Gulf Coast Travels Part III: Sarasota & Longboat Key

Ahoy! If you're just joining this voyage now, here's a quick recap of our travels so far. We started in Fort Meyers, Florida and made our way south to Naples and Marco Island. From there, we turned around and headed North to Captiva and Boca Grande. Now, we will continue heading North and make our way through the Venice Inlet. That will take us all the way up to Sarasota, which is our next port of call.

As a lovely side-trip, Longboat Key is just a quick ride across the bay from Sarasota. Longboat is a small key that's much more slow-paced than Sarasota, and very charming. There are great shopping, restaurants, and golfing there as well. Let's check it out!

Sarasota Travel Guide

Where To Stay

All of these options are on or close to the waterfront as well as downtown:

What To Do

Ringling Brothers Museum--a must!
Bike/walk along the waterfront park
Have a beach day at Lido Beach
Go golfing, there are some great courses (Tatum Ridge Golf Links and Bobby Jones Golf Club)
Visit the impressive Sarasota Art Museum
Wander through the Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Go for a boat ride around the bay!

Eat and Drink This

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill--so cute, right on the waterfront!
Selva
Owen's Fish Camp
Indigenous--excellent!
Made Restaurant

This was my first time visiting Sarasota, and I must admit, I didn't realize how "big" of a city it has become. If you're looking for a smaller, more charming place to visit nearby, I suggest heading across the bridge to Longboat Key. It's so close and has a totally different vibe than Sarasota. Fortunately, I was able to explore Longboat and visit friends that live there, which was a total blast! I'd love to visit again; here are my recommendations:

Longboat Key Travel Guide

Where To Stay

What To Do

Shopping at St. Armands Circle
Have a beach day: Whitney or Lido Beach
Golf at one of the outstanding courses here! Longboat Key Club has a spectacular one.
Bike ride on the beautiful path, Bicentennial Park is a great place to stop & relax.
Fish off of the pier at Joan M. Durante Park

Eat and Drink This

Harry's Continental Kitchen
Lazy Lobster
Euphemia Haye
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Speaks Clam Bar

Whether you're planning a late spring getaway, or getting a head start on next winter...these are two fantastic spots to visit on the Gulf Coast of Florida. There's plenty of activities and the water is just spectacular! I have one last destination to share with you next, and it's extremely special! I had never even heard of it until I visited Little Palm Island last year. Next up: Useppa Island and Cabbage Key. You won't want to miss our last adventure!

-Golden Girl