October

Sarasota County is more than pet-tolerant; it's pet-welcoming, with plenty of places to explore with your beloved buddy.

Sarasota, with its balmy weather and beautiful beaches, is a paradise for more than just humans. It's also a paradise for our four-legged friends. In this pet-friendly city, there's no need to leave your faithful companion behind. From dog-friendly beaches and markets to pet-welcoming parks and cafes, Sarasota offers a wagging good time for both you and your furry buddy. 

From sleek sailboats to upscale yachts and catamarans, these top-rated experiences invite you to see Florida’s Gulf Coast from its most dazzling perspective: the deck.

With sun-soaked days, turquoise waters and a coastal breeze, the Sarasota area is made for life on the water. Whether you’re looking to sip champagne aboard a private yacht, join a laid-back booze cruise with friends or sail out for a private sandbar island for a snorkeling adventure, Sarasota offers an array of boating charters and local tours to fit every kind of traveler.

When the temps cool down on Florida's Gulf Coast, our state and county parks provide an ideal outdoor gateway to explore our natural wonders and landscapes.

Sarasota County offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and

See how Alexia Gonzalez (a.k.a. Gala Life or @alexia_gnz on Instagram) spent a quick Summer trip to Sarasota County while navigating the obstacles of COVID-19

Alexia Gonzalez does not live far from Sarasota County—about a 45 minute drive south from the Tampa Bay area—making it a perfectly short, local getaway while COVID-19 limited air travel options.

Check out a few surprising historical facts surrounding the holidays in Sarasota, and how you can still experience them today

See what some of the new protocols added during the pandemic look like at hotels, restaurants and attractions around Sarasota County

Welcome back to Sarasota County! Wherever you’re from, we’re sure you deserve a stress-free break from the real world, and it sure helps to pick a destination making every effort to help you vacation responsibly.

Nix the cooking and cleaning this Thanksgiving—the only thing you need to make is a reservation.

Want to taste fall flavors for Thanksgiving in Sarasota County without having to deal with the prep, cooking or—most dreaded—the cleanup? These local restaurants are dishing up special holiday menus for takeout 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.