Make the Most of School Break in Sarasota

Whether you're a parent planning the ultimate family getaway, a group of friends craving a spring trip to Florida or a teacher ready to unwind and recharge, Sarasota County delivers activities and experiences for every school break. 

With world-class beaches, cultural attractions, eco-adventures and interactive museums, the Florida Gulf Coast is tailor-made for families, students and educators looking to turn holidays into meaningful reset time—because every school break deserves a little Sarasota sunshine.

Beach It Year-round

We simply can't begin a school break guide to Sarasota without first sharing a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting our award-winning beaches. Here, the beach is always in season—and always the best kind of classroom (or office) break. The warm summer months are super sunny and extra long to sneak in as many daytime activities as possible before nightfall. The cooler winter months, when our shores feel like a tropical escape compared to bundled-up northern cities, feel extra special to be on. Simply put, every season shines here in Sarasota.

Siesta Key Beach and Village

TripAdvisor named Sarasota's Siesta Key Beach the #1 beach in the United States multiple years running, and also ranked the beach among the top beaches in the world. Siesta Beach is famous for its sugary white sand that never gets hot under the Florida sun! Enjoy a game of beach volleyball, go snorkeling, shelling or simply sit and people-watch as you work on your tan—the ultimate souvenir to take back home. 

The relaxed daytime vibes and the nightlife in the neighboring Siesta Key Village are an added bonus to the sun and salt, beach bodies and drum circle jams you'll find on the beach. During a daytime stroll through the Village, visitors are never more than a few steps away from an ice cream cone or a hair-of-the-dog in the form of a Bloody Mary or a daiquiri. Outdoor restaurants, brunch stops, souvenir shops, tiki bars and ice cream parlours line the walkable Village.

Lido Key and St. Armand's Circle

Just minutes to the north of Siesta, Sarasota County's other hallmark public beaches on Lido Key are among the most varied waterfronts in Sarasota. The beach at the north end of Lido offers a Gulf-side oasis similar to that of Siesta Key, featuring white sand dunes and rolling waves. Lido Key curves around to another beach park on its south side, which includes nature trails and barbeque and picnic spaces along a more placid bayside. This is a great spot to launch a kayak from with friends or family to explore the nearby mangroves!

When the sun sets on your beach day, St. Armand's Circle comes alive with twinkling lights, music and lively energy perfect for families and "spring breakers" alike. Enjoy an evening stroll past boutique shops, grab handcrafted gelato or gourmet sweets, or dine al fresco at one of the many family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and live music. Parents can sip craft cocktails while the kids go play arcade games in nearby Arcade Monsters. It’s a safe, stylish and laid-back way to extend your vacation fun into the night. 

Get Some Action

Care to get some aerial or splash action while you're traveling to Florida's Gulf Coast? You're in luck... 

Air & Watersports

Let us suggest an afternoon of parasailing. The ultra-blue waters are warm pretty much all year, and parasailing offers a thrilling birds-eye view of Sarasota County's coastline and the city beyond. For an even more thrilling ride above the surf and sand, buckle up on a sweeping helicopter tour with flight operators in the area. 

The waterways of Sarasota County are also among the best fishing haunts on Florida's west coast. If you're looking for a saltwater trophy catch to snap a photo and send back to your pals back home, stuck in the cold, book an offshore fishing charter. But if your spring or winter break needs more of a relaxing vibe, seek a little solitude on a quiet kayaking tour through inland waterways.

Renting a jet-ski or Hydrocat (high-speed catamaran) or booking a booze cruise are other super fun ways to get the full vacation experience here in Sarasota. No matter the season, take advantage of the year-round sunshine and crystal-blue coastline we have to offer by maximizing your time on the water!

Camping

If you came to Sarasota to escape the snow and get off the grid (or at least out of Wi-Fi range), the wilderness may be your destination of choice. Camping season arrives early in south Sarasota County, where you'll find a variety of camping and glamping options, and very little danger of frostbite. You can also set up camp or park your RV at Turtle Beach Campground on the southern tip of Siesta Key! Don't forget to pack some s'mores.
 

Treat Yourself

Don't be surprised if the time you spend during your break unwinding in the Sarasota sunshine inspires a desire to treat yourself—perhaps shopping for a new pair of designer sunglasses, or booking a salon treatment or massage.

St. Armands Circle

If you're a teacher and looking for a day of luxury and rejuvenation while OOO, then head to St. Armands Circle, known for its world-class shopping and art galleries of well-known names and fashion brands (though you can also find amazing local artists and boutiques here as well). The Circle also features a number of hair and nail salons and wellness spas to ensure you return from break refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the school year. 

University Town Center

Shopaholics will not want to miss University Town Center or The Mall at UTC. The area features over 200 retail stores and boutiques, and approximately 80 restaurants and cafes to get your shopping and lunch fix. While out and about, stop in at one of the many hair and nail salons, spas, wellness centers, fitness gyms and whatever else you can think of that you may want to indulge in on your vacation. 

Downtown Sarasota

If you really want to check out the local scene, head to Sarasota's Downtown. Numerous shops/boutiques, jewelers, galleries, wellness and fitness centers, restaurants, cafes, bars—you name it!—are spread all along the scenic and walkable streets of our downtown district, so there is no shortage of finding things to occupy your time and spending. 

Catch Some Culture

Take a break that inspires the mind as much as it relaxes the body with a visit to Sarasota’s rich collection of art and educational museums. 

Museums

Families can spark curiosity and extend learning out of the classroom at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, or dive into marine life wonders at MoteSEA. For educators and lifelong learners, be sure to explore the historic bayfront grounds of The Ringling, or find meaningful ways to connect with nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Both of these spots offer waterside yoga if you and your travel companions are looking for a restorative flow. 

Theaters

In downtown Sarasota, the performing arts reign supreme. There are ample chances to catch a show—especially during the winter and spring seasons. Enjoy the captivating sounds of Sarasota Opera House, the high-flying acrobatics of Circus Arts Sarasota, the improv laughs at Florida Studio Theatre, the widely-acclaimed plays at Urbanite Theatre and more!
 

Take a Break & Stay Awhile

Whether you're here for a quick weekend escape or a full-on school break, Sarasota County delivers the kind of weather, space and stress-free fun that everyone needs once in a while. 

Should you need help finding a place to stay and rest your head, there are ample accommodations to consider. Families on their summer or winter trips may want to check out a vacation home or villa available for rent, while college students or teachers on their spring break may want to live it up at one of our stylish boutique hotels or beach resorts. 

Wherever you book, be sure to soak up the sunlight here. We promise, Sarasota has plenty of it to go around.