Hike, paddle, bike, fish or sit back in a natural paradise. The beaches along the coasts of these areas range from calm and tapered to lively and expansive. The barrier islands, many called “keys,” each have their own personality. It is a sophisticated city with beautiful homes and many condo options - downtown, at the beach or inland at peaceful country club communities.īarrier islands hug Sarasota County’s 40 miles of coastline. However, if mingling with other snowbirds isn’t your scene, you can certainly find many options in Sarasota to live privately and just do your own thing. Several condo complexes, golf and country clubs and residential communities cater to the snowbird demographic, so there are plenty of options to stay in communities with lots of winter residents and activities that are geared to this demographic.
Local businesses, restaurants and attractions also appreciate and cater to snowbirds who make up an important part of the local economy. Many are repeat visitors who have been spending their winters in Sarasota for years, and some have bought condos or homes in the area. Sarasota has a large, vibrant community of Canadian and American winter residents who spend 1 – 6 months in the area, providing endless opportunities to socialize with other snowbirds who have similar lifestyles and interests. Be sure to look up Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary and Sarasota Sea Lion Preserve as well! It doesn’t stop with marine and jungle creatures though. With attractions such as Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, home to more than 100 marine species and features touch pools, working labs, and interactive exhibits, and Sarasota Jungle Gardens, featuring 150 native and exotic animals on display from parrots and iguanas to alligators and primates, Sarasota County offers various opportunities to get up close with wild animals. The mall joins Westfield Southgate Mall, Westfield Sarasota Square and Ellenton Premium Outlets to offer numerous choices for shoppers. The Mall at University Town Center opened just steps from Nathan Benderson Park with Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Dillard’s as anchor stores. Armands Circle and delight in more than 100 shops and restaurants set just steps from the sandy white shores of Lido Beach or stroll Dearborn Street in Englewood, Venice Main Street in Venice or the five districts around Downtown Sarasota. The City of Sarasota has one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in the state of Florida, with fresh and local fare as the cornerstone of most dining Sarasota options. With this, there are a variety of restaurants and Chefs who focus on farm-to-table, sea-to-table, gluten-free, vegan and locally sourced / sustainable sources.Įnjoy a walk around St. Surrounded by both fresh and saltwater, there are a variety of outdoor activities including, kayaking the mangroves, a tour of Sarasota Bay on a Cruisin’ Tiki, searching for shark’s teeth at Caspersen Beach and gathering for Siesta Key Beach’s sunset drum circle. Camping, kayaking, and hiking can be enjoyed throughout the County. Sarasota County is home to two state parks in Sarasota County, Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park, offer bountiful opportunities to commune with nature. Circus, visitors can check out The Ringling Circus Museum, and for live circus entertainment they can head to the Circus Sarasota and Sailor Circus performances at select times throughout the year.
Known as Florida’s Cultural Coast®, Sarasota has the only professional ballet, professional opera and professional orchestra on Florida’s West Coast, alongside more than ten theatres, 13 stages and the State’s Art Museum, The Ringling.įamously renowned as the historical winter home for the Ringling Bros. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Englewood, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Osprey & Nokomis, City of North Port, and the City of Venice. Sarasota County encompasses nearly 40 miles of shoreline and includes the City of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. The recent growth in areas such as Sarasota’s Rosemary District, Newtown, and the southern City of North Port means there are a variety of new ways to experience the destination - whether it’s for the first time or the tenth.
This is one of the main reasons Sarasota is so popular with snowbirds. Beyond Sarasota County’s beautiful Gulf Coast beaches lies a haven of arts and culture, eclectic events and exquisite dining.