City of Sarasota

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Downtown Sarasota

Location	-	Downtown Sarasota
Features	-	Bayfront Park, St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Marina Jacks
Area Activities	-	Beaches, Boating, Waterfront Dining, Shops, Sightseeing, Biking, Nature Parks
Parking	-	Mix of Free & Paid Parking
Kid Friendly	-	Yes
Map It	-	Detailed Map & Directions
Address	-	100 Central Avenue, Sarasota Florida 34236
Phone	-	941-955-8187
Extras	-	Sarasota Bayfront Park
Conditions Now	-	Sunny, and 77°

City of Sarasota Florida

The beautiful Sarasota skyline is part of a great downtown district that has lots of neat shopping, Florida style restaurants, and fun boutiques. You can even arrive here by boat!

What a spectacular setting is Downtown Sarasota, a great blend of shops, eateries, and parks all oriented around the grand waterfront at Bayfront Park. It offers something for all visitors, including the fabulous beaches, top-notch shopping, international cuisine, renowned museums, and Florida's signature water sports and outdoor activities. Sarasota is a town square perfect to walk around and checkout, kind of a modern urban mini-town, and for sure a top destination fun to see and do.

Enjoy the Water

With some of the most beautiful waters in Florida, we have the best fun when enjoying the Gulf's water activities and aquatic wildlife. Even if you don't have a boat, very affordable rentals and charters are available. For example, how about taking a tropical sunset cruise for less than $20 per adult. Choose between sightseeing cruises, deep sea fishing, sailing with the breeze, or popping around on a waverunner. You can rent boats and explore the waters around Lido and Longboat Keys using powerboats, bow riders, and pontoon boats. For the fishing fans, you can rent the gear to reel in some red fish, grouper, or mahi mahi which make the waters off Sarasota their home. These aquatic adventures can make some lasting memories.

Shop and Dine

St. Armands Circle

Be sure to enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience at St. Armands Circle. This is a cluster of storefronts, boutiques, and cafes that offer you a chance to stroll, mingle, and dine outside with the sea breeze. St. Armands is a neat mix, from casual beach bars to exclusive shops with fine beachwear.

Beach Paradise

Longboat, Siesta, & Lido Beach

Visitors enjoy world class white-sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets from the many beautiful islands that sprinkle down the coastline. A day of exploring these top rated beaches is a great family outing. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the warm Gulf waters, which typically have a gentle surf. You will see great nature, lots of beachside activities, and find unique shells along the shore.

More Info

If you need more information, visit sarasotachamber.com or call 941-955-8187.

Fun-Florida-Getaways	.com

Sun and Fun in Florida!

Photo Gallery

Expect to visit top-10 beaches around Sarasota, including North Lido Beach pictured here. Lido Beach has great water and is only about two miles due west of Downtown Sarasota.

Come explore Sarasota's Bayfront Park, a waterfront peninsula that juts into the bay with majestic views of the Sarasota skyline and the boats lining the docks.

You will have plenty to see in Downtown Sarasota, with dozens of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is beautiful and a perfect venue for the all the ongoing special events, live music, and art festivals.

The city of Sarasota is one of the only cities in Florida with a downtown that's right on the waterfront. It is great to explore, with neat docks, piers, and bridges perfect for sightseeing.

City of Sarasota Florida

Please Share Your Experience
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Sarasota Questions or Comments

Downtown Parking

It was quite a surprise to see that you have to pay for parking around downtown sarasota. You never used to have to pay, and I believe that will hurt business downtown. If I was a business owner, it would seem this could have a huge negative impact on revenues. Any news on this? It will cost you more to park only at SRQ.

Eva Parker, Bradenton Florida

Linger Lodge RV Resort

If you want to see old florida, try the Linger Lodge which is out in the country on the east side of I-75. It is in an area rich with wildlife, neat to see as you drive out and park. It is primarily a unique restaurant, with the best grilled sandwiches and unusual art works abound in the restaurant.

Vijay Sands, Bradenton

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Fun Things to Do

Myakka State Park

For the scenic and natural beauty of Florida and its abundant wildlife, be sure to visit Myakka State Park. It is Florida's largest park with approximately 45 square miles of Florida nature and wetlands to explore. This is home to some great critters including: pigs, possum, armadillo, wild turkey, and yes gators. A great place for hiking and biking as you can traverse the trail system that crosses over large expanses of Florida dry prairie. And there is boating too, as the park´s river and lakes provide room to roam and see the nature from the water. It is perfect for power boats, canoeing, and kayaking. This park provide a great day of sightseeing and exercise in a scenic environment.

St. Armands Circle

Be sure to enjoy a unique shopping, dining, and sightseeing experience at St. Armands Circle. A locals and tourist hot spot, the Circle is a small cluster of storefronts and restaurants perfect to checkout and grab a bite to eat in an outdoor dining setting. Plus from here you can walk right over to North Lido Beach and enjoy all of the water activities at this top-10 rated beach. St. Armands Key is a wonderful spot to bike or rollerblade around the island. You can cruise around Longboat Key, Bird Key, and Bayfront Park. This is a must do day trip, providing a unique Florida experience.

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