How to Visit Sarasota County From Your Home

It is important to focus on the positives and support the #MySarasota community in any way possible during this unprecedented time.

Here are a few ways to do both!

Treat Yourself to a Takeout Meal

Local restaurants are altering takeout, curbside and delivery options to continue service to guests in the safest way possible. Call your favorite local restaurants or check their social media pages to see if they can accommodate your special needs. Bulk up on some of your favorites to spice up your meals at home. 

How about investing in a future meal? Many restaurants offer gift cards that can help spark date ideas and family outings down the road. Plus, they make great gifts to lift someone else's spirits!

Nature Break

If you're already here, take a break from the indoors and explore Sarasota County's natural beauty from the scintillating waters of the Gulf of Mexico, across the white sand beaches on our barrier islands at our wonderful beaches and parks.  From trails, to parks to wildlife and beyond, adventure is always waiting just outside the front door.

Online Shopping

Daydream about your next trip to the beach by browsing the web for a new bathing suit, hat, sunglasses, float and other coastal supplies. Several of the individually owned shops that make Main Street, Historic Downtown Venice, St. Armands Circle and our other shopping districts so charming have online storefronts where you can window shop or buy before you visit. You can even get a leg up on holiday shopping!

Have a Virtual Vacation 

Many of our local attractions have ways to experience their galleries, collections, properties and more online. Browse some of the digital resources around the destination.

Create a Vacation Vision Board 

We're all feeling the itch of the travel bug while we dream away at home. If you're going to want a getaway as soon as all is clear, consider creating a Vacation Vision Board at home. Look for #inspo now, and have an idea of where you'll stay, what you'll do, and where you'll eat, when the time is right to travel to Sarasota County. 

See a Show

Find out why we're known as Florida's Cultural Coast® by watching an online performance from one of our professional performing arts organizations.

Many of the theaters, concert halls, galleries and other arts organizations that help make Sarasota an astounding cultural communtiy offer subscriptions, classes and more in addition to tickets. Follow up with your favorite arts organization or find someone new and see what might be available today to entertain you tomorrow.

Try a Recipe

Take your tastebuds on vacation with some delicious recipes using some of our area's unique local produce and other ingredients!

Watch a Movie

Whether you're looking for a 30 second beach escape or short story about some of the niche charms around #MySarasota, we have an archive of videos to choose from.

Looking for something more in the "feature film" variety? Scan your favorite streaming service for a movie filmed in Sarasota County and surrounding areas!

Running out of Netflix options? Check out the documentary "Spelling The Dream" on or after May 23 on the streaming service. It is directed by Sarasota-raised filmmaker Sam Rega.

Beach Happy Hour

Zoom video conferencing is taking over as one of the best ways to scratch the social interaction itch, but did you know you can add a virtual background to your calls? Level up your next video chat with our guide and free library of official Sarasota County beach backgrounds!