Two Things to Try in Each Sarasota Shopping District

Downtown Sarasota

In Downtown Sarasota, Main Street and its offshoots are home to national retailers, art galleries, antique shops and trendy local boutiques trading in everything from home furnishings and apparel to gourmet goodies and vintage finds. 

1. See what's trending at Bookstore1, a high-quality independent bookstore filled with recommended works from local and well-known authors.

2. Grab a Veo scooter or stroll down to Bayfront Park and Marina Jack to watch the sun set over the mooring field of sailboats then catch live music at O'Learys Tiki Bar.

    

Southside Village

Head south of Downtown Sarasota to Southside Village, a small enclave of local shops, jewelers, galleries, cafes and restaurants. From high-end home furnishings to thrifted finds, this unassuming neighborhood is as quaint as it is cool. 

1. Create a savory charcuterie masterpiece, grab a bottle of wine, bag of coffee beans or pick out a delectable dessert from Morton’s Gourmet Market.

2. Try the brunch menu at Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie or enjoy an afternoon cocktail on the beautiful, shaded patio.

    

Siesta Key Village

The shopping and dining scene in Siesta Key Village exudes a decidedly by-the-seashore vibe. Strip centers (many done up in bright pink, turquoise and lime green hues) house retailers selling everything from T-shirts, hats and beach towels to luxe swimwear and sandals. 

1. Cool off and catch the happening happy hours at Siesta Key Oyster Bar or Daiquiri Deck (don't leave without trying the famous frozen drink!).

2. Salute the famous Siesta Key flagpole and catch a world-famous sunset over the Gulf at Beach Access 2, just a short drive or walk from the shops and restaurants in the Village.

    

Venice Main Street

Farther south, Venice Island features several blocks of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants in a downtown area rich on historic charm, known as Venice MainStreet.

1. Cruise the scenic streets of downtown with an e-bike from Big Bam Bikes. Be sure to cycle down to the famous Venice Fishing Pier to catch sunset!

2. Take the “Shark Spotting” scavenger hunt and see if you can find the 10 hidden shark statues around downtown. Tag your photos to #VeniceSharkSpotting!

    

The Mall at University Town Center

If hitting the mall is more your style, head to The Mall at University Town Center. This stylish Sarasota shopping zone includes several chain stores and coveted name brands. The two-story space is filled with retailers ranging from high-end to kid- and budget-friendly. The surrounding University Town Center (UTC) area also encompasses major chain stores and countless restaurants and fitness studios. 

1. Pose for a seasonal picture under their rotating outdoor decorations in the West District of the town center. The UTC especially goes all out for the holidays here! 

2. Grab some fresh air by taking a leisurely and scenic lap on foot, bike or canoe at nearby Nathan Benderson Park.

    

Waterside Place

Waterside Place, a newly developed town center of Lakewood Ranch, has blossomed as a vibrant community filled with outdoor activities and amenities, as well as an entertainment hub of boutiques, salons, restaurants and markets. 

1. Plan your shopping trip on a Friday or Saturday evening to catch live music or an outdoor movie playing at the lakefront square under the shaded pavilion.

2. Grab a quick bite or stock up on kitchen provisions at Eatalia Market, offering customizable charcuterie boards, hot prepared foods and various specialty items. 

    

St. Armands Circle

Sometimes called Sarasota’s Rodeo Drive, St. Armands Circle is home to upscale boutiques, national chain retailers, souvenir shops, art galleries and high-end jewelers. The walkable loop, just over the bridge from downtown, attracts everyone from well-heeled condo dwellers to dressed-down day-trippers and hosts annual exotic car and art shows.

1. Re-visit the legends of the big top along the Circus Ring of Fame — an ode to several former residents from back when The Ringling Bros. made Sarasota the Winter home for their traveling extravaganza.

2. Between getting your shopping fixe, grab a lunch or dinner at one of the many sophisticated eateries on the Circle, including Crab & Fin and Café on St. Armands.

    

Burns Court

Historic Burns Court is an enclave of  charming 1920s-era bungalows and an eclectic mix of shops offering art, clothing, antiques, vintage finds, beauty/wellness products, florals and home decor in Downtown Sarasota. 

1. See a movie at Burns Court Cinema — everything from indie flicks to Hollywood hits to the occasional documentary could be in the queue at this cozy cinema.

2.  Grab an energy boost from Project Coffee or Summer Tap Juice Bar between exploring the art-filled streets and shopping the scene.

    

Downtown Wellen Park

Experience Downtown Wellen Park's vibrant new neighborhood in North Port, community and lifestyle of boutique shops, all-day eateries and cafes, plus a playground and splash park for kids.

1. Time your shopping trip right to align with one of the free weekly community activities and events – from live music, yoga and walking groups to cornhole, zumba and outdoor movies. 

2. Between shops, grab a a coffee drink or affogato at Foxtail Coffee Co. or a craft beer from the tap wall at Oak & Stone. 

    

Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Lakewood Ranch Main Street is a quaint downtown area offering a mix of specialty shops, DIY art studios, cafes, eateries and stylish boutiques. 

1. Catch a matinee movie at the Lakewood Ranch Cinema or stop into Arts A Blaze Studio for a ceramics class to take home a piece of your own pottery.
2. Between retail therapy, add to your self-care itinerary that day with a drop-in class at Barre3 or a hair appointment at Salon Lofts.

Limelight District

Just a short ride northeast from Main Street in downtown Sarasota, the Limelight District is an area where new venues, shops and galleries are mixing with existing attractions to form a unique local experience. 

1. Treasure hunt for decor, gifts, trinkets and other crafted goods at indoor indie market, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, home to 40+ vendors and artisans.

2. After shopping, meet more local artists, or take a community art class, at Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy.

    

Dearborn Street

What Main Street is to both Sarasota and Venice, Dearborn Street is to Englewood. Great food, local shopping and fun hangouts await you down on Dearborn.

1. After shopping, find a private slice of beach to decompress among the ancient ruins at Indian Mound Park.
2. Grab a baked treat and caffeinated pick-me-up for some more walking and exploring at Dearborn Coffeehouse and Bakery.

Rosemary District

To the north of Downtown Sarasota, the art-filled Rosemary District boasts a growing collection of trendy restaurants, cafes, studios, salons and galleries.

1. After strolling the scene, rent a mat and catch an uplifting yoga or sculpt class Shack Yoga + Fitness studio.
2. Catch happy hour and upbeat live music on the beautifully lush patio of Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar or at Arts & Central, where the restaurant highlights a rotation of local artists' work on their menus.