2022

South Sarasota County is rich with hidden treasures and an Old Florida feel, and here we share the top 45 things to do.

You know all about the No. 1 beach in the country, Siesta Key Beach, and the art and culture found in downtown Sarasota, but what about the lesser-known southern part of Sarasota County?

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.

Heading to Sarasota County with your family? Read up on our guide and get some great ideas to make sure the whole family has a good trip!

Flowers are blooming and birds are chirping; school teachers are breathing a sigh of relief ... Ah, yes, spring break is in the air, and summer vacation is right on its heels. For kids and parents, this combination of unbeatable weather and newfound free time means the timing couldn't be better for vacations and family outings.

Head to Sarasota County's beaches and many waterways to spot a variety of native animal life by the sea.

Sarasota County beaches, bays, lakes and rivers are great for spotting many of the area’s animal inhabitants – from playful dolphins and lazy manatees to the actual, winged version of our beloved snowbirds and even the elusive alligator.

Feathered Finds

Looking for some family fun in the sun? You’ve come to the right place.

There are lots of family-friendly ways to explore and enjoy Sarasota County. Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or teens in your traveling party, Sarasota County offers all kinds of options for the young (and young at heart).

Here are 10 kid-approved activities to add to your vacation itinerary:

There's plenty of ways to fill your days near America's best beach after soaking up the sun on Siesta Key

You likely already know about Siesta Key Beach—having been ranked #2 of the '25 Best Beaches in the World' by TripAdvisor in 2022 and 2023, as well as its year-after-year accolade as 'The #1 Beach in America,' selected by TripAdvisor users in 2015, 2017 and 2020.

Find out everything you want to know about our little coastal city of SRQ.

 Lynn Hobeck Bates, APR  |  Communications Manager

The captain spotted the school of tarpon swimming parallel to the beach, 100 yards from shore.

"Wait until I give the signal to cast," he told the angler. "You may only get one chance."

The large, thick-bodied fish, often referred to as "the silver king of game fish," run south along local beaches every spring. But for some reason, the tarpon linger a little longer in the shallow waters off this barrier island.