2022

Discover More Sarasota County Trip Ideas

Picture a vintage Florida postcard. Think mid-20^th century. Fill your mind with images of 1960’s motels, swimming pools, and of course, bathing beauties. The Sunshine State, America’s playground, became a destination for tourists and new residents who flocked to Florida in the 20^th century. Reminders of those eras, as well as the natural areas that existed before newcomers arrived, are evident in North Port.

Sarasota’s abundant beaches, coves, bays, and creeks, are the perfect place to hop on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Meander silently and slowly, like an ocean-dwelling ninja, so the fish don’t dart, the birds don’t fly, and the sea mammals come say hi.

Sarasota County offers many natural resources for us and our 4-legged friends to enjoy!

Sarasota County is definitely dog-friendly. How do we know? Because there are over 80 parks that are either ‘dog friendly’ or ‘Paw Parks,’ and that’s a lot of options when it comes to taking your furry pal out for some exercise!

In addition to its world-renowned shopping, dining, and beaches, modern St. Armands Circle is home to the Circus Ring of Fame

One century ago, the circus reigned supreme as the pinnacle of popular entertainment in the United States. Beginning in the 1880s and continuing well into the post-war midcentury, exquisite, caravans of colorful wagons carried "The Greatest Show on Earth" from coast-to-coast.

Here’s how to spend an entire day – morning ‘til night – in the hip and growing neighborhood on the fringes of downtown Sarasota.

Few neighborhoods in Sarasota have seen a rapid overhaul the likes of the Rosemary District. Once a small, quiet offshoot of downtown, the Rosemary District has seen huge growth of new businesses, new public art, revitalized parks, and infrastructural updates over the past 10 years—bringing in a vibrant food, arts, and social scene with plenty of selections for everyone’s preferences.

Authentic food and tradition of Eastern European cultures that have become prevalent in Sarasota County’s southern City of North Port.

North Port, in Southeast Sarasota County, is a short 30-minute drive from Sarasota.  A little-known fact is that it is considered the hub of the Ukrainian community in Southwest Florida. European accents and languages can be heard everywhere -- in restaurants, shops and markets - it’s a microcosm of Eastern Europe. Here you’ll likely meet Ukrainians, Russians, Serbians and Poles – to name a few.

So, why North Port?

CoolToday Park in the southern Sarasota County is done and ready for the latest Major League Baseball franchise to come to Southwest Florida: the Atlanta Braves.

See this small beach community’s big heart at the beloved, annual Englewood Pioneer Days 

That sense of small-town community is where the Englewood Pioneer Days Parade Committee thrives. They love their town, they love its history, and they believe in preserving and protecting its legacy.

Want to get a sneak peek without leaving your home office? Step inside with a 360 tour.

If you're considering Sarasota for a meeting, incentive trip or sporting event, take a virtual tour of select properties and venues to get an idea of some local hot spots—including hotels, sports facilities, theaters and parks.