Welcome to West of Trail
A blend of city and coastal life in the jewel of Sarasota Bay.
West of Trail, Florida, is a charming coastal area near South Sarasota Bay and west of Route 41. Its central location offers easy access to the greater Sarasota area and Siesta Key via State Road 758 and Longboat Key via State Road 759. The area includes a wide variety of distinct neighborhoods and residential communities.
The area’s central location near the bay makes it an excellent option for those who want to live in a bustling and charming city but also desire easy access to the Keys for spontaneous day trips with the family. An eclectic variety of shopping, restaurants, recreational activities, and housing styles, along with a blend of beach and city living, make West of Trail a great place for residents seeking a wide range of lifestyles.
What to Love
- Easy access to Longboat Key and Siesta Key
- Charming neighborhoods
- Centrally located and diverse area
- Blend of city and beach living
Local Lifestyle
The real estate in West of Trail offers the best of city life and coastal life with access to an abundance of green spaces, outdoor recreation, and downtown Sarasota. The area’s charming neighborhoods provide a wide range of amenities for residents, allowing them to enjoy a laid-back life of convenience.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
West of Trail residents enjoy easy access to plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. Morton’s Gourmet Market is a full-service grocery store that has been in the neighborhood for over 50 years. It is a one-stop shop with a wide variety of products and services, including a bakery and coffee shop, a deli, meals prepared from scratch, fine wines, and more.
Veronica Fish and Oyster is an elegant restaurant and bar with fresh, locally sourced seafood cuisine. Reminiscent of traditional oyster bars, its seafood menu includes items like oysters on the half shell and steamed black mussels.
Michael’s On East restaurant, bar, and lounge is another fantastic option for West of Trail residents seeking award-winning cuisine and a fine dining experience. The iconic restaurant is in a 1940s supper club setting and serves classic dishes like filet mignon tartare and innovative dishes like lemon poppyseed shrimp tempura.
The Southside Deli has a diverse menu with a wide range of cuisines, including traditional American fare, modern Mexican food, and seafood. Popular menu items include the grilled or blackened tilapia sandwich and the beer-battered cod sandwich.
Although West of Trail is on an island, it offers easy access to all of life’s necessities, including a world-class hospital. Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) is the island’s premier medical center and employs many residents.
Things to Do
There are lots of fun recreational activities to do in West of Trail. The neighborhoods have abundant parks, green spaces, festivals, and attractive venues for fun and entertainment.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a unique bayfront botanical garden and sanctuary featuring collections of air plant species from around the globe. It's open year-round and is an excellent place to learn about unique plants, the local ecosystem, and the area’s history.
Phillippi Shores Park is a community park in a residential area with a small lake. It's a great place to hang out and relax with the family and have a picnic by the water.
Every year in December, visitors and locals of all ages gather around Sarasota Bay to watch the decorated boats show off their holiday decorations in the festive Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
Schools
