Explore Downtown Sarasota Near Lido Key

Lido Key has long been one of Florida’s most well-kept secrets. You can experience the gorgeous white sands, interesting history, breathtaking nature, and delicious food, giving you everything you would expect from a Florida vacation. What sets Lido Key apart is its small-town feel, and since the crowds aren’t as prevalent, you’ll never have to fight for a spot on the shoreline. There is also a distinct upscale vibe on Lido Key, giving you the perfect environment to truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Lido Key has a ton of fun activities to indulge in, but you can find even more to do in nearby destinations like Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and Sarasota. Downtown Sarasota truly offer something for everyone, and it is just a short drive away from all of our luxury Lido Key rentals. Read on to experience all the fun there is to be had by experiencing all of the downtown Sarasota activities.

About Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota is just two miles away from Lido Key, making it an easily accessible vacation destination when you’re staying on the Key. Just take John Ringling Causeway across the water and into town! Sarasota welcomes guests far and wide all year round, and once you visit, it won’t be hard to see why.

Sarasota’s history dates back over a century, as the town was established in 1902. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination and draws tons of visitors every year. From the great shopping experiences to the fun history and gorgeous nature, everyone in your group will find something to love in downtown Sarasota.

Things to Do

There are a ton of downtown Sarasota things to do; your only issue will be deciding what to tackle first! Great shopping is aplenty in Sarasota, as shops like Malbi Decor and Artisan’s World Marketplace offer handcrafted pieces that are globally inspired. Curl up with a book from Bookstore1, or grab a fun New accessory at Rue SRQ. Lotus Boutique is the perfect stop for a new piece to add to your closet, or you can visit Art to Walk On to pick up a new rug for your home. Toy Lab is a great stop for the kids to pick out their own souvenir, and the men in your group will love browsing at Martin Freeman Clothing.

Sarasota is home to some of the most beautiful nature in Florida, so be sure to take some time away from technology and experience it for yourself. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will give you a great chance to stop and smell the roses, and you can let your kids run around at Payne Park and enjoy the sunshine.

Bayfront Park is another popular place to be, especially at sunset. Another of Sarasota’s strong suit is its history, and there are plenty of fun historical sites for you to experience downtown. Historic Burns Square will take you back to the 1920s, where you can stroll through the boutiques and enjoy the jazz music from the cafe.

One area where Sarasota truly shines is in its art scene. You will get to experience both visual and performing arts in this culturally diverse city. Be sure to head to the Art Center Sarasota to take in the galleries of local artwork, and every third Friday, Towles Court holds an art walk to introduce you to local makers. Florida Studio Theater offers shows and classes for you to enjoy, and McCurdy’s is a fun comedy club and open mic nightspot. Catch an indie film at Burns Court Cinemas, check out a show at the Players Community Theater, or see a national touring act at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. All of these destinations will provide something new and exciting for you to experience each and every time you visit Sarasota.

Where to Eat

When you’re on vacation, the delicious food is one of the biggest attractions, and the food scene in Sarasota is not one to be missed. You can find any cuisine you’re craving right in the middle of town, from American to Peruvian to Italian and more. For some classic American food, visit Madison City Grill, Owen’s Fish Camp, or MADE Restaurant. Indigenous Restaurant is also a popular American spot that puts an emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients. Lila is a great option if you are trying to be a bit more health-conscious.

If you’re feeling something global, Selva specializes in delicious Peruvian cuisine, or you can find Italian at Caragiulo’s or Mediterraneo. Element is a great Mediterranean restaurant perfect for date night, and Pho Cali is the perfect place to stop in for some traditional Vietnamese fare.

Fresh. Local. Seasonal. Sustainable.

Boca Kitchen is a great place to indulge.

With a farm-to-table focus, this downtown restaurant sources local ingredients with possible. When you sit down at this urban chic restaurant, you know that the food was a group effort from the farmer to the chef.

Weekly Specials:

  • Thursdays: Girls Night Out
  • Weekday Happy Hour: 4 – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys

Make reservations on their website.

When you’re done with your meal, you’re sure to want a sweet treat to finish it off. Pastry Art Bakery Cafe is great for grabbing a cupcake or a cup of coffee, and the Cookie Cottage is a fan favorite as well. The Chocolate Bark Company offers unique and fun desserts, and Settimi’s Gelato is perfect for cooling you off on a hot day. If you’d rather finish off your meal with a drink, you have plenty of options in downtown Sarasota. Visit Cask & Ale or the Shamrock Pub for a delicious drink in a casual atmosphere, or come check out some cutting-edge punk music at Sarasota Sky Bar and Club. Sports Bar SRQ is your local sports bar for watching the game, or you can head to Mandeville Beer Garden for a delicious craft brew.

Where to Stay

After spending the day exploring downtown Sarasota, return to your luxurious Lido Key rental to relax for the rest of the evening. We are proud to offer a one-of-a-kind vacation experience to each and every guest that we serve. All our rentals are customized and personalized to suit your needs, and no request is too big or too small for us to handle. By staying in one of our luxury vacation homes, you will have access to our Property Manager Service, giving you a one-on-one relationship with our staff.

If there is an issue with your rental or you simply want to know the best place to watch the sunset, we’ve got you covered!

Inside your rental, you will have incredible amenities that will put you in the lap of luxury. Spacious living and dining areas give plenty of room for everyone to spread out, and you’ll also have the perfect dose of privacy in your bedrooms. Look out over the water from your covered deck, or curl up on the couch for a movie night or game night with your loved ones. Whip up a meal in the spacious, fully equipped kitchen, or take a quick walk to the beach to dip your toes in the sand.

Our rentals are perfect for groups of all sizes, whether you’re just traveling with the family or you’re planning a whole wedding party. We love living and working in Lido Key, and we can’t wait to show you everything that’s great about it. For more information about downtown Sarasota, Lido Key, and all of our luxury vacation homes, contact us today!

Dream Island

Indulge luxury at this ground-level, 8-bedroom Lido Key Coastal Home—a true dream haven. Boasting vaulted ceilings and a pool stretching 1600 square feet across the rear courtyard, the outdoor oasis features a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, dining, and TV, complemented by a sunken living area and spa. Just a 5-minute walk to Lido Key Beach and a minute to St. Armand’s Circle!

Sea The Light

Discover Sea The Light, a Lido Key vacation home boasting a rooftop deck with Gulf of Mexico views, a private pool with a waterslide, and proximity to Lido Key Beach. This pet-friendly, three-level retreat features seven bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a spacious living area with tropical backyard views. Enjoy culinary delights in the fully equipped kitchen and outdoor dining areas!