted sport-fishing competitions, rowing competitions and other water sports events.  The city has continued to expand as a popular tourist destination, with growing regional influence within Southwestern Florida.

Local Destinations

Siesta Key Beach
A winner of many national beach awards, Siesta Key Beach is made of 99% quartz, creating highly reflective sand that feels cool underfoot.  The beach is protected by lifeguards year-round, has concession stands and includes tennis courts nearby.  The beach stretches for 8 miles and is divided into other beaches (Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach).

Lido Key Beach
Located on Lido Key, this beach is a little further out from Sarasota, but is nearby a variety of beach resorts along the key.

It is also a short distance from the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, as well as a variety of restaurants and shopping options around St. Armand’s Circle.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Spearheading marine research and educational initiatives around the globe, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a nonprofit organization that has additional campuses across Florida. Established in 1955, the aquarium has over 330,000 annual visitors and includes over 100 marine species in the Aquarium.