Sarasota's plush deep-water marina is within walking distance of downtown and is well served with alfresco and fine-dining restaurants, numerous sightseeing cruises and private charters. Head here for boat rentals, water sports, sailing and fishing charters.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Unconditional Surrender

0.12 MILES

A short stroll north along the Island Park waterfront is this towering statue of WWII's most famous kiss.

2. Island Park

0.17 MILES

Sarasota's marina is notable for Island Park, an attractive green space poking into the harbor: it has a great playground and play fountain, restrooms,…

3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

0.5 MILES

If you visit just one botanical garden in Florida, choose Selby, which has the world's largest scientific collection of orchids and bromeliads – more than…

4. Art Center Sarasota

0.67 MILES

This community-oriented nonprofit gallery has four exhibition spaces that mix local and out-of-town artists. Hosts frequent events, including a lecture…

5. Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy

1.56 MILES

Dedicated to all things whimsical, this bright pink museum and its adjacent outdoor sculpture garden do not fail to inspire. Although exhibits rotate…

6. Mote Marine Laboratory

1.94 MILES

The Mote bills itself as a research facility and aquarium, and has a large department dedicated to the study of sharks. Exhibits include a preserved giant…

7. St Armands Circle

2.18 MILES

Conceived by John Ringling in the 1920s, St Armands Circle is an upscale outdoor mall surrounded by posh residences on St Armands Key. More so even than…

8. Lido Key

2.35 MILES

Just a hop, skip and jump across from St Armands Circle, Lido Key is barely 15-minutes' drive from downtown Sarasota. Lido Beach is an excellent, wide…