Here Are 7 Things a Sarasota Native Says You Must Do When Visiting the Area
Emma Weyant’s not only a championship swimmer for Team USA. She’s also a Sarasota native who loves the place where she grew up.
Emma Weyant’s not only a championship swimmer for Team USA. She’s also a Sarasota native who loves the place where she grew up.
As a true local, she’s got her favorite spots in the area, both her longtime haunts and newer finds. And luckily for us (and you), she’s willing to share them. Here are Emma’s must-dos for visitors to Sarasota.
1. Spend time at one of Sarasota County’s beautiful beaches.
It’s not surprising this takes the first spot on her list, as the beaches are a big reason why so many people flock here. Emma’s beach time sometimes consists of spirited beach volleyball games with her sister and friends. “We’re big beach volleyball people,” she says.
But other times, she’s looking for something a little more low key. “I’m a big reader, and reading by the beach is definitely one of the most serene places to be,” she says. “Sarasota beaches are beautiful, and some of them can be really quiet and peaceful if you know where to look.”
Her personal favorite? Turtle Beach on Siesta Key, especially around sunset. “It has the best sand and the prettiest water,” she says. Amenities here include a playground, canoe/kayak launch, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and picnic pavilion. Keep your eye out for the beach’s namesake reptile; its moniker comes from the fact that it’s a popular sea turtle nesting habitat from May 1 to October 31 each year.
Emma’s also fond of Longboat Key Beach for some rest and relaxation. “It can be really quiet during the day, which is nice,” she says.
2. See the inspiring artwork on view at The Ringling.
There’s a lot to admire at The Ringling, the 66-acre former estate of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The Museum of Art’s original 21 galleries showcase the couple’s collection of European art ranging from the medieval period to the 19th century, while other exhibit spaces display modern and contemporary art; ceramics, sculpture, and other pieces from across the Asian continent; colorful glass works; and rotating special exhibits.
And that’s just one facet of The Ringling, where visitors can also marvel at the costumes and other artifacts on view at the Circus Museum, tour John and Mable’s Ca’ d’Zan waterfront estate home, and stroll among the blooms in Mable’s 27,000-square-foot Rose Garden.
Sarasota’s artsy side served as inspiration for Emma when designing her swimwear collections for Sporti. “Sarasota has a huge arts scene, and a lot of the ideas for the patterns and prints were drawn from that,” she says.

3. Explore Sarasota’s natural side.
Spending time outdoors is a must when visiting Sarasota, and there’s a lot to explore beyond the beach. Emma can often be found biking along the Legacy Trail, a former railroad corridor that’s now a paved trail for biking, running, and walking stretching from downtown Sarasota to Venice.
Bird Key Park overlooking Sarasota Bay is one her top picks for taking in the sunset. And she’s a fan of traversing local waterways by standup paddleboard, often setting off from spots along Siesta and Longboat Keys.
Sarasota is home to dozens of parks, from the wild expanses of Myakka River State Park to city and county parks offering playgrounds, sports courts, walking trails, and other ways to spend time in nature. So no matter where you’re staying, it’s easy to get outside and play.
4. Be a part of the community.
All throughout the year, there’s a way to get a sense of the community spirit in Sarasota. Experience an annual festival or event, which celebrate everything from the local crafts scene to sandcastle building.
Sports fans can cheer on the Sarasota Paradise soccer team, rowers competing at Nathan Benderson Park throughout the year, or the Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves when they take to the field for spring training season.
High school sports are serious business in these parts; many local football and baseball players go on to college and professional careers. And if you go to a Sarasota Sharks swim meet, you just might see the next Emma Weyant in the pool where she got her start.

5. Stroll downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.
Emma often heads to the Sarasota Farmers Market on the weekend, held every Saturday throughout the year and centered around the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue. Dozens of vendors sell all kinds of good eats as well as jewelry, soap, candles, and other items.
When she’s in the mood to do some serious shopping, Emma makes a beeline for St. Armands Circle. Boutiques there carry swimsuits, stylish sundresses, flip-flops and other footwear, and anything else you might need for a fashionable beach vacation.
And while Emma has her oft-visited spots in the area, she also enjoys discovering new places. One of her recent finds is The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies, a flower-filled, reservations-only spot for enjoying crepes, tea, and delicious desserts with your favorite people.
6. Eat at a locally owned restaurant.
Sarasota has a vibrant restaurant scene, where visitors can sample everything from fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza to craft beers and Amish specialties. Trying some of the local restaurants is a must when visiting the area.
Emma and her family are fans of Italian food, and two favorites for pasta and pizza are longtime spot Café Epicure in downtown Sarasota and the bustling Napulè on Tamiami Trail near the south end of Siesta Key. Her family also frequents Pizzeria Della Nonna, a go-to spot for pie that’s located not far from Selby Aquatic Center, where the Sarasota Sharks train. “I’m a cheese pizza girl all the way,” says Emma.
She’s also marked many a birthday at C’est La Vie in downtown Sarasota. The charming café that feels straight out of Paris has sidewalk seating and a cozy indoor dining area for enjoying quiche, crepes, omelets, and French pastries.

7. Have a drink at a rooftop bar.
To wrap up a day in Sarasota, head up to one of the area’s rooftop bars to sip a cocktail while enjoying spectacular views. Emma recommends the trendy Perspective Rooftop Bar at Art Ovation Hotel and the sophisticated Roof Bar and Eats atop The Westin Sarasota. “They’re my favorite spots to go at night and a lot of fun,” she says.
Other options for drinks with a bird’s-eye view include Sage, Drift Kitchen & Bar at Lido Beach Resort, and Daiquiri Deck’s South Siesta Key and St. Armands Circle locations. Time your visit to sunset for even more of a memorable experience.