Things To Do
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Keeping to the theme of the Charles Ringling Mansion, the Ringling Museum is a staple of Sarasota. The sprawling grounds include the Ca' d'Zan, Museum of Art and Courtyard, and Circus Museum.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota
This is where we went after Mac proposed! The Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus features 15 acres located along Sarasota Bay where visitors can take in rainforest, desert, native Florida, and display garden areas plus stroll along a bayfront mangrove walkway.
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, FL, is a sophisticated outdoor shopping and dining district on Lido Key, featuring over 100 upscale boutiques, restaurants, and galleries centered around a picturesque, tropical roundabout with lush gardens, fountains, and historic Italian statues
Bayfront Park by Marina Jack
Bayfront Park by Marina Jack is a waterfront green space in downtown Sarasota right next to Marina Jack’s marina and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for a sunset walk, jogging along the bay, picnics, and views of the boats, with nearby options for waterfront dining and sightseeing cruises out of Marina Jack.
Lido Beach
This is where we got engaged! Lido Beach is a laid-back stretch of bright white sand and clear Gulf water on Lido Key, known for beautiful sunsets, a spacious shoreline, and a relaxed vibe that feels a little more “easy coastal escape” than busy tourist scene—plus it’s just a quick hop from St. Armands Circle.
Longboat Key Beach
One of our favorite beaches. Longboat Key Beach is a quieter, more upscale stretch of Gulf shoreline just north of Sarasota, known for long runs of soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and a more relaxed, resort-island feel than the busier nearby keys.
Siesta Key Beach
Best known for its sugar sand beaches (Siesta Key Beach was ranked #1 beach in the USA), Siesta Key also features Siesta Key Village, a vibrant strip for restaurants and night life.
New Pass Grill
Elyse's absolute favorite place to go to since she was little! New Pass Grill is a laid-back, Old-Florida waterfront spot on City Island by New Pass, famous for its award-winning burgers and casual seafood—It’s been a Sarasota landmark since 1929, making it the kind of place locals brag about and visitors stumble into and then come back for.
Clasico Italian Chophouse
One of our favorite places to get a pizza and an espresso martini (with tequila of course)! Clasico Italian Chophouse is a stylish downtown Sarasota spot that blends classic Italian comfort food with modern chophouse energy—think hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired flavors, and hand-cut steaks, plus a lively bar scene.
Kojo
Kojo is a modern Pan‑Asian/Asian‑fusion restaurant in downtown Sarasota known for its creative shareable plates, sushi, bao buns, nori tacos, and premium sake and cocktails. The vibe is stylish and lively yet welcoming, making it a great pick for date night or a special dinner with friends, and the menu blends Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian influences with fresh, artful presentation.
Columbia
Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle has been a local favorite since 1959, serving up classic Spanish-Cuban dishes with a festive, Old-Florida vibe. As part of Florida’s oldest restaurant group—founded in 1905—it’s known for signature plates like the famous “1905” Salad, seafood paella, and tableside sangria, all in a lively, historic setting just steps from the Circle.
Mar Vista
Mar Vista is an Old Florida–style dockside restaurant on the bayside of north Longboat Key, known for fresh seafood, a rustic, tree-shaded outdoor dining vibe, and the fun “dock-and-dine” feel where you can arrive by boat. It’s also housed in one of the area’s historic early-1900s buildings (built around 1912), which adds to the charm.