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.
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.
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.
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
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Staff was great…room was spotless. Breakfast was great.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Courteous and attentive staff. Comfortable rooms. Excellent communication before, during and after stay. Would definitely recommend
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Location. Friendly helpful staff
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Super stay !!!!
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Lido Beach Resort
It’s a great place
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
First, this is a motel, not a hotel. I do not believe that was adequately made clear during the reservation. Regardless, the property is clean and well maintained. Also has a nice pool with a hot tub and bar. Would stay again but only if warm outside. I stayed while it was cold outside so I did not ...
Reviewed on 10 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 Lido Beach and Siesta Key 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.
