Together with MyCataleya, discover things to do, places to see, and where to eat, in Sarasota County.

1. City of Sarasota Why You’ll Love It: 

Just a mile from the beaches, offering trendy restaurants and 13 stages right downtown, there’s always something to do. 

What to Do: 

• Take in fresh air at Bayfront Park or Sarasota Garden Club. 
• Shop in the hip Rosemary District. 
• Get active at Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio and get pampered at Fringe Spa Salon. 
• At night, watch a performance at the Sarasota Opera House. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Sip a craft beer at J Dub’s Brewing Company, 
• savor island-inspired fare at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill 
• or enjoy farm-fresh plates at Boca Kitchen. 

2. Englewood & Manasota Key Why You’ll Love It: 

Consider these some of the best-kept secrets in Sarasota County. Think undeveloped and old Florida living. 

What to Do: 

• Wander the Englewood Farmers Market, 
• lay on the quiet beaches on Manasota Key, 
• go shopping along Dearborn Street 
• or tee off at Boca Royale Golf and Country Club. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Savor Caribbean and Southern flavors at Farlow’s on the Water 
• or a variety of high-quality entrees at Howards Restaurant.

3. Gulf Gate Why You’ll Love It: 

Bar hop in flip flops, shop eclectic retailers, and hang with the locals. 

What to Do: 

• Immerse yourself in a thrilling challenge at Escape Countdown. 
• Shop an eclectic mix of over 150 small businesses in Gulf Gate Village, 
• or play a round of golf at TPC Prestancia Golf Club. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Fill up on breakfast dishes at Lovely Square, 
• fresh seafood and juicy steaks at Off the Hook Seafood Market & Restaurant 
• or Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Hungarian specialties at Tokaj Restaurant and Italian food at La Dolce Vita. 
• Stop by Sarasota Brewing Co. for a pint of craft beer. 

4. Lido Key & St. Armands Circle Why You’ll Love It: 

Circus magnate John Ringling designed St. Armands with European flair in mind. Bustling with local shops and hidden treasures, this area is perfect for finding souvenirs. What to Do: 

• Peruse the many boutiques, cafes and gift shops along Sarasota’s “Rodeo Drive,” known as St. Armands Circle, 
• or explore a bit of nature along the multi-use Lido Beach Recreation Trail. 
• Take in breathtaking views with a sunset cruise by Sarasota Bay Explorers.

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Fill up on chowder and pastas at Speaks Clam Bar, tapas and paella at Columbia
• or freshly caught fish at Crab & Fin.

5. Longboat Key Why You’ll Love It: 

Straddling the border of Manatee and Sarasota counties, take in scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico from this relaxed neighborhood. 

What to Do: 

• Enjoy strolling around Bayfront Park Recreation Center 
• or rent a boat at Cannons Marina. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Order your fill of peel-and-eat shrimp, crab cakes and lobster tail as you take in the waterfront views at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, 
• or escape to the historic wooden cottage housing the romantic Euphemia Haye for gourmet dishes such as pistachio-crusted snapper or sweet-and-spicy shrimp. 

6. North Port & West Villages Why You’ll Love It: 

Natural beauty abounds in water and on land. From horseback riding, cycling, hiking, birding, and canoeing, the city of North Port has a trail for every type of visitor – 80 miles in fact. Whether blueways or greenways, each trail offers a sense of adventure, and exploration is highly encouraged! 

What to Do: 

• Relax in the 85-degree natural spring at Warm Mineral Springs Park, 
• paddle along the scenic Myakkahatchee Creek 
• or mountain bike the Myakka State Forest. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Grab a specialty cocktail and pub grub at Tomahawk Tiki Bar where the Atlanta Braves spring train inside CoolToday Park, open year-round. 

7. Pinecraft Why You’ll Love It: 

This Amish community will take you back to simpler times. 

What to Do: 

• Shop unique, hard-to-find items at Carlisle Gifts and stroll along Philippi Creek at Pinecraft Park. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Hearty home cookin’ and handmade pies garner a following at Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village and Der Dutchman. 
• Sample fare from local restaurants with Key Culinary Tours.

8. Siesta Key Why You’ll Love It: 

Experience the healing powers of quartz crystal sand where casual eateries with an island vibe beckon. 

What to Do: 

• With tropical shops, cafes and points of interest, 
• Siesta Key Village is a great place to stroll. 
• Check out the modern facilities at the public Siesta Key Park and Pavilion 
• and play a game of beach volleyball. 

Where to Eat & Drink:

•  Indulge in elegant seafood dishes and sweeping ocean views in the fine dining room at Ophelia’s on the Bay 
• or sit on the patio at Daiquiri Deck for colorful frozen drinks and casual seafood. 

9. South Gate Why You’ll Love It: 

New eateries are continually popping up, making it a great foodie destination. 

What to Do: 

• Stock up on brand name fashions at the indoor Westfield Siesta Key Mall.

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Globally inspired cuisine meets craft cocktails at Baker & Wife, while high-quality steaks are the draw at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 
• Order gourmet seafood dishes at Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen. 

10. Venice Why You’ll Love It: 

Life is a little slower paced and the living’s easy. Locally owned shops make it a can’t-miss spot. 

What to Do: 

• Explore Historic Downtown Venice, look for shark's teeth at Caspersen Beach, and go fishing at Venice Pier. 
• Then, relax in the sauna or salt room at Your Total Body Wellness Center. 

Where to Eat & Drink: 

• Eat lobster tail and king crab at the waterfront Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina,
• or internationally influenced dishes and wines at Café Venice Restaurant & Wine Bar. 

Find your rental to explore these neighborhoods. 

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