The Sarasota center point is approximately the area of Museum of Asian Art and the area of Stardust Event Center.
With its humid subtropical climate, Sarasota boasts warm weather year-round. For prime beach weather, plan your trip during the spring or fall when temperatures usually stay in the mid or upper 80s and storms are relatively infrequent.
If you're hankering for hot weather, the summer is also a good choice. Temperatures typically top out in the 90s, but thunderstorms are much more common. If you're planning a trip during the summer or fall, be sure to keep an eye on the Atlantic hurricane forecast.
If your visit falls during the winter, you'll enjoy temperatures in the 70s and fairly dry skies. Because the winter offseason tends to be too cool for swimming in the ocean, you'll generally find low rates on hotels.
No matter where you stay, there's no need to pay full price. Depending on your affiliations, you can save big. AAA members save at least 5 percent on the lowest rates at the Sleep Inn & Suites Riverfront and the Super 8 Bradenton Sarasota Area, while AARP members save at least 10 percent at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sarasota Lakewood Ranch and the Springhill Suites by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton. Members of the military and government employees get low rates at the M Star Bradenton and other area hotels.
If you're looking for a great place to stay in a convenient location but don't want to spend much, you'll find plenty in your price range. Take a closer look at these best value options in Sarasota.
A few miles north of Sarasota, book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradenton West. Convenient to the South Florida Museum and several local medical centers, the Holiday Inn also has plenty to do right on site. Get in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center, cool off in the outdoor pool, or catch up on work at the business center. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a complimentary buffet breakfast, making it an even better deal.
Located between Sarasota and Bradenton, the Springhill Suites by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton is convenient to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Stay in one of the 84 guest rooms, and get a great night's sleep on a pillow-top bed. Swim some laps in the outdoor pool, or relax in the spa tub. Leave the car behind, and explore the Sarasota area with the complimentary area shuttle.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sarasota Lakewood Ranch might be off the beaten path, but it offers well-kept rooms for a budget-friendly price. The hotel is within two miles of the Nathan Benderson Park, the Stardust Event Center, and the Hi Hat Ranch. Get some rest in one of the 87 guest rooms, and wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast. Swim in the outdoor pool or spa tub, stay fit at the on-site fitness center, and take advantage of the business center.
Situated just south of Sarasota, Captiva Beach Resort is about a mile away from scenic Siesta Key Beach. Choose queen rooms with one or two beds, and you'll also have a kitchenette at your disposal. All 19 guest rooms include separate sitting areas, making this resort great for families. Spend your day at the resort's private beach or outdoor pool, and cap it off with a barbecue.
Get a sense of Sarasota's upscale history with a tour through the Ringling, which includes grounds, gardens, collections, exhibitions, and the impressive Ca' d'Zan Mansion. Take a stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, noted for their seasonal displays and immaculate trails.
Pack up the family for a trip to the much-loved Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, which features favorites like otters, turtles, manatees, and more. Family members of all ages will also love the Myakka River State Park and the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
For some of the Sarasota area's best sunning and swimming, make your way to the white sands of Siesta Key. For great kayaking and fishing, head straight for South Lido County Park and Lido Beach.
Whether you're planning an adventurous beach vacation or a relaxing offseason trip, set your sights on the Gulf Coast. A great Florida getaway, Sarasota is a top pick in any season.
It's easy to see why he chose to reside in this city in Florida, as it has some amazing beaches and resorts to offer visitors. Many of the beaches have fine sand and shallow clear waters. This city was also once the winter home of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, and there is now the Ringling Museum of Art. The humid and subtropical climate means that even winters are warm in Sarasota, making it a popular destination with tourists all year round. Sarasota hotels vary from the low-end options to the more luxurious ones.
Knights Inn Sarasota is one of the typical cheap hotels which is located just off the highway. It's also near to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the downtown area. Free continental breakfast is provided every morning, and for dinner options there are a few restaurants nearby including seafood and Italian choices. This hostel also has an outdoor swimming pool, which is perfect for taking advantage of the warm climate. Another one of the cheap hotels is Super 8 Sarasota which is a few minutes drive away from several beaches. It is ideal for those on a budget, who still want clean and comfy accommodation to rest their head at the end of the day. There is also the option to book a room with a microwave and refrigerator, making it easier to stick to a budget.
Many big luxury chains have hotels in Sarasota including, The Ritz-Carlton, which overlooks the bay, and is uniquely located in the former Ringling Circus troupe's home. It's ideally located for those wishing to explore both the Gulf Coast and the city. No luxury is spared in the rooms which are furnished with large comfortable beds, complete with feather duvets and goose down pillows. Hyatt Regency Sarasota is a fashionable choice for those seeking the ultimate luxury. They have a huge outdoor pool for guests to soak in, and for lovers of golf they're nearby to many of the best golf courses this city has to offer. Balconies are available with some of the rooms too, and fast internet access is provided, with the option to upgrade to premium high speed for a small fee.
Hotels in Sarasota also include some boutique and independent options. Hotel Indigo Sarasota has stylish decor and interiors, and is perfectly located just a few minutes away from the beach, and within walking distance of the downtown area. This is different to other Sarasota hotels as it is modern, laid-back and very cool. Hotel Ranola is a low-key option which is privately owned, and prides itself on providing a personal touch. It boasts urban charm in the heart of downtown Sarasota, just a short drive away from the beaches. It's in an area which has many theatres, shops, great nightlife and restaurant choices.
Below are reviews of the city of Sarasota, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Visited friends and the beach!
Beach & Food options
wedding at Ringling museum of art
30 minutes away plenty of things to do
Plenty of things to do!
I live here this stay was just a short getaway
Sarasota is a beautiful city and has great beaches!
We were very impressed with the nearby Ringling Museum and with the cultural venues in downtown Sarasota. The hotel also is close to Ed Smith Stadium where the Baltimore Orioles play spring training games. The hotel sits on the Tamiami Trail.
Liked hotel inly
Liked hotel inly
Clean!
Siesta Key Beach
Great beaches and shopping
Came up for early doctor appointment. Sarasota Memorial is great.
Nice downtown, and plenty of good restaurants and bars.
Pleasant and activity filled!
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly. Great walking streets, shopping, bayfront and arts and culture.
Sarasota is a beautiful, coastal, historic city. Fabulous restaurants, excellent shopping and tons of activities!
A beautiful city that has many great restaurants and culture and history everywhere you look. Compared to other metropolitan cities, it is pretty drivable and people are usually friendly and willing to help.
Nice city...clean...excellent dining.
After many years experience, city remains charming and among the best small cities.
Privileged location along Sarasota's stunning marina. Here elegant yachts bob gently in crystalline waters while pelicans dive for their morning catch. The surrounding area offers a slice of Florida's coastal charm with palm-lined walkways and waterfront dining establishments dotting the shoreline. At sunset the marina comes alive with a palette of orange and pink hues reflecting off the water while sailboats drift lazily back to port. Local boutiques, art galleries, and seafood restaurants within walking distance provide visitors with authentic Florida charm.
Great weather!
I love the serene environment!
Greatest city to visit and live in! Florida!
Plenty to do and see!
Beach was great.
So many great restaurant choices. Varying options of entertainment from music and dancing to opera to theatre. Beautiful beaches and boating.
We love Sarasota as we live here. We went to the hotel as we evacuated for hurricane.
I was visiting family and it was very nice place to stay!
Fine dining restaurant at Marina Jacks was terrific. Breakfast at First Watch was perfect.
Beaches and atmosphere!
Everything was great and a great location!
Siesta Key rum tasting!
Beaches!
All hotel staff were very friendly
The bar was awesome!
Nice city.
We visited Nathan Benderson Park (our granddaughter competed at the regatta). Siesta Key beach was beautiful. The Ringling Estate & Museum is well worth visiting.
Easy to get around this beautiful city!
Easy to get around this beautiful city!
Beautiful beaches and UTC has lots of options for food and shopping. Also the location to Benderson Park is great.
Sarasota is a beautiful city.
First time to Sarasota. Was impressed by the friendly, polite and respectful people. Also the beautiful birds are abundant.
St. Armand's is all we had time to do. That is a nice area. Sunsets were gorgeous.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Great water views!
The beach was awesome.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. The downtown art district sidewalk was so creative!! We always love Owen's fish camp.
Siesta Beach is a must go to spot!
Ed Smith Stadium is fabulous! The staff there is helpful and courteous. Great time watching the O's!!!!
Very friendly city with lots of lovely restaurants.
Has a lot of interests and entertainment to offer. Beautiful city.
We love Sarasota! Easy beach access, boating, museums, good restaurants! The city has it all and we plan to return annually.
The Ringly is a must!
Visited The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
All of the attractions: Matie Selby Gardens, Ringling Compound, Opera, Marina Jack's and the boat tour, Siesta Key Beach.
The shops on the circle and accessibility to the Gulf!
City is beautiful!. Always loved it!
Like Sarasota very much…a real small city… excellent arts scene!
Relaxing and sweet!
Restaurants nearby.
Clean
Like Sarasota very much…a real small city… excellent arts scene
Loved Sarasota! Van Wezel was fantastic. Lots of charm and nice restaurants. Clean and felt safe.
St. Armands.
Outlet malls are close by!
The ocean and beaches are beautiful.
Sarasota is a charming little city!
Sports oriented. Lots of small locally owned shops.
Sarasota is very pleasant to travel around, every place is nice and so are the people!
Plenty to do and see, great dining and shopping.
Plenty to do and see, great dining and shopping.
St. Armand's Circle and the Columbian restaurant were outstanding!
The city is nice!
The "circle" and city itself are quite up market and provide a pleasant environment with a wealth of shops and restaurants close at hand.
Eating at Yoder's Amish restaurant.
Beaches, reasturants! So much to see!
Stayed at the hotel, beach, restaurant!
City of Sarasota was fantastic from the beautiful beach to the delicious restaurants! Shopping was wonderful and the boat tour by Captain Cory was outstanding!
The staff was excellent! Ryan and Drew were super helpful!
Excellent!
The beaches! Good food at low prices!
Oceans
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff were excellent! Ryan and Drew were super helpful!
Beautiful, nice town, downtown was great!
Love everything about Sarasota and especially the people. In fact we love Florida.
I've lived here for five years and it's a beautiful town 👍
Downtown Sarasota has a plethora of shops and restaurants. Surprisingly is also light on traffic and tourists during the week.
Sarasota is my favorite beach vacation destination!
Sarasota is my favorite beach vacation destination!
Plenty of restaraunts and activities to keep you coming back.
Went to Siesta Key loved it!
Beaches. Restaurants.
Sarasota has lots of shopping and beautiful beaches.
We were on the Marina Jack which was ok. The food was good and the harbor was beautiful. It too was very clean.
Multitude of fine dining establishments all within walking distance. Hotel was a great gateway to Siesta Key.
The shops!
The beaches!
Entertainment!