FTWtoday City Editor Rebecca, here. I worked in Sarasota, FL for a little over a year before returning home to DFW for graduate school. During that time, I enjoyed trips to the beach, learned about the history of the circus, and ate award-winning seafood. Come along with me and discover some of Sarasota’s best offerings for your next weekend getaway.

Bring your fur baby along for a trip to the beach. | Photo by City Editor Rebecca

Why go?

This town, located about an hour south of Tampa, is known for its white-sand beaches including the popular Siesta Key, Lido Key, and my personal favorite, Brohard Paw Park, where dogs can run free and swim in the ocean.
Sarasota was named the “Best Place to Travel in Florida” in 2022 by US News and World Report.
Enjoy beautiful weather nearly all year — the city gets an average of 251 sunny days per year.
Take a photo with the iconic “Unconditional Surrender sculpture.” The sculpture was purchased by late World War II veteran and Sarasota resident Jack Curran.

Explore the history of the circus at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. | Photo by City Editor Rebecca

Act like a local:

Food: With 37 miles of open shoreline, there’s a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants. Get dressed up and try Indigenous, a sustainable seafood restaurant, run by James Beard semifinalist Steve Phelps.
Drink: Walk around Siesta Key Village and cool off with a cold drink from Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar or Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.
Outdoors: Take in the nature and explore the wetlands on a canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park.
Learn: Visit Ringling Bros. and the Barnum & Bailey Circus and explore the Ca' d'Zan — the former home of John and Mable Ringling. The mansion is now home to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and is inspired by the Venetian Gothic style.
Sports: Catch the Baltimore Orioles practice at Ed Smith Stadium for free (mid-February-March).
Explore: Take in the fresh ocean air and shop 130+ merchants at St. Armands Circle, including local boutiques, jewelry stores, and candy shops.

Clerestory windows for plenty of light with two (2) sets of French doors that lead into the yard. | Photo by Airbnb

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Club Bamboo South 123 Studio, steps away from the Gulf of Mexico on Bradenton Beach. (~205/night)
Airbnb: The Artist Studio SRQ, walking distance to downtown and conveniently located near the Selby Botanical Gardens and the Sarasota Art Museum. (~169/night)
Splurge hotel: Lido Beach Resort, a private, secluded beach paradise on Lido Beach. (~439/night)