Sarasota
Vacation Rentals

Sarasota Beyond the Guidebook

The tourist websites tell you about Siesta Key Beach and Main Street. That's a fine start, but it's not the real Sarasota.

The real Sarasota is knowing that Dry Dock Waterbar on the bay side serves better fish than the overpriced beachfront spots. It's timing your beach walk for early morning before the crowds, then heading inland to breakfast where the grouper hash is legendary. Our guests who rent Sarasota Luxe learn fast: spend your afternoon south of Siesta Key at Casey Key, where the crowds thin and the beach gets quieter. Catch sunset from the Ringling Museum grounds instead of fighting for space at Siesta Beach. That's Sarasota living — and it's what separates a generic vacation from a trip that changes how you see Florida.

One more thing: if you're visiting between November and April, the Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturday mornings at Lemon Avenue is worth the early wake-up. Local honey, Gulf shrimp, and produce from Myakka farms. Skip the overpriced grocery stores.