Sarasota's Hidden Gems: Where Locals Love to Explore

Sarasota is not just a tourist hotspot; it's a place where locals can enjoy a variety of experiences, from outdoor adventures to cultural events. With cooler weather setting in, it's the perfect time to explore some of the best spots in the area before the tourist season kicks into high gear.

Top Spots to Explore

Bayfront Park

Location: Downtown Sarasota
Features:
Beautiful bayfront location
Playground
Splash pad
Multiple restaurants and bars
Marina Jack:
Upscale restaurant
Lounge
Patio bar with live music
Sightseeing cruises

The Bay Park

Opened: 2022 (First 15 acres)
Features:
Walking trails
Kayak launch
Café
Events:
Sunday concerts
Outdoor movie screenings
Yoga classes
Nearby: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (The Purple Cow)
2025-26 Season: Diverse lineup including comedians and bands

City Island

Attractions:
Save Our Seabirds center
Restaurants:
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop (Known for burgers)
The Old Salty Dog (Famous for unique hot dogs)
Free weekly water ski shows on Sundays

Lido Beach

Features:
Beautiful white sands
Spectacular Gulf sunsets
Renovated pavilion (Cited by Time magazine in 2021)
Nearby:
Lido Island Grill (Full menu of food and drinks)
Ted Sperling Park (Hidden gem for kayakers and paddleboarders)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Features:
15-acre garden
30-acre Historic Spanish Point in Osprey (Acquired in 2020)
Living museum of tropical plants
Annual orchid show
Downtown Campus:
The Green Orchid (Solar-powered restaurant)

The Ringling

Named After: Circus entrepreneur John Ringling and his wife Mable Ringling
Features:
Art and circus museums
Ringlings' winter mansion Ca' d'Zan
Historic Asolo Theater
Surrounding gardens
Free Admission: Mondays to art museum and bayfront gardens
Restaurant: The Ringling Grillroom (Overlooking a lovely lagoon)

Sarasota Opera House

History:
Hosted a 1956 Elvis Presley concert
Premiere of the 1952 Sarasota-set and shot Best Picture Oscar winner "The Greatest Show on Earth"
Current: Primarily showcases opera, ballet, and other fine arts
Fall Production: Opens on October 31, with five performances through November 15

Siesta Key Beach

Awards: Twice named the best beach in the U.S. by Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman
Features:
Quartz-crystal sands
Sunday evening drum circle (Weekly tradition of rhythm, dance, and sunset views)
Nearby: Siesta Key Village (Shops, restaurants, and bars)

St. Armands Circle

Features:
Legendary shopping and dining destination
Recent comeback: Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store (Reintroduced in a new setting)

University Town Center (UTC)

Features:
Shopping and dining at The Mall at UTC
Entertainment:
Tiger Woods' mini-golf concept PopStroke
Events at The Green at UTC
Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) (Opened on October 8 at Nathan Benderson Park)