Retail Therapy in Sarasota: Shopping Under the Palms

Get your walking shoes on—it’s time to go shopping in Sarasota. Whether you’re looking for stylish swimwear or coastal home decor, you’ll find a number of shopping districts where sidewalk strolls turn into signature finds. From sun-dappled plazas to seaside boutiques, discover the region’s best entertainment districts where you never have to sacrifice enjoying the beautiful year-round weather for a new beach bag or souvenir.

University Town Center, Sarasota

The University Town Center (UTC) features more than 300 shops and boutiques, over 90 places to dine, plus fitness studios, wellness services and various attractions. You can easily spend the entire day driving around its different districts or strolling the various centers to discover popular national brands, local retailers, specialty stores and big box favorites, such as IKEA, Marshalls, REI, Ulta, Best Buy, DSW, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom Rack, Golf Galaxy, Old Navy and so much more. When you've gotten your fill from shopping, grab a drink at one of the open-air patios of a restaurant nearby, or check out one of the family attractions for added fun, including PopStroke mini golf, Mote SEA aquarium and Nathan Benderson Park. 

Around the holidays, the UTC is especially magical, with thousands of giant Christmas trees and holiday decorations lighting up the area's roundabouts and corridors. Music plays from speakers all along the sidewalks year-round, but during the holiday season, shoppers can look for gifts and get in the spirit with Christmas music playing overhead and a stop-and-stare light show timed every 30 minutes. 

University Town Center

Beyond the outdoor shopping center, The Mall at UTC provides some shade and more shopping within its 880,000-square-foot building—home to a diverse mix of department stores, fashion and lifestyle retailers, local boutiques and popular brands. 

For fashionistas, options range from higher-end (Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Coach, UNTUCKit) to trendsetting (Free People, Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch, Garage) to budget-friendly (H&M, Aerie, Forever 21, Bath & Body Works, Gap). Secure your jewelry at Brighton or Swarovski. Grab workout gear at the LuluLemon, ALO, Athleta or Fabletics location. Or find a new pair of pumps at Saks Fifth Avenue or sneakers at Fit2Run. The mall is also home to the area’s first Apple, Arhaus, Warby Parker and Crate & Barrel stores. Spend the afternoon under the arched, glass ceilings and refuel at one of the connected fast-casual or sit-down eateries.

Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch

Photo courtesy of Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch

Just a few short minutes drive from UTC, discover another Sarasota retail location: Waterside Place. Located on the edge of a beautiful lake, Waterside offers a highly walkable, open-air shopping experience with a contemporary feel. In addition to dining that ranges from casual to elevated, explore salon and wellness services such as Sirius Day Spa, PAINT Nail Bar, ManCave, Modish Salon and more. Here is where you'll find local boutiques and shops more unique to the Sunshine State and Sarasota, too, such as Florida Provisions, Marmalade, Monkee’s, Cileone Jewelers, and Eatalia Market. 

For even more local finds and Florida-native goods, stop by Waterside Place on Sundays to catch the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch, named one of the best in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine!

Downtown Sarasota 

Main Street, Downtown Sarasota

For those staying closer to Downtown Sarasota, take a stroll along Main Street, Palm or Pineapple Avenues. A few national chains (like Eileen Fisher and J. McLaughlin) have a presence here, but most of Main Street and nearby side streets are lined with local businesses, art galleries or independent shops. Wet Noses is a happy spot to stock up on pet toys and healthy treats for dogs and cats while The Candle Pour allows shoppers to take a break and create their own candles to take home. Browse the funky glassware, hand-woven Turkish towels and home furnishings at Mercantile Home & Apparel and for the bookworms, check out best-sellers and staff picks at Bookstore1Sarasota's beautiful new space and reading loft. There is no shortage of on-trend women’s apparel boutiques downtown, either. Try on your next fit at Salty Stitch, Lotus, Simply Jo's, Surge Style, T.Georgiano's, Pineapple Lain and more. 

And if you find yourself walking along Lemon Avenue or First Street on Saturday morning, don't be surprised by the dozens of vendors selling local goods, flowers, farm produce and artwork from Sarasota Farmers Market—recognized as No. 1 in the Nation as "America’s Favorite Farmers Markets" for 2026 by American Farmland Trust.

Historic Burns Court, Downtown Sarasota

Other shopping zones sit clustered near the Main Street area. Just to the south is Historic Burns Court, an artsy enclave filled with an eclectic array of storefronts embracing the “shop small” philosophy. Grab a morning drink at Project Coffee before finding coveted mid-century modern furniture, thrift finds, jewelry and other goodies that could fit easily in your suitcase. From women’s wear and stylish shoes at L. Boutique, Brooklyn Boutique and Modern Soul to eclectic antiques and unique finds at spots like Sarasota Trading Co., The Exchange and Burns Mercantile, wandering Burns Court is a treat for both the window shopper and in-store shopper. 

St. Armands Circle, Lido Key

St. Armands Circle, Lido Key

Located on Lido Key, just over the bridge of Sarasota’s downtown center, St. Armands Circle is the perfect blend of coastal charm and upscale retail. With roughly 130 street-level retail shops, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, you’ll find everything from designer resort wear (like Tory Burch, Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer) and gourmet goodies to stylish home décor, footwear and artwork. Find beach accessories, such as umbrellas, swimwear, sunglasses and boogie boards at Alvin's Island, or take home specialty seasonings from The Spice and Tea Exchange. At The Met, a luxury independent fashion house and salon, find high-end men's and women's clothing, accessories and an in-house fine jewelry couturier. 

The open-air circle is beautifully landscaped with tropical greenery, sculptures and shaded courtyards—ideal for a leisurely afternoon of browsing. As the sun dips below palm-lined streets, St. Armands transitions into a lively evening scene of street performers and plenty of confectionery shops and ice cream shops for a sweet treat.

MainStreet, Venice

MainStreet, Historic Downtown Venice

Exert your purchasing power in Historic Downtown Venice and Venice MainStreet—modeled after Venice, Italy, and featuring Mediterranean Revival style architecture. The 1920s-era retail stretch includes a myriad of independent boutiques, art galleries and specialty Old Florida shops. Pop into Captain’s Landing for tropical men’s fashions, Seaside Chic Boutique for women's coastal clothing and St. Marco Boutique for resort wear. For a pick-me-up, stop into Venice Wine & Coffee Co for a bag of fresh-roasted beans or a bottle of European wine. Find beach-themed gift items and seaside souvenirs at Artisans Venice, Island Gift Nook, Venice Stationers Gift Shop and Sea Pleasures & Treasures (great for securing fossilized shark teeth if you didn't end up finding any on your own!). 

Don’t just stroll Venice Avenue; be sure to also head one street over to Miami Avenue, home to its own collection of shops and galleries, like Tangi&Jess, Island Way Boutique and Nest Venice. If you're in the area on Saturday mornings, check out the local produce and handmade goods from the Venice Farmers' Market. 

Downtown Wellen Park, North Port

Downtown Wellen Park, courtesy of City of North Port

Further south of Sarasota in North Port, discover the newly built retail district of Downtown Wellen Park. Enjoy strolling the colorful murals and peeping into local shops and cafes of the community waterside park. A few apparel and specialty goods boutiques to check out include Naples Soap Company, DanaTyler, Hudson Square, Breakwater Home Fashions, Seaside & Co. and more. For some self-care, grab a sweet treat at Foxtail Coffee or a smoothie at Grain & Berry, then get pampered at The Polished Nail Bar, James Griffith Salon or Aesthetics Lounge and Spa. 

Other unexpected breaks from shopping at this outdoor entertainment hub may include live music in the amphitheater, event happenings on the Great Lawn or a leisurely glide across Grand Lake (stop into Wellen Park Outfitters for paddleboat or kayak rentals!). North Port also hosts its own weekly Fresh Harvest Farmers Market on Sunday mornings if you're in the mood to shop fresh produce, plants, cut flowers and more. 

Dearborn Street, Downtown Englewood

Dearborn Street, Old Englewood Village

In Old Englewood Village, the historic Dearborn Street is an ideal locale for fans of vintage and antique goods and those looking for a less-crowded shopping experience. Resale and antiques stores, such as Rumrunners Antiques, offer unique finds and estate auction oddities, plus nautical decor. Interested in some local art? Head to the Arts Alliance of Lemon Bay or the Old Florida Outdoor Center & Gallery, which occupies the town’s former hardware store. Discover stellar consignment finds at Green Artist Consignment & Gifts, and if you need an extra bag to carry all your new items home, or just another reason to fill your bag, head to A Coastal Emporium, Beyond the Wave or Tiki Trader. 

Get your caffeine fix or a fresh-baked pastry at The Dearborn Coffeehouse & Bakery, and don't leave Dearborn Street without stocking up on bottles of wine at local favorite, Rumours Wine Bar. October through May, be sure to catch the Englewood Farmers Market every Thursday at Pioneer Plaza in Old Englewood Village for kitchen goods, essential oils, air plants, juices and, of course, delicious food items to enjoy in the moment.