The first time I traveled to the Sarasota area I was 18 months old, and I’ve been back again and again because it’s my family’s favorite place to vacation. (My dad has actually had a timeshare on Siesta Key Beach since way before I was born!) It really is a nice area with wonderful beaches that holds a special place in my heart. I encourage you to add it to your list of places to travel if you are looking for a beach vacation. There are great restaurants, activities, white beaches, an easy to travel through airport and a relaxing vibe.
Here are the things we do and the places we eat each time we go. Places have closed and moved over the years but these are our current favorites!
Activities:
Mote Aquarium – We’ve been multiple times and it is a pretty good aquarium!
Siesta Key Beach – The best beach ever in my opinion!
Ringling Mansion and Museum – Loved learning about the circus family and touring their mansion!
Kayaking through Mangroves – We did this off of St. Armand’s and it was SO cool!
Turtle Beach Shark Tooth Hunting – we haven’t done this since I was little but I remember it being fun!
Shopping:
St Armand’s Circle – the best shopping center!
Siesta Key Village – I love walking through the little village area shops
Mall at University Town Center (a big shopping mall)
Restaurants:
Cafe Gabiano’s – we go here twice sometimes in one week it is so good!
Tommy Bahama – A staple we have been going to since I was 7!
Columbia – This restaurant is a Spanish restaurant that is so so good.
Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar – Another long time staple, this was the first place I ate alligator.
Ophelia’s – right on the water and really great for brunch!
Daquari Deck – there are a few locations and a great place to hang out for a drink!
Captain Curt’s – This is within walking distance of the condo, right by the beach and is a staple beach restaurant!
So that’s our main list but there is so much more this area has to offer that I’ve never even been to. There will be many more trips here for us in our lifetime but I know for sure these are the things that will always be repeats.
Thanks for catching up!
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ass Beach on Manasota Key (south of Venice), Pop’s Sunset Grill on Casey Key – Inlet Waterway, Shark’s on the pier in Venice. These are local favorites.Great beach & Good food & Fun.