Your Guide to a Green Vacation in Sarasota County

If you lead an eco-friendly life at home, you don’t have to leave that behind when you vacation in Sarasota County. A local website contains environmentally focused activities and information for residents and tourists alike. And we’ve put together a list of some of the county’s best restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options, so you can eat healthy food that has less impact on the planet.

Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Sarasota County

Developed by the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, Green Living Toolkit describes itself as “everything you need to love life and live green, all in one place.”

On the website, you’ll find guides to a range of eco-friendly topics, like growing your own food, assessing your home’s energy usage and recycling. While most of the information is geared toward locals, the Green Living Toolkit also offers ideas and tips for vacationers, from things to do to how to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling.

Updated twice a month, the toolkit’s community calendar features environmental events throughout the area that are culled from more than 100 organizations. Support local vendors at our many farmers' markets. Take a guided kayaking tour. Participate in a birding workshop or a plant clinic. These are just a few fun and informative ways to learn about our area’s ecology.

Want to give back while you’re here? Browse through the volunteer opportunities and choose the one – or maybe a few – that appeals to you. Most of them combine vacation activities with acts of service. A couple of examples: Beach lovers can take part in a shoreline or underwater clean-up. Birders can add to their life lists while also doing a citizen science survey of birds.

With so many possibilities each month, you’re bound to come across at least one volunteer effort that resonates with you during your visit.

Would you rather explore the outdoors on your own schedule? The Green Living Toolkit’s nature section can steer you toward your ideal Sarasota County nature experience. Book an eco-tour (or go on a virtual one before you arrive), connect with local hiking, biking, boating and fishing clubs, and access maps and guides to create your own adventure.

While you’re out pursuing your nature activities, it’s vital that you know how to keep our wildlife safe. Get tips on what to do (and what not to do), along with how to contact the appropriate responders when you see an animal in need of rescue.

Sustainable Travel Tips for Your Sarasota Vacation

When you’re on vacation, it can be challenging to remain eco-friendly. The Green Living Toolkit has an entire section devoted to waste reduction to help you travel responsibly.

You’ll probably eat out more here than you do in your daily life. This can generate a lot of waste, especially plastic. Prepare yourself before you leave home by packing reusable items like metal water bottles and straws.

Another way the site suggests you can reduce your carbon footprint is by using alternative transportation. Access the local bus or trolley service schedule, as well as a map of bike lanes and sidewalks on the energy conservation page.

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

Sarasota County has a wide selection of restaurants that cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian but want to enjoy fresh healthy cuisine, you’re in the right place.

To help guide you through a selection of fresh food eateries, here are some choices for your “eating green” dining experience.

Located in Nokomis south of Sarasota, Café Evergreen is situated in the 1923 restored post office and bank building. While known for many dishes, it seems that patrons can’t get enough of the café’s unique beverages that include the Water Kefir drinks, the Evergreen Juice and summer coolers made from freshwatermelon. The café menu changes with the season, but the restaurant has developed a reputation for the Avocado Sliders and the gluten-free Mac and Cheese.

In the heart of Sarasota’s downtown, Lila (pronounced lee-lah) is a vegan-friendly restaurant. Vegetables are the star attraction with seasonal menu offerings and favorites including the Vegetable Burger, Quinoa-Sweet Potato Wedges, and the Macro Bowl with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, seaweed, and sauerkraut topped by a tahini vinaigrette.

Ionie Organic Café is an intimate downtown Sarasota eatery with seating indoors and outside specializing in organic, raw food, and vegan food. Fresh juices range from carrot juice to Ionie’s Assunta smoothie, containing a mixture of apples, lemon juice kale blended with spinach, banana, and kiwi. For lunch, try the Kelp Pesto Bowl or the lasagna creatively made with zucchini pasta, tomato marinara, spinach and pistachio pesto.

The family-owned Green Zebra Café’s extensive chalkboard menu offers a wide range of healthy choices. Begin with the drink selection of cold-pressed juices, blended smoothies, wellness shots, and elixirs. Follow your healthy drink with a variety of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options including organic salads, sandwiches and raw entrees. Locals rave about the Rainbow Kale Salad, the Raw Taco Salad and the Raw Tuscan Lasagna. Visit one of the two locations – downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.

Simon’s Coffee Shop, on South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), has been serving healthy foods for 16 years and has become a second home to many guests while serving freshly prepared food daily. But it’s the signature warm welcome extended by the family that greets those who dine here. Simon’s is best known for the variety of in-house prepared meals with rotating daily specials and homemade soups. Regulars rave about the Tex Mex Burger (a black bean burger), the Zorba the Greek (spanakopita and salad) and the Krishna Sandwich (seasonal veggies, Indian pickle dressing, and cashew cheeses on lavash).

Make your next trip to Sarasota County an environmentally friendly and fun one with guidance from the Green Living Toolkit and these dining suggestions before and during your visit.