FAQ

We are here to help answer your questions. If you prefer to talk to a visitor information specialist, please call or text 941-706-1253 or visit us at our downtown Sarasota Visitor Center located at 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (check the webpage for exact opening days and hours). We also have visitor information specialists available at our other visitor centers in the County. If you like to receive additional information, sign up here to receive our e-newsletter.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

For current mask requirements or recommendations, please refer to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ and the Florida Department of Health website at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.  

Businesses are allowed to have their own requirements, and customers are encouraged to check with individual businesses about whether a mask is necessary for service.

Please visit any of our Visitors Centers; locations, opening hours and contact information can be found here or view a selection of brochures online here.

Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Learn more on our website here, or view our digital brochure here.

There are lots of great options. For a full listing of things to do with children, view our digital brochure here.

You can visit our event calendar, pick up the weekly Sarasota Herald-Tribune Ticket at our downtown Sarasota Visitor Center or read it online here.

The downtown Sarasota historical area is located near our Visitor Center located at 1945 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236. It is the area east of U.S. 41 and west of U.S. 301 along Main Street. 

Sarasota County offers a variety of dining options and many of its restaurants are Zagat-rated, making it a favorite stop for foodies from around the world. Search restaurants on our website here. If you have the name of a restaurant, you can add it in the search tab on our website . The Visitor Centers carry a dining and culinary guide which you can also download here. Do not forget to check out local restaurants that participate in the Savor Sarasota which takes place June 1-14 every year since 2006!

This area is within walking distance to Lido Key Beach and the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring distinct European flair and an eclectic variety of elegant dining and shopping options. You can explore the Circle with a self-guided history tour of its statutes or simply shop, eat and enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting. 

Please visit our website for a detailed list of our beaches. Beach wheelchairs are available at Lido, Manasota, Nokomis, Siesta and Venice Beaches courtesy of Sarasota County Government. Call 941-861-5000 for more information or visit their website here.

We have several vendors offering different trolley tours, including historical, culinary and architectural tours.