According to the U.S. News & World Report, the best times to visit Sarasota, Florida are March, April, and May when crowds, temperatures, and prices are manageable. Spring provides some amazing weather in Southwest Florida lending itself the opportune time for spending time outdoors.
Why Go to Sarasota
If you think this quaint city along Florida’s west coast is like any other found in the state, think again.
Featuring an impressive list of art-centric attractions and activities like The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Art Center Sarasota and various craft shows and festivals, Sarasota regularly woos enthusiasts and collectors. But art here isn’t limited to traditional works like paintings and sculptures. Performing arts, like ballet, opera, and circus acts are also a mainstay of this waterfront city. In fact, the circus is deeply imbedded in Sarasota. John and Charles Ringling, two of the Ringling Bros. Circus’ founders, moved to Sarasota shortly before it became a city in 1913. What’s more, John Ringling’s former home, Ca’ d’Zan, now serves as one of the city’s top attractions.
Sarasota’s prime position by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico also makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. When you’re not admiring the view from one of the area’s picturesque golf courses, catch a glimpse of local flora and fauna at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Lido Key Beach or Myakka River State Park. Additionally, Sarasota boasts one of the largest Amish and Mennonite enclaves in the state.
What to Eat in Sarasota
Like other Florida destinations, Sarasota’s dining scene focuses primarily on American fare with regional seafood specialties like shrimp, lobster, and octopus. Local seafood restaurant favorites include Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (just east of downtown on Longboat Key), Owen’s Fish Camp (a few blocks south of Sarasota’s central Main Street thoroughfare) and KaCey’s Seafood and More (by Interstate 75).
Italian, Latin American and Amish and Mennonite eateries are also popular here, thanks in part to many residents’ ties to these communities. For Italian cuisine, travelers recommend Dolce Italia, Cafe Baci and Mozzarella Fella. Eateries like the Peruvian-inspired Selva Grill and the Puerto Rican-influenced Sofrito Mama’s are considered must-visit spots for Latin American dishes. And at Yoder’s Restaurant and Der Dutchman Restaurant, which reside in the city’s Pinecraft neighborhood, diners can sample traditional Amish and Mennonite items, including pecan sticky buns, potato cakes and shoofly pie (a dessert with a coffee cake topping and a molasses bottom).
And for tasty libations, travelers can choose from one of the area’s craft breweries. Standout establishments include Sarasota Brewing Company (a microbrewery that opened in 1989), the Big Top Brewing Company (where circus-inspired brews are served) and Calusa Brewing (which was named after the indigenous Calusa Native American tribe).
Plan to Return To Sarasota
Sarasota is buzzing with excitement for down’s most anticipated new address, BLVD Sarasota. This high-rise features 49 expanisve residences with views of the Sarasota Bay by day and dazzling city lights by night. On top of the world amenities include rooftop pool and entertainment deck, on-site restaurant, 5th floor dog walk and grooming center, high-performance fitness center, optional hobby room space and so much more.
New condos for sale at BLVD Sarasota are priced from $1.7 million. For more information about the area, get a complimentary copy of our Sarasota Ultimate Guide here.
Published By U.S. News & World
