Where to eat, what to do, and when to visit Sarasota's beaches.
Local guides written by people who actually live and host here. Updated bi-weekly.
Why Siesta Key Is America's #1 Beach Again
Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best named Siesta Key #1 in America. Here's what keeps it winning — and how to visit without the headache.
Sarasota Film Festival 2026: A Local's Guide
The Sarasota Film Festival runs April 2026. Here's which films to see, which parties to attend, and how to snag passes before they sell out.
Siesta Key Spring Break 2026: Dates, Crowds & Parking
Spring break on Siesta Key runs mid-March through mid-April 2026. Here's exactly when it peaks, when to avoid, and how to survive it as a visitor or local.
What's New in Sarasota for 2026
New restaurants, hotel renovations, and major events are reshaping Sarasota in 2026. Here's what locals are actually excited about this year.
Stone Crab Season Is Open: Where to Eat in Sarasota
Stone crab season opened October 15. Here's where to eat claws in Sarasota right now, what size to order, and which docks they come off of.
Pet-Friendly Beaches Near Sarasota: The Actual List
Dogs are allowed on several beaches near Sarasota, but the rules differ by county, time of day, and leash length. Here's exactly where to go.
Where to Park on Siesta Key Without Losing Your Mind
Siesta Key parking is brutal in season, but a few strategies work. Here's exactly where to park, what it costs, and what locals actually do.
Sarasota Spring Break: Enjoy It, Survive It
Sarasota during spring break is crowded but manageable. Here's what locals actually do—and what to skip—from mid-February through April.
Stone Crab Season in Sarasota: What to Know
Stone crab season runs October 15–May 1 in Florida. Here's where to eat them in Sarasota, what they cost, and why the claws matter.
When to Visit Sarasota: A Month-by-Month Guide
The best time to visit Sarasota depends on your budget and tolerance for crowds. Here's what every month actually looks like on the ground.
Kayaking With Manatees in Sarasota: Where to Find Them
Manatees gather in Sarasota year-round, but three spots give kayakers the best chance: Phillippi Creek, the Intracoastal near Turtle Beach, and DING.
Sarasota Holiday Lights & Events: December 2025
Selby Gardens, St. Armands, the Ringling, and a Marina Jack boat parade—here's every major Sarasota holiday event in December 2025 plus a one-day plan.
Sarasota Restaurants Open Thanksgiving 2025
Five Sarasota restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner in 2025 — with confirmed hours, price ranges, and honest takes on what's worth booking.
Siesta Key in September: Hurricane Season Guide
September is peak hurricane season on Siesta Key—and the cheapest, quietest month to visit. Here's what to watch, where to go, and when to leave.
5 Late-Summer Day Trips from Sarasota Worth the Drive
From tarpon fishing at Boca Grande to slow afternoons on Anna Maria Island, here are five Gulf Coast day trips under 90 minutes from Sarasota this August.
Sarasota Music Festival 2025: What to Expect
The Sarasota Music Festival runs through June at Holley Hall. Here's what locals actually go to, where to park, and where to eat before or after.
Getting Around Sarasota Without a Car (And When You'll Need One)
You can survive—and even thrive—in Sarasota without a car if you're staying near downtown or Siesta Key. Here's what actually works, what doesn't, and when to just rent a car.
Sarasota December Events & Holiday Lights 2026
The best holiday lights and December events in Sarasota, FL — from Siesta Key to downtown, with dates, addresses, and what's actually worth your time.
Best July 4th Fireworks in Sarasota & Siesta Key 2025
Sarasota's top July 4th fireworks spots in 2025: Bayfront Park, Siesta Key Village, and Venice Pier—plus parking tips, arrival times, and free vantage points.
Stone Crab Season Ends May 1: Best Spots in Sarasota
Stone crab season closes May 1 in Florida. Here's where to get the last claws in Sarasota and Siesta Key before they're gone until October.
Best Sunset Spots on Sarasota's Gulf Coast, Ranked
Siesta Key Beach tops every list, but Sarasota's best sunset spots go well beyond the famous sand. Here are 7 ranked picks, with parking tips and local intel.
Day Trips from Sarasota: 5 Worth It, 3 to Skip
The best day trips from Sarasota are Myakka River State Park, Tarpon Springs, Edison & Ford Estates, Corkscrew Swamp, and Ybor City. Here's why — and what to avoid.
Best New Restaurants in Sarasota This Season
Six new Sarasota restaurants opened this season worth a reservation. Here's what to eat, where to sit, and what to skip on each menu.