~ Live like the locals, until you become one of the locals ~

Beaches

  1. Anna Maria Island Beaches:

    These beaches are known for their white sandy shores and clear turquoise waters. Anna Maria Island offers several public beaches such as Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach, known for their family-friendly amenities and beautiful sunsets.

  2. Longboat Key Beaches:

    Longboat Key features several pristine beaches, including Beer Can Island Beach known for its seclusion and natural beauty, as well as public beaches like Whitney Beach and Beer Can Island Beach.

  3. Lido Key Beach:

    Lido Key is famous for its soft white sands and is home to Lido Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling. South Lido Park offers a more natural setting with hiking trails and kayak launches.

  4. Siesta Key Beach:

    Siesta Key is renowned for its powdery white quartz sand, which stays cool even in hot weather. Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach are top attractions known for their soft sands and clear waters, perfect for various water activities.

  5. Casey Key Beach:

    Casey Key is a quieter, residential area with secluded beaches like Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Beach Park. These spots are ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a more serene beach experience.

  6. Venice Beach:

    Venice Beach is known for its fossilized shark teeth that can be found along the shore, attracting visitors for shark tooth hunting. It also offers a fishing pier, picnic areas, and a boardwalk for leisurely strolls.

Dining

  1. Shore Diner:

    Oceanside diner with modern décor serving unique seafood dishes, burgers & salads plus cocktails.

  2. Indigenous:

    Innovative, carefully sourced American cuisine served in a warm, sophisticated restored home.

  3. Owen’s Fish Camp:

    Bustling locale serves up imaginative takes on seafood fishes and eclectic décor.

  4. The Table Creekside:

    Upscale waterfront spot with a relaxed vibe offering global fare, a raw bar & handcraft cocktail.

  5. Selva Grill:

    Our special emphasis on Peruvian dishes recognizes the contribution of Asian immigrants to Peru, who deliciously fused their cuisine and techniques with that of the locals.

  6. Osteria500:

    Discover the Mouthwatering Magic of Italy on Your Plate: From Perfect Pasta to Divine Desserts. Osteria500 offers a Culinary Journey You Can't Resist

Shopping

University Town Center:

UTC Mall, located in Sarasota, Florida, is a popular shopping destination featuring department stores like Macy's, Dillard's, and Saks Fifth Avenue, alongside a diverse array of specialty shops and dining options such as The Cheesecake Factory and Capital Grille. The mall also offers entertainment options like a cinema(select days) and hosts various events throughout the year, making it a well-rounded destination for shopping, dining, and leisure activities in the University Park area.

Ellenton:

Ellenton Premium Outlets in beautiful Ellenton, Florida, is like a treasure trove for savvy shoppers and fashion lovers! Nestled conveniently off Interstate 75, it's a go-to destination for folks from Sarasota, Bradenton, and nearby areas seeking incredible deals on top-notch brands like Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and Adidas. Picture yourself strolling through a breezy, open-air layout, discovering amazing discounts on everything from trendy outfits to stylish accessories and home essentials. And let's not forget the delightful dining options and exciting events that add a touch of fun and excitement to your shopping spree. It's no wonder Ellenton Premium Outlets is a beloved spot where great finds and good times come together!

St Armands:

Nestled on the picturesque St. Armands Key just off Sarasota's coast, St. Armands Circle is a charming and upscale shopping district that promises a delightful experience for visitors. Its cobblestone streets are lined with an array of unique boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores offering a mix of local treasures and renowned brands in fashion, art, gifts, and home decor. The ambiance is nothing short of enchanting, with European-inspired architecture, lush greenery, and a pedestrian-friendly layout inviting leisurely strolls and exploration. Beyond shopping, St. Armands Circle is a culinary paradise, boasting a diverse range of dining options from seafood to international cuisines, ensuring every palate is satisfied. The district's vibrant atmosphere is further enhanced by its calendar of events, including art festivals and live music, creating a lively and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Downtown Sarasota:

Downtown Sarasota is a lively and diverse shopping district characterized by its mix of boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. Palm Avenue is known for its upscale offerings, including art galleries and fashionable boutiques, while Main Street offers a bustling atmosphere with a variety of shops ranging from clothing boutiques to antique stores. The Sarasota Farmers Market, held on Saturdays, is a highlight for fresh produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and unique local products, providing a vibrant and authentic shopping experience. Additionally, downtown Sarasota's shopping centers like Sarasota Pavilion contribute to the area's retail scene, offering a range of larger stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The area's arts and cultural attractions, along with periodic events and festivals, add to the overall charm and appeal of shopping in downtown Sarasota.

Night Out

  • Sunset Cruises: Sarasota offers scenic sunset cruises along the Gulf Coast, providing residents and visitors with breathtaking views and memorable experiences on the water.

  • Drum Circles at Siesta Key Beach: Siesta Key Beach is known for its rhythmic drum circles, where people gather to enjoy music, dance, and community spirit against the backdrop of the sunset.

  • Cultural Venues: Sarasota boasts world-class cultural venues such as Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Sarasota Opera House, offering a wide range of performances from concerts and operas to Broadway shows and ballet.

  • Theater and Comedy: The city's intimate settings like Florida Studio Theatre and McCurdy's Comedy Theatre provide opportunities for laughter and memorable performances, showcasing talent from local artists and comedians.

  • Socializing and Unwinding: Sarasota offers a variety of social venues for residents to unwind, including trendy bars like Pangea Bar, cozy atmospheres at places like Cask & Ale, and artistic vibes at Art Ovation's rooftop bar.

  • Local Pub Scene: Molly's Pub is a favorite gathering spot for those looking to experience Sarasota's local pub scene, offering a welcoming environment and a chance to connect with the community.

  • Overall Lifestyle: Sarasota's blend of cultural richness, entertainment options, social venues, and natural beauty make it an enticing choice for new residents seeking a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle in Southwest Florida.

Nature Outings

Sarasota, Florida, boasts a wealth of natural and recreational attractions that make it an ideal destination for new residents seeking outdoor adventures and environmental beauty. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offer a serene escape with stunning botanical displays and educational programs, perfect for nature enthusiasts. For marine lovers, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium provides an immersive experience with marine life exhibits, research initiatives, and conservation efforts along Sarasota's coast. Adventure seekers can explore the vast landscapes of Myakka River State Park, known for its picturesque hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and scenic boat tours on the Myakka River. Animal lovers will appreciate the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, where they can observe and learn about exotic animals in a safe and educational environment. Additionally, the Legacy Trail offers opportunities for outdoor recreation with its scenic biking and walking paths, connecting residents to the natural beauty of Sarasota County. With its array of natural attractions and outdoor activities, Sarasota provides a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle for new residents who appreciate the wonders of nature.

Notable Schools

Sarasota, Florida, offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for families and individuals considering relocating to the area. Riverview High School stands out as a prominent public high school known for its strong academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and competitive sports teams, providing students with a well-rounded education and preparation for college. Ashton Elementary School offers a nurturing and supportive learning environment for younger students, focusing on academic excellence and fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. Sarasota Middle School provides a comprehensive middle school experience with a focus on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and character development. For academically gifted students, Pine View School offers a specialized curriculum and enrichment programs designed to challenge and inspire gifted learners. The Sarasota School of Arts emphasizes artistic expression and creativity, offering a range of programs in visual arts, performing arts, and media arts for students passionate about the arts. Lastly, New College of Florida stands as a distinguished liberal arts college known for its innovative approach to education, small class sizes, and emphasis on independent research and critical thinking skills, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing higher education in Sarasota. Overall, Sarasota's educational landscape offers a variety of options to meet the diverse needs and interests of students at different levels of their academic journey.

Art & Music

The Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice area offers a vibrant arts and music scene with numerous venues of high quality and regard. In Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center stands out for theater and musical performances, while ArtCenter Manatee and the South Florida Museum contribute to the arts and culture landscape. Sarasota boasts renowned venues like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for Broadway shows and concerts, Sarasota Opera House for opera performances, and cultural institutions like The Ringling Museum and Sarasota Orchestra. Additionally, Sarasota's Florida Studio Theatre and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provide diverse artistic experiences. In Venice, the Venice Theatre and Venice Symphony offer theatrical and orchestral performances, complemented by the Venice Art Center's art exhibitions and workshops. Overall, this region is a hub of creativity and cultural richness, providing residents and visitors with a wide array of arts and music experiences to enjoy.

Sports

The Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice region offers a diverse range of sports activities and facilities for residents and visitors alike. In Bradenton, sports enthusiasts can enjoy baseball games at LECOM Park, the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and catch soccer matches at Premier Sports Campus, known for hosting youth and professional soccer events. Sarasota is home to the Baltimore Orioles' spring training facility at Ed Smith Stadium, providing baseball fans with exciting games during the season. Golfers can tee off at championship courses like The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton and The Founders Club in Sarasota. Water sports lovers can indulge in boating, fishing, and kayaking along the scenic Gulf Coast beaches. Venice offers opportunities for tennis enthusiasts at the Plantation Golf & Country Club and the Venice Tennis Center. Additionally, the Legacy Trail provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and cycling enthusiasts. The region is also home to IMG Academy in Bradenton, a renowned sports training institution that offers comprehensive programs and professional-grade facilities for athletes of all ages and skill levels. IMG Academy attracts top athletes worldwide and is known for producing high-caliber professionals and collegiate athletes across various sports disciplines. Overall, the Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice area caters to a wide range of sports interests, making it a haven for active individuals and families seeking outdoor recreation and athletic pursuits.