An abundance of visitors from around the world visit Sarasota each year to enjoy all of the amenities this small city on the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer. Each year, Sarasota’s warm climate attracts “snowbirds” down to the Sunshine State for its high season from January through March. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city’s internationally recognized cultural amenities matching those of the nation’s largest cities. A world-class destination, Sarasota, Florida has many reasons to live, work and play in this gorgeous coastal setting.
1. Cultural and Entertainment Venues
The downtown Sarasota area known as the cultural district offers a busier, cosmopolitan atmosphere for residents and visitors. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provides outstanding entertainment each year with its full-calendar of performances. Active adults or young families often attend the world- renown Ringling Museum, the resplendent Selby Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Mote Marine, G-Wiz (hands-on Science museum for kids), as well as the historic Asolo Theater. Sarasota even has its own Ballet, Opera and Symphony. It is no wonder Sarasota is often referred to as the “Cultural Coast of Florida.”
2. Sarasota’s Barrier Islands and Beaches
Sarasota is home to four tropical barrier islands, each with its own unique personality. Siesta, Key, Longboat Key and Lido Key contain miles of beautiful beaches lined with luxury resort-style condominiums, quaint cottages and inns, numerous hotels, and extravagant estates. There are no high-rise condos on the ultra-exclusive Casey Key. This barrier island is comprised almost entirely of single family homes. Private and public beaches are available on all of the keys for residents and visitors who love the water.
3. Sarasota’s Weather
There are so many reasons to visit Sarasota Florida. The near-perfect Sarasota weather is at the top of many people’s list. Sarasota’s average year round temperature is usually around 74 degrees F. Visitors have plenty of sunshine and warm weather throughout the year. Although summers can be quite hot, cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico are a refreshing relief from the summer heat.
4. Water, Water, Water
So many people come to Sarasota to enjoy the water. With 35 miles of pristine beaches, the Intercoastal waterway and many miles of boatable canals, Sarasota has waterfront options for everyone. Siesta Key Florida Beach was just named the 2nd best beach in the United States for 2009 by Dr Beach. Boating enthusiast enjoy everything from fishing to leisure rides in the Gulf and Bay. If you love the water, Sarasota has it all waiting for you.
5. Location
Sarasota is perfectly located 60 miles south of Tampa. Direct flights from major cities around the world arrive at Tampa International Airport. Sarasota International Airport has direct flights from select major cities as well. Disney World is only about 2 hours from Sarasota and often visited by adults and children. Major sporting events, entertainment venues and Busch Gardens are all within and hour.
6. Outdoor Activities
Residents and visitors of Sarasota enjoy championship golf, sailing, boating, tennis, swimming, nature trails, canoeing and kayaking as well as beachcombing, shell collecting. Outdoor activities are endless in this coastal city. Downtown Sarasota’s Farmers Market is a popular attraction each Sunday.
7. Shopping
You can shop till you drop! Sarasota has it all. Famous St. Armands Circle, similar to Wirth Avenue in Palm Beach, is the place to see and be seen. Specialty shops provide high-end arts, gifts, jewelry, clothes and sea shells. Visit a caf
Related posts:
- Longboat Key Florida: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Longboat Key Florida is an 11-mile long island that borders the Gulf of Mexico to its west and the calm waters of Sarasota Bay on to its east. The 8,000 permanent residents of Longboat Key live in a variety of residential styles from condominiums, townhouses, small single-family homes to luxury... - An Introduction To The Paradise Coast of Florida, Surrounding Fort Myers, Florida
A Guide to Must-See Beaches in SW FLA: A wonderful place to visit and enjoy is southwest Florida, using Ft. Myers as a base for your explorations. Ft. Myers is 90 minutes south of Tampa on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Ft. Myers and the surrounding communities boast... - Where To Go In Florida, If You Want To Take Your Dog To The Beach
Florida has four of the top ten Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States. In this article, we describe what you may need to know if you want to take your dog with you on your next Florida beach vacation. Cape San Blas, Florida – It was easy to choose... - Florida Is A Fisherman’s Vacation Paradise
Florida is the one state in the United States that offers Sportsmen a crack at saltwater fishing in its backwaters without once making a wish for a more comfortable environment. Balmy, warm and breathtakingly beautiful the sunshine state is the perfect contender for a fishing vacation. A Florida fishing vacation... - Panama City Beach, Florida Offers One Of The Best Beaches In America And More
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Panama City Beach, Florida is a popular destination for many travelers. Less than an hour’s drive to the east of Pensacola, Florida, Panama City is located just west of the Apalachicola National Forest. Panama City Beach, Florida was said to be a desolate wasteland... - Hockey News: NHL Preview 2009
Most NHL teams start their training camps the weekend of Sept. 12th. The puck is dropped on the regular season Oct. 1. Due to the Winter Olympics the NHL All-Star game is suspended this season. Instead the league will shut down from Feb. 15 through Feb. 28 to allow NHL... - Get Your Hiking Boots Ready For Your Florida Hiking Vacation
Hiking one of the many trails in the State of Florida offers a great probability of giving the hiker an experience to remember. Once you go on one hike, then you are ready for your next hike. The hiking is both interesting and marvelous, on the dozens of hiking trails... - Favorite Fishing Spots In The Great State Of Florida
Top Five Fishing Spots In Florida: 1 — St. Johns River: salty and fresh 2 — When it’s on, West Lake Toho hard to beat 3 — Sebastian Inlet is tricky, but worth the lost tackle 4 — Indian River Lagoon’s calm water boasts array of fish 5 — You’ll... - Visit the Historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland
Your whole family will enjoy a trip to the historic Rock of Cashel in Ireland. It is located above the town of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most historic and spectacular heritage sites in Ireland. Cashel is one hour by car from Waterford, Kilkenny, Limerick and... - Sea World Orlando Florida – A Tour Of The Attraction
Sea World Orlando Water Park is central Florida’s premier marine life park, accepting visitors year around and presenting its guests with an sea wildlife experience that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Theatrical Performances Shamu, the killer whale, performs in the Shamu Stadium in Sea World’s signature performance... - Visit the Dingle Peninsula for an Authentic Irish Experience
The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is one of my favorite spots to vacation in Ireland. Dingle Town is a thriving port where visitors enjoy warm hospitality, delicious meals, traditional Irish music, and even a chance to see “Fungi”, the resident dolphin, who lives in the bay and performs alongside... - Northcentral Florida: It’s The Land That Time Forgot
Driving through the Fabulous Fun Capital of the World at Orlando, I was struck by the thought that Florida should probably add to the list a planetary title for human perversity. There is something wondrously upside-down about a state to which people flock, purportedly for its climate and natural loveliness,... - Getting a Web Presence – Six Reasons to Go Cyber
Saying that the Web is complicated is like saying that football is aggressive. Web trends come and go, with success stories and disasters wrestling for attention in the public eye. Sometimes people get it, and you have an amazing case like the advent of Twitter. Others miss the point spectacularly,... - Visit the Newgrange Passage Tomb in Ireland
Have you ever heard of a Megalithic necropolis? I hadn... - 5 Reasons Why Las Vegas Visitors Should Take a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Looking for something adventurous to do while in Las Vegas? Go to the Grand Canyon. Tempting as it is, skip riding the bus – it takes too long and requires a full day. Instead, book a helicopter tour. Here are five good reasons why: #1. Helicopters Are Fast! The helicopter...