2021

When you need to be alone in Sarasota nature, here are parks and beaches where you are least likely to run into strangers and most likely to have some breathing room

A walk in the park can clear your head, get your heart pumping, and help connect you to your natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful and picturesque way to temporarily escape the real world, and there are lots of parks and preserves in Sarasota County where you can get away from it all (at least for a while).

Planning a more intimate wedding? Consider one of these memorable Sarasota-area venues, whether you want a waterfront wedding, a Southern chic celebration or a city vibe.

A piece of history now hangs in the Visit Sarasota County Visitor Information Center

Sarasota has changed quite a bit over the past 100 years. In fact, if you look at old photos of Main Street or Palm Avenue, it’s likely you wouldn’t even recognize them. There is one piece of history, however, that has stood the test of time for a century. Thanks to the team behind The DeMarcay, the luxury residences coming to historic Palm Avenue, part of that history will continue to live on as a legacy that honors its past.

Modern roundabouts are becoming common across Sarasota’s roadways, and there are plans for more!

Here’s how three families describe Sarasota and her islands as a perfect vacation fit for through the years—from children to parents to grandparents!

Longboat Key has always been a timeless catalyst for memory making among vacationers from all over the country. If LBK were a time capsule, it would indeed hold reflections of priceless moments and lifetime events from people that come in as guests, but leave as family.

Sarasota area restaurants offer up alternatives to the standard plastic straw to help protect the local environment

Millions of plastic straws are used every day in the United States. Generally not able to be recycled, they can wind up littering our beaches and local waterways. In fact, they’re usually among the top items collected during beach cleanups around the world.

Hunting for shells at Sarasota County beaches is among the unique pleasures visitors and locals alike enjoy year-round

Hunting for shells on Florida's endless beaches is among the unique pleasures visitors and locals alike enjoy year-round. Sarasota County is known for its beautiful beaches filled with a variety of nature’s treasures. Ask any shelling enthusiast and they’ll swear on a stack of sand dollars that there’s nothing more relaxing and enjoyable as the hunt for a perfect shell.

If you’ve got a mini–Jacques Cousteau at home, Sarasota County is an ideal place for a family vacation with kiddos who are fascinated by sharks. 

Whether you think sharks are misunderstood predators or total undersea villains thanks to movies like Jaws, there’s no denying that they’re fascinating aquatic creatures. In fact, you might have a son or daughter who’s totally obsessed with the toothy fish, in that classic way kids have of forming full-throttle passions.

Outdoor seating at restaurants is easy in paradise along Florida’s Gulf Coast, but this list of local eateries features places that put their own special twist on the concept.

Sitting outside for a meal in Florida is canon—especially when you’re taking a break from a long, arduous winter elsewhere and want to soak up as much warm, sunny vibes as you can before heading back!