South Sarasota Travel Guide
Sarasota




Visit South Sarasota
Popular places to visit

Lido Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Lido Beach, a popular beach in Sarasota. Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

St. Armands Circle
Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.

Mall at University Town Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall at University Town Center during your trip to Sarasota. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

Nathan Benderson Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Nathan Benderson Park, a lovely green space in Sarasota. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
See hungry sharks and delicate seahorses at this research aquarium that specializes in the sea life that flourishes on Florida’s central west coastline.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
You can spend time exploring the galleries in John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Things to do

Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour

Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen?

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Top hotels in South Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Really nice hotel! Clean and very comfortable beds!
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Kompose Boutique Hotel
I love staying here when I’m in Sarasota. The rooms are efficient. The work out facility is outstanding with circuit training, free weights, Peloton, stair master, tread. The breakfast is plentiful. The staff are friendly. And the price is excellent. A great value. I look forward to my next ...
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
The toilet didn’t refill
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Super stay !!!!
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Lido Beach Resort
Amazing location with the most friendly staff: everyone from the front desk to the servers to the pool attendants to the cleaning staff were all helpful with genuine smiles. The option of an adult only pool & hot tub area was a nice touch. Great restaurants on site and a convenient (and free!) shuttle ...
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Clean room, nice staff,
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Sarasota

Ridge Wood Heights
Ridge Wood Heights is well liked for its parks. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Gulf Gate Mall or Siesta Key Beach.

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.

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.

South Gate Ridge
South Gate Ridge is well liked for its churches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Sarasota area, you might plan a trip to Siesta Key Beach or Siesta Key Marina.

Gulf Gate Estates
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Gulf Gate Estates. Make a stop by top sights like Gulf Gate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
