November

The RV affectionally named AVA – Area Visitor Assistant – will serve as an extension of the tourism marketing organization at community and sporting events

The newest team member at Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has four wheels and a purpose to better educate people visiting and living in our community. Meet AVA, the 18-foot “Area Visitor Assistant” RV, which is hitting the streets from UTC to Manasota to promote local businesses and all Sarasota County has to offer.

Whether you want to commit to a healthier new you or just looking for a spa treatment for a special occasion, Sarasota offers dozens of options for a brighter you.

Day Spas

Whether you're looking to spend a full day of relaxation at a local day spa or a blissful hour with a massage, facial or other service, you've got many choices in Sarasota. Sarasota's day spas are ready to treat you like royalty–or, offer you a gift card so your loved one can feel that way. Here's a sampling of what you can enjoy at our local day spas:

You can now further embrace the island vibe of Sarasota's famous barrier island and of the downtown area on an open-air trolley.

Sarasota County Breeze Transit has recently expanded its 77 Siesta Islander (formerly Siesta Key Breeze) route to now connect passengers to Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key Village, award-winning Siesta Beach, South Village and T

Step into a magical world of awe-inspiring performances and holiday cheer as larger-than-life performers light up the arena. 

Wonderland is back with Illuminate, a never-before-seen production that promises to take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey weaving in the enchantment of the winter holidays and their unique traditions from around the world.

Two international paddleboard tournaments return to Nathan Benderson Park this holiday season, offering residents an opportunity to learn more about the growingly popular sport.

Visit Sarasota County and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are investing $200,000 collectively to welcome visitors to our region amidst hurricane recovery

Get ready to groove as we unveil the rhythm-rich heartbeat of Sarasota's buzzing live music scene!

Picture this: salty sea breeze, good vibes and killer tunes. We've rounded up eight must-hit spots across the county where the beats are as diverse as the crowd. From cozy jazz joints to beachfront bars with a side of sunset, Sarasota has your sonic adventure covered. This is your ticket to the coolest haunts, where the music is live, the atmosphere is laid-back and good times are non-negotiable.

Delve into the world of nature, where ecological sanctity meets responsible recreation.

Before we dive in, let's clear up some confusion. Reserves and Preserves? Are they the same thing? Not quite — but they are often used interchangeably! Reserves serve as vital wildlife sanctuaries, minimizing human intrusion to protect native species and allow habitats to either heal or continue to thrive. Preserves, in contrast, strike a balance—preserving nature's sanctity while inviting responsible recreation and educational experiences.

The tournament, considered the “Premier Endurance Stand-Up Paddleboard Race”, returns to Sarasota County following last year’s 48-hour race.

In collaboration with event founder Greg Wingo, Visit Sarasota County announces the highly-anticipated return of the Last Paddler Standing race to the Nathan Benderson Park on December 2nd.