Dianne’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Ringling offers free admission on Mondays year round
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdRingling offers free admission on Mondays year round
Historic Spanish Point
401 N Tamiami TrailMarie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StUnconditional Surrender - Sarasota, FL
Mote marine is such a fun place to see dolphins and manatees and learn about sea creatures!
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyMote marine is such a fun place to see dolphins and manatees and learn about sea creatures!
In the winter, I recommend going for an early morning hike in deep hole. You are almost guaranteed to see gators up close. Deep hole requires a permit and only a certain number of people can enter per day. It pays to arrive as soon as the park opens to ensure you get the permit. Deep hole is a mile-long hike down a sandy path. When you return, you can visit the rest of the park and take an airboat tour.
Deep Hole
In the winter, I recommend going for an early morning hike in deep hole. You are almost guaranteed to see gators up close. Deep hole requires a permit and only a certain number of people can enter per day. It pays to arrive as soon as the park opens to ensure you get the permit. Deep hole is a mile-long hike down a sandy path. When you return, you can visit the rest of the park and take an airboat tour.
Warm Mineral Springs
Siesta Beach
This is the southernmost beach in Venice, and is known as the shark tooth capital of the world. While the sand isn’t as nice as Siesta, it is fun to bring a colander and search for sharks teeth at the edge of the water. Ask me for tips!
138 locals recommend
Caspersen Beach
Harbor DrThis is the southernmost beach in Venice, and is known as the shark tooth capital of the world. While the sand isn’t as nice as Siesta, it is fun to bring a colander and search for sharks teeth at the edge of the water. Ask me for tips!
A local landmark for (window) shopping at high-end boutiques, walking around with ice cream, or having a fancy lunch/dinner.
St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
A local landmark for (window) shopping at high-end boutiques, walking around with ice cream, or having a fancy lunch/dinner.
Food scene
Great hidden seafood spot on the water by one of my favorite (and most laid back) beaches
18 locals recommend
Pelican Alley
1009 Albee Rd WGreat hidden seafood spot on the water by one of my favorite (and most laid back) beaches
Live music and good bbq. Local favorite, but they close on Tuesdays
18 locals recommend
Stottlemyer's Smokehouse
19 E RdLive music and good bbq. Local favorite, but they close on Tuesdays
Connors Steak & Seafood
3501 S Tamiami TrailOverall great steakhouse with good lunch specials
Great dinner option nearby. I love the quesadilla al pastor. Also some of the best margaritas around.
Jalisco Mexican Grill
8389 South Tamiami TrailGreat dinner option nearby. I love the quesadilla al pastor. Also some of the best margaritas around.
This is the original location of the national chain. One of Dianne’s first jobs as a teenager was waiting tables at this breakfast/lunch cafe. Many healthy options and not a heat lamp or microwave in sight!
16 locals recommend
First Watch
3706 Cattlemen RdThis is the original location of the national chain. One of Dianne’s first jobs as a teenager was waiting tables at this breakfast/lunch cafe. Many healthy options and not a heat lamp or microwave in sight!
I’m half Thai and this is one of the best Thai restaurants in Sarasota
20 locals recommend
Isan Thai Restaurant
5758 S Tamiami TrailI’m half Thai and this is one of the best Thai restaurants in Sarasota
Baker & Wife
2157 Siesta DrGreat option for a classy local restaurant
Unique and intimate date night option, but you must have reservations ahead of time. Food is cooked in front of you
6 locals recommend
Puccini's
2881 Clark RdUnique and intimate date night option, but you must have reservations ahead of time. Food is cooked in front of you
Sweetberries Frozen Custard
2881 Clark RdBest custard in town.
SunniBunni Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies
1916 Bay RdLocal froyo shop
I like to visit the farmers markets on Saturday mornings. Selby library is beautiful and there are so many good restaurants.
138 locals recommend
Downtown Sarasota
1383 Main StI like to visit the farmers markets on Saturday mornings. Selby library is beautiful and there are so many good restaurants.
Authentic family style Chinese plates and they have dim sum during the day
31 locals recommend
Yummy House China Bistro Sarasota
1737 S Tamiami TrailAuthentic family style Chinese plates and they have dim sum during the day
Great rooftop bar with a view over the bay. Good place to catch sunset
72 locals recommend
The Westin Sarasota
100 Marina View DrGreat rooftop bar with a view over the bay. Good place to catch sunset
JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe
987 S Packinghouse RdGreat Cuban sandwich and live music.
This is the most unique and creamy shaved snow you will eat! It tastes as good ad ice cream but is lighter. One of my fave Sarasota desserts
Vampire Penguin SRQ
4976 South Tamiami TrailThis is the most unique and creamy shaved snow you will eat! It tastes as good ad ice cream but is lighter. One of my fave Sarasota desserts
Gulf Gate Food + Beer
6528 Superior AveLate night food near the apartment
This place has great wings (baked, not fried with no breading) and good pizza with a gluten free option. They are also open pretty late. In the same plaza as vampire penguin if you are feeling dessert too!
Origin craft beer and pizza cafe Landings
This place has great wings (baked, not fried with no breading) and good pizza with a gluten free option. They are also open pretty late. In the same plaza as vampire penguin if you are feeling dessert too!
I HIGHLY recommend the Holy Shitaki pie. It has an amazing, yeasty crust and is packed with flavor. My favorite pizza I’ve ever had.
8 locals recommend
Mellow Mushroom
6727 S Tamiami TrailI HIGHLY recommend the Holy Shitaki pie. It has an amazing, yeasty crust and is packed with flavor. My favorite pizza I’ve ever had.
Grocery Shopping
This is the best and cheapest option for meat and produce. It is run by a local Amish family and there are so many local options with amazing seasonal, ripe veggies. You can always find great deals here, but it can be harder to find some specialty ingredients.
51 locals recommend
Detwiler’S Farm Market
2881 Clark RdThis is the best and cheapest option for meat and produce. It is run by a local Amish family and there are so many local options with amazing seasonal, ripe veggies. You can always find great deals here, but it can be harder to find some specialty ingredients.
This is the closest grocery store and is just across 41. Publix is a Florida favorite and I often stop in for subs made at their deli on the way to the beach. I also LOVE the red potato salad for a picnic.
Publix Super Market at The Plaza at Palmer Ranch
8409 S Tamiami TrailThis is the closest grocery store and is just across 41. Publix is a Florida favorite and I often stop in for subs made at their deli on the way to the beach. I also LOVE the red potato salad for a picnic.
Many visitors from up north are happy to see a TJ’s in the area. This is a favorite place to shop for prepared foods or if I am cooking for one.
110 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
4101 S Tamiami TrailMany visitors from up north are happy to see a TJ’s in the area. This is a favorite place to shop for prepared foods or if I am cooking for one.