Sarasota County

Sarasota County provides an array of attractions for tourists to partake in, from festivals celebrating the arts to museums offering cultural insight, historic parks preserving the past, and regular parks for leisure and recreation. This diverse county is ready to give you the unforgettable experience you’ve been waiting for.

For a taste of local culture, the historic district of Towel Court is a charming neighborhood with art galleries, studios, and unique boutiques. This walkable area offers a chance to explore local craftsmanship, artistic expressions, and quaint cafes. Sarasota is often referred to as the "Culture Coast ", due to its thriving performing arts scene. Tourists can enjoy world-class performances at the Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and the Sarasota Ballet. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts a variety of concerts, Broadway shows, and other live events.

Throughout the year, Sarasota hosts an array of festivals celebrating different aspects of its culture. The Sarasota Film Festival is an annual festival that celebrates the art of filmmaking by showcasing a diverse range of independent, international, and documentary films. The Sarasota Music Festival is held each summer. This festival brings together accomplished musicians and rising talents for a series of concerts, masterclasses, and lectures. Visitors can enjoy chamber music performances and witness the collaboration between seasoned professionals and promising students.

Siesta Key is a barrier island adjacent to the glistening Gulf of America whose public beaches have been chosen the best in the country multiple times. Shopping, resorts, restaurants, and evening entertainment are all available on this 8-mile-long island. Siesta Key is renowned for its white quartz beaches, blue seas, and numerous beachfront facilities. Siesta Key is a romantic hideaway, a family-friendly location, and an outdoor adventure playground.

Sarasota County is also home to the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, a unique, submerged ecosystem of mangrove, seagrass, and oyster communities. The bay is a long, narrow estuarine system, running from the South Venice to the County line and into adjacent Charlotte County. It is about 13 miles long and averages three-quarters of a-mile wide. Lemon Bay is separated from the Gulf of America by two barrier islands: Little Gasparilla Island and Manasota Key. Manasota Key stretches along the northern two-thirds of the bay's length.. Residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, birding, wading, and beachcombing along the shores of Manasota Key.

Sarasota County’s local culture is a dynamic blend of arts, performances, festivals, and culinary delights. Your visit will create cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry that is Sarasota County. With its blend of art, history, nature, and community, Sarasota County offers a truly unforgettable and well-rounded travel experience. making it a cultural haven that leaves a lasting impression on tourists from all walks of life.