2025

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.

You may need more than one weekend to explore the many farmers markets and downtown gatherings in Sarasota County.

Looking for fresh produce, artisan baked goods, the finest flowers and unique art? Then look no further than one of the farmers markets found right here in Sarasota County. At any time of year, the area’s commitment to supporting local food and craft vendors is evident at these vibrant markets. 

The farmers market offerings in Sarasota continue to expand over time. Here’s the skinny on some of the area’s most popular farmers markets.

Here you will find the latest information on severe weather, beach conditions and other travel alerts that may impact your visit to Sarasota County. 

Red Tide 

Red tides have been documented along Florida's gulf coast since the 1840s.

• The Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, produces a toxin that may kill marine animals and affect humans.
• A red tide bloom is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plant-like organisms).

Trade screen time for sea breezes, quiet trails and moments that move at nature’s pace.

Since the advent of smartphones and portable tablets, some days it feels downright impossible to escape the demands of voicemail, text and email notifications buzzing in our pockets. From television to TikTok, the modern world can often feel like it's full of noisy distractions, but the good news is this: every tech device has a "Power Off" option—and we have the power to utilize it.

No matter what your distraction from the shoreline, the Sarasota area has a multitude of activities beyond the beach. 

There's far more to Sarasota than white sandy beaches. Stroll through an art museum where the Venetian-style architecture is as much an art form as the masterpieces within. Gaze upon exotic orchids. Find the perfect gift in one of the most renowned shopping areas in the world. Paddle through lush tropical forests. Listen to a full orchestra ensemble.

Continuously named one of the best beaches to visit year after year, there isn't a better place to go than the white sands of Siesta Beach for spring break.

Spring break is the perfect time to escape the snowy cold and embrace the warm southern sun – and not much beats the crystal-quartz sand, which – get this – was carried down by ancient rivers from the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years. The quartz flowed down to west coast Florida and over time, the sand accumulated on the shores of Siesta Key.

Stretching nearly 40 miles, Sarasota’s shoreline is dotted with luxurious resorts, stylish hotels and beach condos offering views of Florida’s sparkling turquoise waters.

Craving a front-row seat to the shimmering Gulf Coast? Want to wake up to the gentle lap of waves washing up on the sand? Sarasota-area islands deliver postcard-worthy views and sounds right from your accommodations. 

Lawn bowling is a challenging yet enjoyable outdoor sport that continues to grow in popularity. Discover more about this engaging activity and learn how to participate at the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club.

Often mistaken for bocce ball, lawn bowling is a distinct sport with its own unique characteristics. Played on a flat, rectangular green made of natural grass or artificial turf, the objective is to roll biased balls (“bowls”) toward a smaller target ball known as the “jack.” The bias in the bowls causes them to curve as they roll, adding a strategic element to the game.

Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of daily life when you head to Englewood and Manasota Key.

These laid-back locales are home to mom-and-pop businesses and all kinds of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Englewood was originally planned as a “grove town” for growing lemons, but back-to-back freezes canceled that vision. Soon after, town founders began promoting it for what continues to draws folks today — fishing and other water activities, waterfront dining and the arts.