2 September 2021

The neighborhood of Sarasota

By MyCataleya Team

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.
Palm tree at the beach

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. 
beach sunset

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. 

If you have a dream of a tropical getaway, why not check out some beach rentals in paradise? Florida is a place that is so special because it offers visitors a wonderful experience of living life to the fullest. Even for people who want to spend their vacation relaxing, a beach house rental in Hawaii is a good option. Renting a rental is definitely a great way for you to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and wonderful beaches. There are beach house rentals in Bradenton. In case you decide to visit Florida in the coming holidays, you should definitely consider checking out our rentals and making your next vacation truly memorable.

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