Things to Do in Sarasota
Let sun-drenched fun fill your vacation with a trip to Sarasota County's parks and beaches. Whether you want to dip in the water at one of the best beaches in the world or hike canopy trails in one of Florida's largest and oldest state parks, you'll walk away with an experience to remember!
Travel in Comfort
Flying with us grants you a few amenities that we take great pride in.
Our aircraft are equipped with some of the best amenities on the market, to ensure you and yours are comfortable wherever you choose to go.
Personal Device Entertainment
Watch popular movies and TV shows on your device with our personal device entertainment.
In-Flight Dining
From multi-course meals in our premium cabins and regional specialty meals to an assortment of snacks and freshly prepared food available for purchase.
In-Flight Wi-Fi
We're happy to offer United Wi-Fi on all mainline and two-cabin regional aircraft.
Zota Beach Resort
Sarasota, FL 34228
Courtyard Marriott Bradenton Sarasota
Bradenton, FL 34205
The Westin Sarasota
Sarasota, FL 34236
Book Today
Book Today
Book Today
Our Hotel Picks
Take a Relaxing Cruise
Marina Jack II Cruises
Escape aboard the Marina Jack II!. Join us for a relaxing sightseeing lunch or sunset dinner cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy delicious dining, outstanding views, and world class service. Docked behind the Marina Jack restaurant, located on the Downtown Sarasota Bay front, our air conditioned salons and open air outside deck will provide you with best way to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On the Marina Jack II every seat is a window seat! What a better way to enjoy water front dining than to be on the water?
Book Today
Five Family-Friendly Beaches
Siesta Beach
Sarasota's Siesta Beach has gotten lots of national attention in the past few years, and for good reason. Named the best beach in America in 2011 by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach), it's got powdery, white, nearly pure quartz crystal sand that's soft on your feet and doesn’t get too hot even when temperatures are scorching. Lifeguards are present year-round, a concession stand and beach rentals are located on-site, and the public beach access has: hundreds of parking spots, a giant sandcastle playground, tennis courts and dozens of picnic/grilling areas surrounded by greenspace.
Lido Beach
The sand at Lido Beach in Sarasota runs a close second to that at Siesta Beach. But the crowds here can be a bit thinner (though the word is getting out). Lido gets frequent praise from parents for its year-round lifeguards, easy access to clean restrooms, and above-average snack bar. "It's not junky concession food but is actually really well-done food," says Karla Gore, a mom of two and co-owner of SURFit USA (941-952-8245, surfitusa.com), which offers frequent paddleboard clinics for kids and adults at Lido Beach. "On Sundays it has lobster rolls that are really good."
Nokomis Beach
Farther south, Nokomis Beach on Casey Key draws families to its wide expanse of sand. Parking can be less difficult here than at other spots, and it's an easy stroll into the water without any drop-offs or other challenges for little ones. There's a boardwalk parallel to the beach, lifeguards on duty, covered picnic areas, and a small playground on the Intracoastal side.
"The fishing is usually good here," says Gore. "And you can walk and walk on Nokomis Beach. You can walk for an hour and still be walking down the beach."
Caspersen Beach & Manasota Beach
Parents also love the easy access and new, modern restrooms at Venice's Caspersen Beach and Englewood's Manasota Beach. Caspersen is known for being a great spot for shelling and shark-tooth hunting. But it doesn't have any lifeguards, and the beach can sometimes be on the small side due to erosion caused by storms and tidal changes. It's a good choice for families who prefer their beaches on the wild and natural end of the spectrum.
Laid-back Manasota Beach doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. It rates as another prime spot for unearthing cool shells and sharks' teeth, and there's plenty of space for sandcastle building or spirited games of Frisbee.
All of the Top Restaurants
It’s no surprise that a destination named one of the Best Food Cities in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2016 attracts the best of the best in the culinary industry.
Explore Restaurants
Book Your Trip Today
Soak up the sun along our white-sand beaches. Treat yourself to diverse dining, enriching arts and culture, shopping districts of all sorts and natural Florida fun. In Sarasota, each moment is your own. Book your flight today for a special deal!
Book Your Flight Today
Unlimited Rewards
Earn award miles and use them on trips, experiences, dining and more.
Find Your Getaway
Find Flights
Find Your Getaway