Things To Do
Siesta Key Beach and Village
Siesta Key Beach has been consistently named one of the top beaches in the country. Spend some time in the water, or check out the village packed with restaurants, shops, and bars. Our favorite is the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB)! There is a free shuttle that will take you around the island.
Downtown Sarasota
Located walking distance from our room block at Aloft, downtown Sarasota is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Grab some coffee at Buddy Brew (Cori's favorite), dinner at Boca (Danielle's favorite), or a drink at Cask and Ale (Charlie's favorite). If you are up for getting your steps in, take a walk over to Bayfront Park and snap a photo with the "Unconditional Love" statue, or stroll over the Ringling Bridge for the best views of the bay.
St. Armand's Circle
St. Armand's is a shopping center filled with 140+ stores, cafes, and restaurants. Walk through the "Circus Ring of Fame" or grab a drink during happy hour on the balcony at our favorite, Shore. There is a free app called OnDemand by Sarasota County that will provide transport for $1.25 each way.
The Ringling Museum
The Ringling is the official state art museum of Florida. Visit John Ringling's mansion- the Ca' d'Zan, or explore the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, or Bayfront Gardens. Admission is $25, but teacher and military discounts are available online. If you have an FSU student ID, admission is free!
Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote is a nonprofit marine research facility. Visit their many exhibits including Danielle's favorite- sharks! Admission is $26 for adults.
Some of our Favorite Places
Bars- Check out the Westin or Art Ovation rooftop bars, Cask and Ale, Brewster's, Daiquiri Deck, and Legends Breakfast- Serving Spoon, First Watch, The Breakfast House, and Einstein's Bagels Restaurants- Libby's, Caragiulo's, Dry Dock, Boca, Shore, The Old Salty Dog, and the classic "Pub Sub" from Publix grocery store Breweries- Mandeville Beer Garden, Big Top, and Calusa Beaches- Siesta Key, Lido Beach