Vacation rentals in Sarasota

Located an hour south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city of Sarasota boasts white-sand beaches lined with high-rise buildings that overlook calm turquoise ocean waters. While it’s known primarily for its pristine beaches, Sarasota has much more to offer. There is no shortage of green space in the city, with hiking trails through the Celery Fields wetlands and kayak trips through the mangroves in Ted Sperling Park. For a break from the outdoor temperatures, or to dodge a summer storm, head indoors and experience some of the area’s rich history and culture at one of the many galleries or the Ringling Museum and Sarasota Art Museum. Sarasota is also a popular pushing-off point for exploring nearby barrier islands like Siesta Key, with its secluded beaches and kayaking coves.

While there is little variation between average temperatures across the seasons, some activities are more easily enjoyed at specific times of the year. Spring in Sarasota offers very little rain and warm temperatures. Although the Gulf waters tend to be too chilly to enjoy the many water-related activities that Sarasota has to offer, this is a great time to go fishing, biking, and kayaking. As the temperatures heat up for the summer, you can expect more rainfall, as this is considered Sarasota’s rainy season.

While you may have to dodge a few storms during your stay, summer is the best time for swimming and enjoying the beach. Autumn is often an optimal time to look for Sarasota vacation rentals because the air temperatures are slightly cooler and more comfortable than during the summer months, but the Gulf waters remain warm. This coincides with hurricane season, so stay on top of weather forecasts if planning to travel between June and November. Winters experience mild and sometimes cool temperatures. This is a great time to enjoy Sarasota while avoiding chillier temperatures in the northern parts of the country.

Ringling Museum

Ringling Museum — commonly referred to as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art — is the official state art museum. Its 21 galleries packed with paintings and artworks from the 16th to 20th centuries sprawl over a historic estate and compound. There’s an impressive bayfront sculpture garden and 66-acre arboretum, home to more than 2,000 trees of varying species. Throughout the year, you can find an assortment of performances at the Historic Asolo Theatre.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens cover 15 acres with thousands of living plants and preserved specimens, making it a small paradise in the heart of the city. Visit the greenhouse to behold more than 6,000 orchids and stroll the pathways that run through a bamboo garden, a children’s rainforest garden, and the mangrove walkway along Sarasota Bay.

Myakka River State Park

Located 30 minutes from Sarasota, the Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, covering 37,000 acres with numerous hiking and biking trails that lead through wetlands and dense pine forests. You can also stroll along the elevated canopy walkway to get a unique view of the native wildlife, including roseate spoonbills, herons, and alligators.