Welcome to Downtown Sarasota
A sophisticated coastal city with a lively and eclectic vibe.
Downtown Sarasota, Florida, is a coastal community perched along the Gulf of Mexico. One hour south of Tampa and 40 minutes south of St. Petersburg, Sarasota is known for its cultural spaces, live theaters, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. Downtown Sarasota is walkable and accessible to a variety of fun activities. North Lemon Avenue and North Palm Avenue are popular among residents for the Spanish-style architecture, eateries, and lively art community.
Main Street represents the essence of downtown Sarasota. It is the epicenter of fine dining, culture, and art galleries. Food enthusiasts enjoy Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, a sample of Sarasota’s top restaurants in Peruvian, seafood, French, and American cuisine. During this annual two-week event, local participating restaurants feature their best prefixed and multi-course lunch and dinner menus.
What to Love
- 35 miles of pristine white sandy beaches
- The Sarasota Opera House
- Eclectic and lively community
- Sophisticated beach town
Local Lifestyle
Downtown Sarasota’s laid-back atmosphere allows residents to enjoy big-city features without feeling the intensity of the big city. Yearly events and festivals keep residents busy and connected to local businesses. Downtown Sarasota is a sophisticated beach-front community with a reputation for innovating how food is prepared and plated. Restaurants support other businesses by sourcing their food from local farms and fishers.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Sarasota’s culinary scene has something for everyone’s palate. Residents dine at Duval’s, a staple in Sarasota’s seafood scene for their fresh, high-quality foods and eclectic menu. They have options for meat lovers and vegetarians.
On Main Street is Selva, an authentic Peruvian and Latin fusion restaurant known for its delicious house ceviche, custom craft cocktails and curated wine selections. Nearby is Hyde Park, a steakhouse specializing in aged prime steaks and known for naming its dishes after local sports legends. The intimate setting and elegant decor are great for family or group events.
Minutes from Main Street is Kojo, which has a Pan-Asian menu featuring flavors from China, Japan, and Korea. The nori tacos, bao buns, premium sake, truffle rice and homemade chocolate bar are highly recommended by Kojo patrons.
Jack Dusty at the Ritz is a waterfront restaurant on the Marina at the Ritz-Carlton. Its vibrant coastal cuisine comprises sweet and savory breakfast items, unique seafood dishes, and crafted cocktails. Indigenous is a restaurant serving American, seafood, and vegetarian cuisine in the Towles Court District. They have a reputation for being an educational and inspirational restaurant encouraging residents in downtown Sarasota to source their food locally and take care of the planet. Indigenous is also known for seasonally changing its menu based on the availability of ingredients from local farmers.
Things To Do
The Ringling Museum was built by John Ringling, one of the five brothers to co-found the circus called “The Greatest Show on Earth.” John and his wife Mable’s deep love for art led them to architect John H. Phillips. He designed a pink U-shaped museum with 21 galleries to store John and Mable's growing art collection. The Ringling Museum is a collection of Medieval objects, Renaissance books, European paintings, and Asian and contemporary art. John desired to share the history of European art with Florida and left the museum to the community as part of his legacy.
The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury hotel offering a modern coastal living experience. It has 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Four restaurants are available to choose from that overlook the turquoise seas of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Golf Club Grille, which overlooks the 18-hole golf course. One benefit of the Ritz-Carlton is the access to the beach club at Lido Key.
Bayfront Park at Marina Jack’s is ideal for all family fun. They are committed to providing recreation for residents and encouraging young adults to see their potential. The park amenities include a dog park, picnic area, and public art playground. Water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also available. The Bay Park is an initiative by the community, city, and park conservatory to turn 53 acres of land into a public park. They host a calendar of community events for Downtown Sarasota residents to enjoy.
Sundays at the Bay is a weekly music performance showcasing local artists in jazz, gospel, guitar, and marimbas. Outdoor activities include guided kayak tours of the restored mangroves and outdoor fitness classes in yoga and Tai Chi.
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