Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ)
SRQ is about 15 minutes north of downtown Sarasota. Tampa International is roughly an hour away with more flight options.
Beach traffic builds on winter weekends.
SRQ Airport Info ↗Quartz-Sand Beaches, Circus History & Bayfront Gardens
Sarasota,
Florida.
From Siesta Beach's powder-white quartz sand and St. Armands Circle to The Ringling's art museum and circus history, Selby Gardens and the Myakka River's alligators: discover the Gulf Coast's cultural beach town.
Information reviewed October 2026 · Live National Weather Service forecast for Sarasota, FL.
Sand Like Powdered Sugar
Siesta Key · The Ringling · St. Armands.
01 / Getting Here & Around
Fly Into SRQ, Then Head for the Keys.
Sarasota's barrier-island beaches are linked to downtown by causeways, and a car or trolley makes it easy to hop between Siesta Key, Lido Key and the city.
Breeze Transit & the Siesta Key Trolley
Sarasota County's Breeze Transit buses serve the city, and the free Siesta Key Breeze trolley runs the length of Siesta Key.
Beach parking fills early in high season.
Sarasota County ↗Red tide: Occasional red tide algae blooms can cause coughing and fish kills along the Gulf beaches. Check current beach conditions before you go, especially if you have breathing sensitivities.
02 / Interactive Map
Sarasota & Siesta Key Map.
Filter by area or type, tap a pin for details, and save places to download as a shareable image.
03 / Iconic Stops
Circus Mansions, Quartz Beaches & Bayfront Gardens.
Arts, history and some of the softest sand in the world.
Siesta Beach
Famous for fine, cool quartz sand and gentle Gulf water, with lifeguards, a pavilion and spectacular sunsets.
Beach Guide ↗The Ringling
John and Mable Ringling's estate, with a major art museum, the Circus Museum and the Venetian Gothic mansion Ca' d'Zan.
Plan Your Visit ↗Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Bayfront gardens renowned for orchids and bromeliads, with waterfront paths and a historic house.
Garden Info ↗St. Armands Circle
A ring of shops, cafés and galleries set around a landscaped circle, a short walk from Lido Beach.
St. Armands Guide ↗Lido Beach & South Lido Park
Wide Gulf beaches and a park where kayakers paddle through shady mangrove tunnels on Sarasota Bay.
Lido Key Guide ↗Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, with alligators, a canopy walkway and airboat tours.
Park Info ↗04 / Gulf Coast Eats
Grouper Sandwiches, Stone Crab & Amish Pies.
Fresh Gulf seafood and a surprising Amish community shape local dining.
Gulf Seafood
Grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws in season and fresh shrimp are menu staples at waterfront restaurants on the keys and around the bay.
Sarasota Dining Guide ↗Pinecraft Amish Village
Sarasota's Pinecraft neighborhood is a winter haven for Amish and Mennonite visitors, with bakeries and restaurants known for homemade pies.
Local Favorites ↗05 / 3-Day Plan
The Essential Sarasota Itinerary.
Beach days, art and wild Florida.
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Day 1: Siesta Key
Spend the day on Siesta Beach's soft quartz sand, ride the Siesta Key Breeze trolley to Siesta Key Village, and stay for sunset.
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Day 2: The Ringling & St. Armands
Explore The Ringling's art museum, Circus Museum and Ca' d'Zan, then shop and dine at St. Armands Circle before sunset on Lido Beach.
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Day 3: Selby Gardens & Myakka
Visit Selby Gardens in the morning, then spot alligators and walk the canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park.
Sun, Storms & Wildlife
Gulf Coast Conditions.
Summer afternoons bring heat, humidity and lightning storms. Leave the beach when thunder rolls and drink plenty of water.
Shuffle your feet in shallow water to avoid stingrays, keep a safe distance from alligators in freshwater areas, and follow local guidance during hurricane season, June through November.
NWS Tampa Bay Office ↗ · National Hurricane Center ↗
Ca' d'Zan.
The Ringlings' Venetian Gothic mansion
06 / Official Resources
Handy Links & Portals.
Tourism, transit, culture and weather links for planning your Sarasota trip.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why is Siesta Key sand so soft?
Siesta Beach's sand is nearly pure quartz, which stays cool underfoot and feels like powdered sugar even on hot days.
Do I need a car in Sarasota?
A car is easiest for moving between the keys, downtown and Myakka, but the free Siesta Key Breeze trolley and county buses help on the islands and in town.
When is the best time to visit Sarasota?
Winter and spring bring dry, mild weather and the busiest season. Summer is hot and stormy but quieter, and hurricane season runs June through November.
How does the saved places list work?
Clicking "Save" on any location card or map marker stores it directly in your browser's local storage. You can filter the view to "Saved" or choose "Save list as image" in the place list beside the map to generate a clean PNG containing all your chosen stops and addresses for offline navigation.