Ten Reasons To Visit Sarasota Florida

Sarasota Florida attracts an abundance of visitors from around the world each year who love the water and the beach. Sarasota’s warm climate attracts “snowbirds” down for its high season from January through March each year. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city’s cultural amenities matching those of the nation’s largest cities. A world-class destination city, Sarasota, Florida has many reasons to live, work and play in this gorgeous coastal setting.

1. Sarasota’s Barrier Islands

Sarasota is home to four tropical keys, each with its own unique personality. Siesta, Key, Longboat Key and Lido Key contain miles of beautiful beaches lined with luxury resort-style condos, quaint cottages and inns, numerous hotels, lavish and immaculate estates. There are no high-rise condos on ultra-exclusive Casey Key. The island is comprised almost entirely of single family homes. Private and public beaches are available on all of the keys for residents and visitors who love the water.

2. Weather

There are so many reasons to visit Sarasota, but let’s face it, the near-perfect weather is at the top of many people’s list. Sarasota’s average year round temperature is 74 degrees F. Visitors have plenty of sunshine and warm weather all year round. Although summers can get quite hot, tropical breezes from the Gulf of Mexico are a refreshing relief from the summer warmth.

3. Cultural and Entertainment Venues

The downtown area known as the cultural district offers a busier, cosmopolitan atmosphere for Sarasota’s residents and visitors. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall provides outstanding entertainment each year with its full-calendar of performances. Active adults or young families often attend the world- renown Ringling Museum, the resplendent Selby Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Mote Marine, G-Wiz (hands-on Science museum for kids), as well as the historic Asolo Theater. Sarasota even has its own symphony and opera. It is no wonder Sarasota is referred to as the “Cultural Coast of Florida.”

4. Water, Water, and More Water

So many people come to Sarasota to enjoy the water. With 35 miles of pristine beaches, the Intercoastal waterway and many miles of canals, Sarasota has waterfront options for everyone. Siesta Key Beach was recently named the 2nd best beach in the United States by Dr Beach. Boating enthusiast enjoy fishing or leisure rides in the Gulf and Bay. If you love the water, Sarasota has it all waiting for you.

5. Location

Sarasota is located 60 miles south of Tampa. Direct flights from major cities around the world arrive at Tampa International Airport. Sarasota International Airport has direct flights from select major cities as well. Disney World is only 2 ½ hours from Sarasota and often visited by adults and children. Busch Gardens in Tampa is about an hour away, and major sporting events are accessible with an easy drive to Tampa too.

6. Outdoor Activities

Residents and visitors of Sarasota enjoy championship golf, sailing, boating, tennis, swimming, nature trails, canoeing and kayaking as well as beachcombing, shell collecting. Outdoor activities are endless in this coastal city.

7. Shopping

Shop till you drop! Famous St. Armands Circle, similar to Wirth Avenue in Palm Beach, is the place to see and be seen. Specialty shops provide high-end arts, gifts, jewelry, clothes and sea shells. Visit a café or eat at a fine dining restaurant. You can find it on the Circle! Sarasota also has three major shopping malls. From simple to extravagant, Sarasota has shopping venues to suite every lifestyle and budget.

8. Residential Real Estate Opportunities

It’s no surprise that Travel Magazine previously named our town one of the best places to live in the United States. Sarasota is special. Sarasota has a variety of housing options to suit every budget. From a modest one bedroom condo to a sprawling estate on the Gulf of Mexico, you can find your dream home, vacation home or investment property here in Sarasota.

9. Sarasota’s Lifestyles

Lifestyles are numerous in Sarasota. There are gorgeous luxury homes in boating communities of the barrier islands. Many homes are on canals flow through the island and lead to open waters of Sarasota Bay. Many waterfront opportunities for homes having “no bridges to the Bay” are available as well as less expensive inland homes. If you’re not into boating, maybe a luxury a country club community offering tennis, golf and swimming would work best for you. If you’re searching for a second home, a high-rise condo on the Gulf of Mexico could be the answer. You can lock up, take the keys and enjoy state-of-the-art amenities the next time you arrive.

10. Sunsets

And don’t forget Sarasota’s signature sunsets. Each day Sarasota’s setting sun provides a spectacular light show as good as any 4th of July fireworks celebration. Many residents and visitors enjoy watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico at dusk. It is truly and unforgettable experience.

Ideal weather, accessible locations, residential opportunities, endless activities, a real estate market with great investment opportunities, fabulous resort lifestyles, white sandy beaches and incredible sunsets: Sarasota has it all waiting for you.