Real Estate News, Florida

Explore the Gulf of Mexico in Style

Things To Do In Sarasota Florida
Published on November 9, 2015

FLORIDA BEACH COMMUNITIES

If you dream of a Florida lifestyle, with its pristine beaches, heavenly weather, and affordable waterfront homes, you can find all of this and more in beautiful Sarasota. Located on the west coast of Florida, right on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota boasts a life of fun, sunshine, and relaxation. Whether you like boating, fishing, golf, or simply going for an afternoon stroll, Sarasota is home to many amazing Florida beach communities

One of the highlights of Sarasota is seductive Siesta Key, which many consider to be the #1 beach in America. With its soft sand, calm waters, and easy gulf breezes, Siesta Key is a beach haven for families and retirees. In nearby downtown Sarasota, you will find shopping, dining, nightlife, and a variety of cultural arts. If you are planning to visit Sarasota, then check out the best Sarasota hotels. You can stay on the beach, the bay, somewhere tranquil, or in the heart of the bustling city. Whatever your preference is, Sarasota has a hotel to make your stay unforgettable.

HOTEL INDIGO SARASOTA

Ever since Intercontinental Hotels announced its boutique Hotel Indigo, these trendy, chic hotels have been delighting visitors. Hotel Indigo resides at choice locations all around the world (Shanghai, Singapore, Barcelona). At Hotel Indigo Sarasota, guests enjoy sweeping views of Sarasota Bay, and its cozy rooms make it hard to leave on check-out day. Here you'll find intimate service, wading pools, and the H2O seafood bistro. The hotel is in the heart of the arts district, and within walking distance to downtown, and popular destinations such as Siesta Key Beach, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Ringling Museum of Art. The address for Hotel Indigo Sarasota is 1223 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota FL 34236. For reservations call 941.487.3800.

HOTEL RANOLA

Another of the best Sarasota hotels is the charming Hotel Ranola. Located just steps from the Bayfront, this small boutique hotel is one of downtown Sarasota's finest. Built in 1926, Hotel Ranola features 9 intimate rooms with a modern urban style, and tranquility that makes it feel like a home away from home. Close to all of the main Sarasota attractions, this is the perfect place to stay if you like taking in the city. Nearby you will find nightlife, shops, performing arts, and dozens of restaurants. And from here there is easy access to several of Sarasota's beaches. The address for the Hotel Ranola is 118 Indian Pace, #6 Sarasota, Florida 34236. For reservations call 1-941-951-0111. 

THE RITZ-CARLTON SARASOTA 

If you want first-class, then no hotel in all the world does it better than The Ritz-Carlton. At The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, you'll be treated like a royal in your lavish bayfront palace. Here, rooms and suites have perfect views of calm and endless bayscapes. At the Ritz-Carlton's Beach Club on Lido Key, you can lounge on the beach, sip tropical drinks, and snack on fish fresh from the sea. If golf is your game, hotel guests have access to a 'Tom Fazio' championship course, with 12 lakes throughout a green and rolling, palm-treed landscape. In the Spa and Salon guests enjoy exquisite wellness treatments, as well as private saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and relaxation lounges.The address of the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236. For reservations, call +1 (941) 309-2000.

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

An excellent hotel in Sarasota is The Resort at Longboat Key Club. The biggest draws to this resort are its privacy and comfort, and its stunning beach of powder sand, right on the Gulf of Mexico. For those who are active, this resort lists high among the best Sarasota hotels. The property boasts water sports, a tennis garden, 45 holes of golf, a fitness center, a beachfront pool, and spa treatments for everyone. Whether you want to dine in a bathing suit or a blazer, 6 private restaurants await your appetite. And for those who love boating, you can dock your boat, or charter one from the resort's 291 slip marina. The address for the Resort at Longboat Key Club is 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228. For reservations call 855.314.2619. 

HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA 

For stays in a great location, spend a few exciting days at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. In the middle of Sarasota's booming cultural district, this hip hotel is walking distance to many great attractions. These include kayak adventures, art museums, Myakka State Park, and the famous Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts. Besides its magnificent swimming pool and hot tub, amenities include harbor front dining, concierge service, and pet-friendly services. And if you like boating, the Hyatt Regency Sarasota offers a 32-slip marina. The address for the Hyatt Regency Sarasota is 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida, USA, 34236. For reservations, call 1 941 953 1234.

If you are interested in living in Sarasota, there are several excellent golf oriented and Florida beach communities to choose from. In these communities you'll find security,comfort, top-notch amenities, and affordable Florida beach homes. Among Sarasota's most popular master planned communities:

LAKEWOOD RANCH

For those drawn to natural, outdoor living, and plenty of recreation, then check out the 17,500 acre community of Lakewood Ranch. This tremendous master-planned property features A-rated schools, gourmet restaurants, and a hospital and medical center. Other features include:

  • community parks
  • nature preserves
  • more than 150 miles of sidewalks and nature trails
  • 18 lighted tennis courts
  • 3 masterfully designed golf courses
  • an athletic and fitness center
  • Polo and Cricket Clubs
  • and modern shops and boutiques

Two very unique features at Lakewood Ranch are its 21 places of worship (including Churches and Jewish Temples), and its own private gun range called the Ancient Oak Gun Club. For gun enthusiasts, the Ancient Oak Gun Club offers 24 shooting stations on two separate courses, and annual tournaments with some very hefty prizes. The Lake Club features a 20,000 Grande Clubhouse, two resort-style swimming pools, day spa, fitness center and tennis courts. Single family homes, townhomes, detached villas and condominiums at Lakewood Ranch range from the mid $100k's to upwards of $2 million.

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Not only is Longboat Key Club a magnificent Sarasota resort, it is also one of the most desirable Florida beach communities. Residents here enjoy all of the services and comforts of a luxury resort, such as beachfront living, 45 holes of golf, and a private 291-slip marina. For yachtsmen, fishermen, golfers, and those who simply love the sea, there is no better place to live in all of Sarasota. Features at Longboat Key Club include:

  • a private beach
  • children's camps
  • golf and tennis instruction
  • a variety of dining
  • yacht and marina services
  • a fitness center
  • spa packages
  • and community events

With all of this and more, Longboat Key Club is a fantastic place for families and retirees. Condominiums at Longboat Key Club range from the mid $300k's to $5 million and up. 

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY

Another new home community with affordable Florida beach homes is the 77 acre Esplanade by Siesta Key. In this bright and cheery gated community, residents enjoy maintenance-free living, a heated lagoon and spa, tennis courts, fitness classes, and activities for residents. The centerpiece of this community is the resort-style clubhouse, which features:

  • a heated pool
  • billiards
  • private gathering rooms
  • a fire pit
  • a kitchen and library
  • and a beach volleyball court

Esplanade by Siesta Key is a tennis player's dream. For anyone looking for a match, the tennis club offers Find a Player and Find a Match Services. And with qualified pros on-site, there is always someone available to help you with your swing. Perhaps the most attractive feature here is its proximity to Siesta Key Village, with boutique shops, fantastic restaurants, and miles of white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Homes for sale in Esplanade by Siesta Key range from the low $400k's to the mid $600's. 

To learn more about Sarasota, ask for our free Sarasota relocation information.