Central Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota
Visit Central Sarasota
Popular places to visit
Marina Jack
Explore the waterfront of Marina Jack and enjoy other activities such as boating in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
See a diverse range of exciting musical, dance and comedy shows at this architectural landmark inspired by the jagged shape of seashells.
Sarasota Opera House
Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum
Sarasota County Visitor Information Center and History Museum is just one of the places to see in Sarasota, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event in the area.
Florida Studio Theatre
You can get tickets for a performance at Florida Studio Theatre during your stay in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches and marina in the area.
Things to do
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Top hotels in Central Sarasota
The Westin Sarasota
Loved the location and the roof top pool and bar!!
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Excellent
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
They closed the spa at 6 pm so couldn’t go. Extremely nice staff
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Aloft Sarasota
This was a very nice hotel right in the middle of everything. In downtown Sarasota.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
The room overall looked outdated and was not clean. The chair by the desk had visible stains or dirt spots and did not appear to have been properly cleaned. The bathroom was also not clean, which made the stay uncomfortable and disappointing. The property location is great and the staff is very ...
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
voco Sarasota by IHG
Yes
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Check Central Sarasota hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Central Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit Lido Beach and South Lido Park.
Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
While visiting Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Jungle Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Saint Armands Key
Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travellers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach.
