Stuff to do in Sarasota

Museums and Attractions:

The Ringling Museum -

Visit the home of John & Mable Ringling, along with the circus and art museums

Selby Gardens -

In December, check out their holiday display called 'Lights in Bloom'!

Mote Marine aquarium

December 3rd is First Friday at Lakewood Ranch main street

​

Beaches:

Visit Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key Village

Has been voted #1 beach in the U.S.

​

Visit Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle

Rent a kayak or SUP at South Lido.

Great spot to kayak through the mangroves and maybe see some manatees

​

Great places to eat:

Breakfast:

 Keke’s - (UTC)

Blue Dolphin Cafe - (SA)

Shore Diner - (SA) great brunch but also a nice lunch/dinner

Station 400 - (LWR)

Casual / quick bites / lunch or dinner:

Blaze Pizza - (UTC)

Fresh Kitchen - (UTC) local chain with healthy and delicious bowls

Rusty Bucket - (UTC) burgers and bar fare

Big Olaf's Ice Cream - (SA or LWR) The St Armands location is a Manas family tradition!

Nicer meals/ dinners:

Apollonia - (UTC) Fran and Todd’s favorite Greek

Element - (DS) For a really nice meal

Tandoor - (UTC) Great casual Indian

Speak's Clam Bar - (SA)

Columbia Restaurant - (SA) Cuban cuisine

Where Fran and Todd had their wedding rehearsal dinner in 1983!

​

Local Breweries and Bars:

Big Top

Calusa

JDubs

Motorworks

Siesta Key Rum Distillery - (SK) Schedule a tour ahead of time!

Daiquiri Deck - (SK, SA) Several locations to choose from. Get a daiquiri to-go for a walk on the beach

Syd's favorite - Banana in the Bush

Scott's favorite - Sweet Tart

Scullers - (UTC) casual drinks near the wedding happenings

Cask and Ale  -  (DS) Upscale craft cocktails. Downtown Sarasota

Westin Downtown - (DS) Rooftop bar with a beautiful waterfront view

​

Legend:

UTC - area around the hotels

DS - Downtown Sarasota (15 minutes from the hotels)

SA - St. Armands Circle (25 minutes from the hotels)

LWR - Lakewood Ranch (10 minutes from the hotels)

SK - Siesta Key (30 minutes from the hotels)