Downtown Sarasota, Florida is a fun spot for art, food, parks, and so much more amazing things to do. We at Sand Dollar Life Vacation Rentals know this town well. I am Melissa, a Sarasota native. I live here with my sweet dog, Sadie. Our pet friendly vacation homes are steps from the downtown action.
From our cozy downtown condo or our Siesta Key beach houses, you can walk or bike to many top places. You will feel the sun, sand, and saltwater here. Let me show you the best things to do in downtown Sarasota and how staying with us makes it even better.
Table of Contents
1. Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is a big green spot right on the bay. You can watch boats, jog on the path, or have a picnic by the water. My guests love to sit on a swing bench at sunset. It feels like a little city secret.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💲 Price: Free
📍 Address: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
⏰ Hours: Daily 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Learn more about Bayfront Park
2. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Just a short walk from Bayfront Park, you can stop at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This is a calm place with orchids and tropical plants. It feels like a secret garden by the bay.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
💲 Price: Moderate
📍 Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📞 Phone: +1 941-366-5731
Learn more about Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
3. Burns Court & Cinema
Burns Court is a small historic block with old bungalows, shops, and a tiny movie theater. You can see art films at Burns Court Cinema. It feels like stepping back in time.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
📍 Address: 506 Burns Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236
🎟️ Price: Varies by show
Learn more about Burns Court Cinema
4. Towles Court Artist’s Colony
Towles Court is a cute cluster of art studios and galleries. On Fridays and Saturdays, artists open their doors for you to browse. You can meet painters and potters.
⭐ Rating: 4.2/5
📍 Address: 1938 Adams Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236
⏰ Hours: Fri–Sat 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Learn more about Towles Court Artist’s Colony
5. St. Armands Circle
A short drive or trolley ride from downtown gets you to St. Armands Circle. You will find fancy shops, ice cream, and outdoor cafes in a circle around a park. It feels like Europe in Florida.
📍 Location: St. Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
6. Sarasota Farmers Market & Local Shops
Every Saturday morning, Main Street comes alive with the Sarasota Farmers Market. You can buy fresh produce, honey, and baked treats. Nearby shops add more fun.
• Shop Sea Salt Florida for bath treats 🧂
• Buy local honey at Sarasota Honey Co. 🍯
• Browse books at Bookstore1 Sarasota 📚
• Find a gift at Simply Jo’s, Lotus, or T. Georgiano’s 👗
• Check out Pixie Dust SRQ for crystals 🔮
• Treat your dog at Wet Noses 🐾
7. Ringling Boulevard & Gallery Row
Ringling Boulevard leads you into Gallery Row. You can walk along Palm Avenue and see art in every window. Milan Art Gallery and MARA Art Studio + Gallery are both here.
📍 Location: Palm Ave to Ringling Blvd
8. Five Points & Fruitville Road Antique Shops
At Five Points, five streets meet at a busy block. You will see old-time shops and fun cafes. A few steps away is Fruitville Road with antique and second-hand stores.
9. Arts & Culture: Florida Studio Theatre & McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre
Downtown Sarasota shines for live shows. Florida Studio Theatre and Urbanite Theatre host plays and cabarets. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre makes you laugh late into the night.
Learn more at Florida Studio Theatre
10. Sarasota Opera House & Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
For music and grand shows, visit the Sarasota Opera House or the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. You can see opera, dance, or touring Broadway acts.
Learn more at Sarasota Opera House
Learn more at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
11. John Ringling Causeway Walk & Sarasota Bay Runner
You can walk or bike over the John Ringling Causeway for great bay views. The free Sarasota Bay Runner trolley also takes you between downtown, St. Armands Circle, and Lido Key.
12. Wellness & Fitness in Downtown Sarasota
Keep your mind and body happy:
• Purify: The Sweat & Chill Lounge for infrared and cold therapy 🧖♀️
• Blue Aloe Spa for a massage or facial 🌿
• 99 Bottles Run Club on Wednesday nights 🏃♂️
13. Dining Hotspots for Every Craving
Downtown Sarasota has food you will love:
• Breakfast & Brunch: C’est La Vie! Cafe, First Watch Restaurant, Station 400 🥞
• Seafood: Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood, Marina Jack 🦞
• Italian: Bevardi’s Salute! Restaurant, Bavaros Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria 🍕
• Latin & Tacos: Circo 🌮, Selva Grill 🥗
• Fine Dining: Marcel, Element 🍽️
• Drinks & Views: Boca Sarasota, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill 🍹
14. Sarasota Children’s Garden & Payne Park
Kids will love these spots:
• Sarasota Children’s Garden with art and play scenes 🌻
• Payne Park with a circus playground and skate park 🤸
Tips & Tricks
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Walk or bike from our downtown condos and Townhomes. We have free bikes you can use.
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Visit the Farmers Market early to get the best produce.
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Catch the free Bay Runner trolley. It stops near our property.
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Call us to ask about pet friendly spots or dog parks.
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Book theater tickets in advance and let us help at Contact Us.
Conclusion
Downtown Sarasota, Florida is full of fun art, parks, food, and shows. Staying at Sand Dollar Life Vacation Rentals puts you right in the heart of it all. From our pet friendly downtown home to our Siesta Key beach houses, you will love the easy walk to top spots. Book your stay and live the Sand Dollar Life today at sanddollarlife.com.
Does Sarasota have a nice downtown?
Yes! Downtown Sarasota has pretty parks, water views, and a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Staying at our downtown condo and Townhomes puts you just steps away from the bay and art galleries.
Does Sarasota have a walkable downtown?
Definitely. You can leave your car at our rental and stroll to Bayfront Park, Ringling Boulevard, or dinner at Marina Jack. Bikes and scooters are easy to rent too.
What is Sarasota best known for?
Sarasota is known for its beaches, art scene, and sunny weather. We also love our farms, gardens, and live shows. Staying with Sand Dollar Life lets you see it all.
How to spend a day in Sarasota?
Start with brunch at C’est La Vie!, walk Bayfront Park, visit Selby Gardens, shop Gallery Row, and catch a show at Florida Studio Theatre. End with sunset on the Causeway and a drink at Boca Sarasota.