A Traveler's Guide to Waterside Place

Waterside Place leads with the kind of the laid-back Florida lakeside vibes that make you want to stay awhile. Built around the beautiful Kingfisher Lake, this newly developed town center of Lakewood Ranch has blossomed as a vibrant community and entertainment hub and escape from Sarasota's more busy beach towns. 

Whether you're seeking a good bite, some good shopping or a fun activity, there’s something for families, couples and friends to do here. 

Where to Dine & Sip

Waterside Place offers a growing variety of culinary experiences suited for every mood—from grab‑and‑go bites to elevated shared‑plate dinners:

• Osteria 500 – Chic Italian eatery with a wood‑fired pizza oven and lake‑view patio under a vine-grown pergola.
• Kore Steakhouse & Lounge – Crafted steaks and Korean‑inspired fare with a unique tabletop grilling adventure.
• Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House – Fresh Gulf seafood in an upscale oyster bar setting with outdoor lounges.
• Agave Bandido – Lively Mexican restaurant with big indoor-outdoor tequila bar (ask about their upstairs speakeasy!).
• Good Liquid Brewing Co. – Funky craft beers brewed on-site, with a convivial beer‑garden vibe.
• Good Liquid Distilling Co. – Intimate lounge and local distillery with cocktails and tasting flights.
• Duck Donuts – Made‑to‑order gourmet donuts with a variety of glazes and flavors.
• Forked at Waterside – Breakfast and brunch hotspot serving casual morning fare and cocktails.
• AllSwell Gastro – Trendy gastropub serving up elevated twists on American classics in a stylish setting.
• CROP Juice – Fresh‑pressed juices and wellness shots for post yoga.
• O&A Coffee Supply – Specialty coffees brewing and retail beans.
• Kilwins – Homemade artisan ice cream, fudge and dessert shop.
• Carved – Gourmet sandwiches, salads, bowls for a quick and easy bite.

• Quincy's Original Lobster Rolls – Maine-inspired lobster rolls for grab-and-go picnics.

   

Parks & Outdoor Fun

Park goers describe it as the perfect lakeside retreat for family days out. Connected via a footbridge to Waterside Park, this 8-acre oasis offers an event lawn, a splash pad where little ones can cool off, plus sand volleyball courts regularly hosting sunset pickup games. 

Visitors and residents can also freely use the exercise pods, shaded hammocks, playground and walking trails at their leisure.

Shop Waterside Place

Browse a curated mix of local boutiques and service shops—think home and kitchen goods, resortwear and everyday beauty and wellness. It's an ideal spot to leisurely stroll and uncover unique finds.

• Marmalade – Beachy lifestyle boutique for beach-time essentials, swimwear, hats, gifts, decor and more.
• Monkee’s – Upscale, fashion-forward women’s boutique to shop resortwear, accessories and shoes.
• Eatalia – Italian market serving up imported provisions and pasta-making favorites.
• Florida Provisions Co. – Gourmet grocer stocked with cool homeware and kitchen provisions, plus craft beer to-go and fishing gear.
• La Chic Bohème – Bohemian-inspired day spa for massages, facial treatments and shopping beauty products.
• Cileone Jewelers – Contemporary showroom for estate, antique, designer and bridal jewelry.
• PAINT Nail Bar – Modern and luxurious nail salon for an afternoon mani-pedi.

• Modish Salon – Trendy hair salon featuring stylists specializing in color and extensions.

   

Weekly & Special Events

There's a good chance that no matter when you show up to Waterside Place, there'll be something happening in the pedestrian-friendly streets—whether at Lakefront Square, The Plaza, The Yard or at Waterside Park:

• Ranch Nights – Evening food truck market serving delicious bites and live tunes on Wednesdays, Oct–May.
• Farmers' Market at Waterside Place – Catch a weekly lineup of fresh produce, food truck eats and artisan goods every Sunday morning, year-round.
• Sunset Volleyball – Every Wednesday evening, drop in for friendly community matches at Waterside Park.
• Sights + Sounds – Monthly event to celebrate local visual, musical and performing arts, including theater, orchestras, acappella groups and an art series.
• Casual Cornhole & Field Bocce – On Thursdays, lawn games are open to families and all skill levels in The Yard.
• Yoga in the Park – Held weekly on Sunday mornings on the event lawn, these free gently guided sessions are perfect for yogis of all levels.
• Outdoor Movie Nights – Catch free outdoor screenings of family-friendly flicks in Lakefront Square on the second Friday of each month.
• Weekend Live Music – Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night under the covered pavilion of The Plaza, bring lawn chairs or or grab one of the many tables and chairs.
• A Taste of Waterside Restaurant Week – Enjoy prix-fixe menus featuring curated dishes, wine pairings and drinks throughout the week, July–August.

• Seasonal and Holiday – There's never not a family-friendly block party, parade, market or carnival happening during the holidays at Waterside! Also a great place to catch the fireworks on July 4th or New Year's Eve!

  

   

Stay Near Waterside

The closest accommodations are just a short drive away—consider Lakewood Ranch’s posh home rentals, or book a room at EVEN Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch, an IHG Hotel. Located an 8–10-minute drive from Waterside Place, the EVEN Hotel is perfect for wellness-minded travelers. Each guestroom features fitness equipment and plush bedding, while communal amenities include a 24/7 gym, outdoor pool and jacuzzi and an onsite restaurant and bar.

Alternatively, Ameniti Bay Sarasota Hotel & Suites is another option, about a 12-minute drive away. The boutique-style hotel boasts spacious, contemporary rooms—some with balconies—and a resort-style zero-entry pool. Ideal for families or those exploring Sarasota’s beaches and UTC area, it offers a central and convenient home base near all the attractions.