Things to do,
and where to start.
The beach is the starting point, but Sarasota has a full card: weekend events, live music, outdoor trails, and one of the best arts scenes in Florida. Here's how to find all of it.
The Gulf coast, guide by guide.
From Siesta Key's world-ranked white quartz to the quiet north end of Longboat — every public beach with parking notes, timing tips, and what to expect.
All Sarasota Beaches
Siesta Key, Lido, Caspersen, Turtle Beach, Venice Beach, and the spots locals don't advertise — ranked and reviewed.
Read the guide → BeachSiesta Key Beach
World-famous white quartz sand that stays cool even in summer. Consistently ranked among the best beaches on Earth.
Read the guide → BeachLido Beach
Wide Gulf sand a short walk from St. Armands Circle. Easier to access than Siesta, especially in summer.
Read the guide → BeachLongboat Key
The quiet, upscale barrier island north of Lido. Calm Gulf water, limited crowds, and the best long walk for solitude.
Read the guide →This weekend in Sarasota.
Farmers markets, live music, art walks, and the local calendar worth following. What's actually happening around town — updated every week.
Free Events This Weekend
The weekly roundup of what's actually free and worth your time: concerts, markets, art events, and public happenings.
See what's on → MusicLive Music in Sarasota
Where to hear live music any night of the week — venues, recurring shows, and the local acts worth catching.
Read the guide → MarketsSarasota Farmers Market
Saturday downtown, Sunday at Lakewood Ranch — plus every market in the county sorted by day of the week.
Read the guide → Monthly EventFirst Friday
Downtown's monthly gallery walk and street scene. The best night to wander the arts district without a plan.
Read the guide → ArtsSarasota Art Walk
The monthly arts district event with open galleries, street performers, and the local creative scene in full swing.
Read the guide → ArtsArt Shows This Weekend
What's opening, what's closing, and which shows are worth a special trip — updated before the weekend.
See what's showing →Get outside.
Trails, parks, water, and places to move. Sarasota's Gulf-side geography means the outdoors is always close — here's how to find it.
Legacy Trail
18.5 miles of paved multiuse trail from downtown Sarasota south to Venice. Trailheads, parking, and how to plan a first ride.
Read the guide → CyclingSarasota Bike Trails
The full cycling guide: paved trails, road routes, rentals, and how to put together a day on two wheels in Sarasota County.
Read the guide → SportPickleball Courts
Public courts, indoor options, and the local pickleball scene. Sarasota plays a lot of pickleball — here's where to get in.
Read the guide → ParksSarasota Parks
City parks, nature preserves, and open space from Payne Park to Myakka River — where to find room to breathe.
Read the guide →The cultural side.
World-class institutions, independent galleries, and a performing arts calendar that consistently surprises visitors who came just for the beach.
The Ringling
FSU's museum campus on the bayfront: the art museum, Ca' d'Zan mansion, circus museum, and gardens. One of Florida's best days out.
Read the guide → Performing ArtsSarasota Performing Arts
Orchestra, opera, ballet, and four serious theater companies. Schedules, what to know, and the shows worth booking ahead.
Read the guide → FamilyFamily Activities
Mote Marine, Selby Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and the rest of the lineup. Things to do with kids that adults don't dread.
Read the guide → Seasonal GuideSummer in Sarasota
The local secret: warm Gulf water, easier parking, quieter beaches, and all the same sunsets. Why off-peak is underrated.
Read the guide →