Florida

Sarasota vacation rentals

The cultural coast — circus history, bayfront arts, and America's most famous sand next door.

Best time to visit

February through May for warm, dry days; winter brings peak season and the best events calendar.

Rental types

Bayfront condos · Downtown apartments · Beach cottages on the keys · Pool homes in golf communities

Getting there

Fly into Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ), ten minutes from downtown. I-75 connects Sarasota to Tampa (1 hour) and Fort Myers (1 hour south).

About Sarasota

Sarasota's personality was shaped by the circus: John Ringling wintered here, built a Venetian palace (Ca' d'Zan) on the bay, and left the city an art museum that anchors Florida's state art collection. The Ringling estate alone is worth a day — museum, mansion, circus history, and bayside gardens.

The city faces Sarasota Bay, with barrier islands holding the Gulf beaches. Lido Key connects through St. Armands Circle; Siesta Key, with its world-famous cool white sand, is a 15-minute drive south. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens spreads across the downtown bayfront, and Mote Marine Laboratory anchors the island end with a respected aquarium.

Vacation rentals in Sarasota

Sarasota vacation rentals cover two distinct stays: downtown and bayfront condos for an arts-and-dining trip, and beach-side rentals on Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key for the sand. Many visitors split the difference — a mainland base near downtown with beach days on the keys.

Winter and spring training season (February–March, when the Orioles play in town) are peak; book well ahead. Summer brings lower rates and the year's warmest Gulf water. Golf communities east of I-75 offer large pool homes at mainland prices. Also compare the quiet, low-rise charm of Anna Maria Island 40 minutes north.

Things to do in Sarasota

Spend a day at The Ringling — art museum, Ca' d'Zan mansion, and circus museums
Feel the famous quartz sand at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key
Shop and dine around St. Armands Circle, then swim at Lido Beach
Meet manatees at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Walk the mangrove boardwalks at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Catch a performance at the Sarasota Opera House or Van Wezel

Culture, beaches, and family trips

Few beach cities balance culture and coast this well — you can do a museum morning and a beach afternoon every day of the week. Families add the aquarium, the Ringling's playground, and calm Gulf water; couples get bayfront sunsets and one of Florida's best restaurant rows.

Where to stay in Sarasota

Downtown & Bayfront

Marina Jack, the bayfront park, theaters, and Saturday farmers market — Sarasota's walkable core.

St. Armands Circle

Circle of shops and restaurants on Lido Key, two blocks from Lido Beach.

Siesta Key

The famous quartz-sand barrier island — see our full [Siesta Key](/siesta-key) guide.

Lakewood Ranch & east county

Newer golf and family communities inland with larger pool homes.

Sarasota FAQs

How far is Sarasota from Siesta Key beach?

Siesta Key is a barrier island within Sarasota County, about 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota over the south bridge.

Is Sarasota good for families?

Yes — Mote Aquarium, the Ringling estate, calm Gulf beaches, and Myakka River State Park's airboat-free lake tours all work well with kids.

When is the best time to visit Sarasota?

February through May offers the best weather and events. Summer is hotter and quieter with better rental deals; January is peak season with premium rates.