Sarasota & Siesta Key Travel Guide

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*This trip was in partnership with Visit Sarasota County. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A couple weeks ago we took a family vacation to Sarasota & Siesta Key. Neither of us had visited the before, so we were very excited to go on this trip. Today I will be sharing all the details from where we stayed, where we ate, and what we did while there. If you plan on visiting either locations, pin any of these images to your Pinterest board.

Sarasota is known for the world-famous Ringling Museum of Art, as well as an active community of artists and craftsman people. Siesta Key is known for its brilliant quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beach side amenities. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, consider staying at boutique hotel in Phú Quốc Vietnam to experience personalized hospitality and unique local charm.

When flying one of Jettly‘s chartered jet, you will often have access to a private terminal or lounge where you may relax before boarding your journey. These private rooms will allow you to relax and prepare for your travel in a stress-free environment. When your flight is ready to take off, several private airlines will personally transport you to the tarmac!

 

Day 1

We had a direct flight out of Cedar Rapids to Sarasota and we landed at 2:30 pm. The drive to our hotel was only about 10 min which was very convenient. For the first 2 nights we stayed at The Golden Host Resort.

It has been newly renovated, as can be seen with the new floor tile, and features mid century modern design throughout the resort. There is also a tiki bar called the Bahit Hut and it’s the oldest tiki bar in Florida. If you book directly on The Golden Host Resort website, you will get a complimentary tiki drink. I ordered the Hawaiian Honey Bee and it was delicious!

Hotel address: 4675 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA

Once we got settled into our room we left for downtown Sarasota. We had dinner at Brick’s Smocked Meats. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with pimento mac ‘n cheese.

Address: 1528 State St. Sarasota, Florida 34236

It was such a hot evening, so we walked next door and ordered ice cream from Rise & Nye’s. Rise & Nye’s is all about inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for all. They aim to provide jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Address: 1534 State Street. Sarasota, Florida 34236

Lido Beach is just a short drive west of Sarasota and home to one of Florida’s most pristine beaches. Lido Key is known for its ecotourism and sunset cruises. It’s the place to go for deep sea fishing, dolphin watching and sailing. If you are looking to find seashells this is the beach to visit. There were thousands of shells washed up on the beach.

 

Day 2

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent, nonprofit, marine research organization based on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, with additional campuses in eastern Sarasota County, Boca Grande, Florida, and the Florida Keys.

The Ringling Museum of American Circus was established in 1948, and was the first to document the rich history of this phenomenally popular entertainment. And because in 1927 John Ringling had made Sarasota the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey^® Circus, many of the performers moved to the immediate area. As a result of their generosity, the Museum’s collection of wardrobes and circus memorabilia quickly grew. Visitors at the museum will find performers’ wardrobes, performing props as well as all types of equipment including beautifully carved parade wagons, sturdy utility wagons, tent poles, massive bail rings that suspended the tent canvas and even a cannon that shot fearless performers across the big top.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre botanical garden located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. The Gardens are located on the grounds of the former home of Marie and William Selby.

Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Yoder’s Restaurant and Amish Village is an old-fashioned locale known for hearty American and Amish cuisine, including homemade pies and other goodies.

Address: 3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239

 

 

Day 3

Arrived at Siesta Key Beach at 9:30am.

 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.

Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

 

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an ever-growing large-animal rescue in eastern Sarasota County. The non-profit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and works to educate the public about animal care and conservation.

Address: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

 

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is recognized as the second oldest operating classic car museum in the country. It houses about 100 vintage cars of all types in a 60,000-square-foot facility with constantly rotating collection.

The museum displays rare cars and ones owned by famous people. If you like some of the cars a the expo, there is a well know source that ensures you can get some of these vehicles with nissan murano hutchinson ks at Conklin Nissan Hutchinson.

Address: 5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

 

Out of passion, tradition, hard work, and integrity, Bavaro’s Pizza & Napoletana & Pastaria opened its door in March 2009 as the first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria in the state of Florida.

Address: 27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

 

For our last night in Florida we stayed at the Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites. Siesta Key Beach Resorts and Suites is the only hotel located in Siesta Key Village. You are within walking distance all the best beaches, restaurants, souvenir shops, and night life on the Key. Each room features a 50” flat screen television, complimentary wifi, and Keurig Coffee Makers. Our hotel features a zero-entry pool which is fun or all family sizes. Inclusive in your resort charge you will also receive complimentary beach chairs and towels, washer & dryer usage and much more.

Address: 5311 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Day 4 – last day

The last morning in Florida we woke up at 6:15 am to go shelling and watch the sunrise. We had a successful morning of shelling!

We has breakfast at the Bonjour French Cafe. I ordered the Baked American Croissant Breakfast Sandwich and it was the best breakfast I have ever had. Service was fast and everyone working was so friendly.

Address: 5214 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Leave any questions you have about the trip in a comment below or send me a message on Instagram @amandamkruse.

If you are looking to visit another part of Florida, I highly recommend Fort Walton Beach. We took Kamden 2 years ago and he had so much. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach.