October

These local restaurants will offer guests a holiday feast without the fuss this Thanksgiving season

Want to taste fall flavors for Thanksgiving in Sarasota without having to deal with the prep, cooking or most dreaded, the cleanup? These local restaurants are dishing up special holiday menus for take-out or dine-in for everyone's favorite Thursday of the year. 

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.

Nature lovers will find wild spaces, fascinating wildlife and adventure amenities on that state's only Wild and Scenic River.

Among Sarasota County's hundreds of unspoiled parks, nature preserves and wetlands, the area offers eco-friendly attractions along the Myakka River, a beloved body of water that’s celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2025 as the state’s only “Wild and

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.

Connect with nature at Sarasota County’s many parks and gardens

Whether you like lush, tropical parks or neatly manicured gardens, there’s plenty of green space in Sarasota County where you can get outside and enjoy our diverse natural environment.

Check out seven local shops for unique Sarasota County shopping, featuring items you won't find elsewhere.

Leave behind the generic gift cards and unearth one-of-a-kind gems to gift for your friends — from antique trinkets and Florida furnishings to gourmet treats and worldwide goods. Make room in your luggage and check out seven places only found in 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.

Take a dip at some of the best beaches in the world or hike the canopy trails at one of Florida’s oldest state parks. You’ll find a nature experience to remember!

Let sun-drenched fun fill your vacation with a trip to Sarasota County’s parks and beaches. Whether you want to dip in the water at one of the best beaches in the world or hike canopy trails in one of Florida’s largest and oldest state parks, you will walk away with an experience to remember!

Visit Sarasota County is the public-private partnership that promotes tourism for all of Sarasota County. Learn more about who we are and how we keep visitors coming, businesses open, and residents employed all year long. 

Tourism: Sarasota County’s Top Industry

Sarasota County has it all: stunning beaches, lively festivals, a vibrant arts and culture scene that rivals big cities, outdoor adventures for every taste, a variety of shops and restaurants to explore, and attractions for all ages.