Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota and the surrounding county offer something for nearly every traveler, from nationally known beaches and water sports to upscale shopping, varied dining, respected museums, galleries, nature preserves, and lively urban districts.
About the Community
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Fort Myers, Sarasota blends polished cultural attractions with laid-back coastal scenery. Visitors can relax at a luxury resort or a quaint seaside inn, play golf, paddle through mangrove-lined waterways, dine on a bayfront cruise, or simply watch the sunset from the beach.
Sarasota began developing in the 1880s, attracting settlers with warm weather, fertile land, citrus groves, and affordable property. Many immigrants from Scotland were drawn to the area. One of the early settlers was John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish aristocrat and lawyer who is often credited with establishing one of Florida’s earliest golf courses here, contributing to Sarasota’s reputation as the “Cradle of Golf.” He also built the upscale De Soto Hotel on Main Street for tourists and prospective investors. His contribution to Sarasota’s growth made him highly influential, and he became the city’s first mayor in 1902.
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In the 1910s, some of America’s wealthiest seasonal residents built homes here and helped shape Sarasota’s reputation as a winter retreat. Historic Spanish Point, now part of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, was once associated with the waterfront estate and gardens of Bertha Palmer, widow of Chicago developer Potter Palmer. What is today Myakka River State Park was once part of her vast ranchlands. John and Mabel Ringling built their Venetian Gothic mansion, Cà d’Zan, on Sarasota Bay and displayed their art collection, including works by Rubens, at what is now The Ringling. John Ringling also played a major role in developing the barrier islands, and Sarasota’s connection to the circus helped earn it the enduring nickname “Circus City.”
Vicinity of Sarasota
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Sarasota is a major Gulf Coast arts destination, with the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, galleries, and venues throughout the downtown Theater and Arts District. The distinctive Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts touring productions, concerts, and special events, while Main Street and nearby Palm and Pineapple avenues are lined with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and the popular Sarasota Farmers Market.
Popular stops include Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, the downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and Save Our Seabirds, a longtime wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization near City Island. Myakka River State Park covers more than 37,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and waterways, making it one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks.
Sarasota is also celebrated for its beaches. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key is famous for its bright quartz sand and broad shoreline, while nearby Lido Key offers a quieter setting close to St. Armands Circle and kayaking routes through mangroves. Longboat Key pairs a more residential, resort-style atmosphere with beautiful Gulf views. Beach access, parking, and amenities vary by location and season, but together these coastal areas help make Sarasota one of Florida’s most appealing places to visit or call home.
