2022

Arts enthusiasts are in luck: It does not take much digging to immerse oneself in Sarasota County's dynamic arts scene. 

At a glance, world-class performing arts venues and art galleries such as the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Ringling Museum of Art beckon along the main route through town, Tamiami Trail, and dominate the results in search engine queries about the Sarasota art scene.

There are endless things to do at this award-winning — not to mention stunning — Florida's Gulf Coast beach. Come see for yourself why Siesta Beach ranks among the best.

It's no wonder Siesta Beach, with its quartz-crystal sand as white and soft as powdered sugar, has been called "the finest white-sand beach in the world." Every year, travelers vote it one of the Best of the Best Beaches in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards™ — as of February 2025, it's ranked #1 in the U.S. and #4 in the World.

Thirsty for knowledge about the craft beer scene in Gulf Coast Florida? We've got your guide to Sarasota’s most hoppin’ breweries and local restaurants with a flair for pairing their bites with Florida pints.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, people of all ages, welcome to the home of John Ringling, owner of the ‘greatest show on earth.' From traditional to modern, indoor to out, somber to whimsical, The Ringling – with its Art Museum, Circus Museum, Ca' d'Zan, and Bayfront Gardens – has plenty for anyone to ooh and aah over.

Sarasota and Venice have some great waterfront dining restaurants! Check out a list of our favorite places to eat on the water.

When the sunbathing hours draw to a sunset close, Sarasota County diners head to the bevy of beachfront or bayfront restaurants nearby for a sip and some sustenance. From the quiet shores of Longboat Key and the popular Lido Beach to the picturesque Sarasota Bayfront and Venice Pier overlooking the Gulf, there is no shortage of places to cheers to the sights of Sarasota County.

Love to read on vacation? Then check out our catalogue of bookstores, poetry readings and places for young readers.

Word on the street is that Sarasota is the place to be for bookworms of all ages, spoken word poets, and other literary-minded folks.  

Whether your love of the written word has you seeking out the perfect local book nook, a reading club filled with lively book discussions, story time for the whole family, or the perfect setting to enjoy a poetry reading or even perform your own work—we have 'the read' on Sarasota's literary scene.

No matter the season, the weather is always a treat in Sarasota.

There's a reason Southwest Florida is known as the Sunshine Coast. With endless summer vibes, the odds are in your favor that the weather will be vacation-worthy no matter what time of year you're able to come. 

See what catches your eye while exploring Sarasota County’s shopping scene

Looking to give your credit card a workout? There are plenty of places in Sarasota County where you can browse and buy everything from high-end handbags to beachy souvenirs.

With beaches, bungalows and down-home appeal, you'll definitely want to stop in Englewood, FL for an under-the-radar gem.

At the south end of the county, the Gulf Coast community of Englewood captures Florida's treasured past, charm and beauty. Its stunning, uncrowded beaches are pure and wide, with excellent facilities and friendly locals.