Vacation rentals in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is conveniently served by Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which serves both international and domestic flights. This airport is just 4 miles away from Sarasota city center. Tampa airport is the next nearest major airport at just 45 miles away. Car rental companies are available at both airports if you plan to rent a car during your stay.

A vacation in Sarasota County requires a car, there’s no getting around it. However, downtown Sarasota is quite walkable. So if you’ll be staying in the heart of downtown Sarasota, you’ll find many restaurants, shops, and attractions just a short walking distance away from your accommodation. Getting to the beaches and other points of interest is best done with a car.

There are endless romantic date options for couples visiting Sarasota County. Opt for a memorable sunset dinner cruise along the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico as you enjoy a delicious meal. Several companies offer daily dinner cruises with live entertainment and delicious cuisine. Go in Myakka River State Park. This is one of the largest and oldest parks in the state of Florida where you can peacefully ride through wetlands, prairies, and pine forests. A wonderful way to peacefully explore the nature of Sarasota County!

Sarasota County is a fantastic destination for families of all ages. Head to the Mote Marine Laboratory, which is a fun educational aquarium for children and adults alike. Here you can learn about the local marine life from a variety of live exhibits. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the otters and manatees up close! The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is another fun family-friendly attraction. Here you can explore over 10 acres of botanical gardens, along with bird and animal shows. Come see the pink flamingos, parrots, and spectacular tropical plants!

Head to the stunning stretch of postcard-worthy white sandy shores at Siesta Key Beach. The sand here is actually made up of 99% quartz crystal, which is millions of years old and over time, flowed down rivers from the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the shores of this beach. Spend a day splashing around the calm clear waters, strolling along the soft white sands, and enjoying the tranquility of one of Florida’s best beaches.

If you love beachcombing, Lido Key Beach is truly one of the best beaches around for it. The entire perfect white stretch of beach is covered in tiny seashells. You can spend an afternoon here shell-hunting, swimming in the calm blue waters, or sunbathing along the shores. There’s a concession stand where you can buy snacks.

This spectacular mansion was once the actual home of John and Mable Ringling. Today, you can tour the elaborately decorated mansion and its manicured, well-kept gardens. Mable Ringling decorated the place herself, and the ornate floors, chandeliers, furniture, and decorations are quite the spectacle. Spend a few hours touring the entire place and be sure not to miss the stunning view of the ocean from the backside of the property!

Downtown Sarasota is a buzzing, vibrant hub filled with a little something for everyone. Head downtown for great boutique shopping, top-rated restaurants, cozy cafés, art galleries, antique shops, nightclubs, and more! The downtown area is one of the most walkable areas in the entire city, so you can easily rely on your own two feet to explore the entire area.

Explore a green oasis in the heart of the city at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You can spend several hours strolling around the walking paths of the 15-acre botanical gardens. There are several live exhibits, banyan trees, a rain forest play area for kids, and more!