Here are a few of our most popular Sarasota/Bradenton resorts:
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsSandcastle Resort at Lido BeachAfter fun filled days on the beach return to the hotel for a relaxing, enjoyable stay.
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsHyatt Place Sarasota Bradenton ArptClearwater via Tampa
Centrally located to popular area attractions including the beaches of Siesta Key and Lido Key.
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TripAdvisor traveler rating
based on TripAdvisor reviewsThe Ritz-Carlton SarasotaClearwater via Tampa
A blend of style and sophistication, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast.
Things to do in Sarasota, FL
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Kennedy Space Center
Take a virtual flight to the moon and back at one of Florida's best attractions. On this full-day Kennedy Space Center tour from Orlando, you can tour the NASA facility and Apollo/Saturn V Center to see rockets and their launch pads and the Shuttle Launch Experience. -
Gatorland Orlando
See the "real" Florida with thousands of alligators, animals, and birds. Enjoy exciting one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, and splish n' splash at Gator Gully Splash Park where kids of all ages can cool off on those hot summer days. -
Aquatica Orlando
Known as one of Orlando's best water parks, Aquatica Orlando has thrilling water rides and slides for the daring, and pools for splishing & splashing. Smaller kids will enjoy sandy beaches, spouting fountains, smaller and splashtastic water playgrounds. Families can benefit from savings packages like an all-day dining pass for eats and drinks every hour. Skip the wait on popular attractions with a Quick Queue Unlimited Pass. Groups and families can rent a private cabana to set up a basecamp for the day and have a common meeting point. Visit the underwater dolphin viewing area where they might swim up close for a real thrill.
Provided by SeaWorld®
Family activities in Sarasota, FL
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Universal Studios Florida
Southwest Vacations has the teleportation spell to transport you with the perfect vacation package to Universal Studios Florida home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Cast a spell for hotel and flight deals to this phantasmagorical three-in-one theme park. Universal Studios Florida with Diagon Alley, Universal's Islands of Adventure™ with Hogsmeade, and Universal's Volcano Bay water theme park. A place where head-spinning roller coasters, magical wizards, splish-splashing environments, mythical creatures, and dinosaurs have come out of extinction to join forces to form a cavalcade of remarkable experiences. -
Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa is a quick drive up from Sarasota for endless thrills and chills. A theme park designed around Africa Safari animals on 335 acres. Busch Gardens is a truly unique experience that provides an extensive collection of roller coasters with a zoo-like animal habitat. It's the best of both worlds. Seasonal events and world-class entertaining shows throughout the day round in this excellent theme park. Book your next fantastic family getaway with Southwest Vacations for a vacation package that includes flight and hotel stay. -
Navigate the famous mangrove tunnels.
South Lido Beach Nature Park offers visitors a truly unique opportunity to trek through stunning tunnels created by intertwined mangroves. This aquatic labyrinth would seem to be something out of a fairytale. Choose to navigate the maze via paddleboard or kayak to transport you on your journey through this unique ecosystem. Conquer the experience with family or friends as fiddler crab and fish swim in see-to-the-bottom clear water. Hi-five your crew as you make it through the adventure with a story to tell everyone back home.
Nightlife & entertainment in Sarasota, FL
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Fine dining
NYC, Chicago, NOLA, Beantown, San Fran, and Sarasota! Would it surprise you to learn that Sarasota's vibrant foodie scene makes it one of the top food destinations in the U.S.? Rest assured, fine dining, and legitimate culinary chops exist in Sarasota. Beaches, natural beauty, and good grub make Sarasota a true vacation destination spot for food lovers. While seafood is a no brainer here, James Beard-nominated Chef Phelps is creating a sustainable seafood movement at Indigenous Restaurant. Despite the name "Trash Fish", his events highlight undervalued and overlooked local species to create delectable palate pleasers. Who's hungry now? -
Club/dancing
Uhm, can you take a beach vacation destination without checking out a Tiki bar? Sniki Tiki at Captain Curt's Village will tickle your tiki fancy with exotic, elaborate elixirs and music. Cruisin' Tikis Sarasota takes the concept out on the water. Looking for a craft-cocktail experience? Pangea Alchemy Lab should definitely be added to the mix. Kickback at Knockers Saloon, a real locals no-fuss dive bar. Top dance clubs where you can shake your groove thang include Five O'clock Club, Gator Club, and The Beach Club. Lastly, grab your go-town-boots and get your do-si-do on at White Buffalo Saloon. -
Out on the town
Sing your heart at Captain Curt's Crab and Oyster Bar on the karaoke stage. Visit the up-and-coming Gulf Gate neighborhood, quickly becoming the go-to Sarasota entertainment and nightlife district with restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, and gift shops. Shop at the hip, young, and trendy Westfield Sarasota Square or the posh Westfield South Gate. Experience cultured events with the Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Orchestra, and numerous live theater venues. Or catch a movie at a cinema around town. Book a Sarasota vacation package with Southwest Vacations for fun in the sun and nightlife activities for young and old.
White sand beaches, lush green golf courses, and a beach-town atmosphere create the perfect setting for a Sarasota, Florida beach vacation package. Spend all day under the sun then head to St. Armands Circle for some delicious dining, fun shopping, and a couple scoops of ice cream.
Please note: flight service for Sarasota vacations is into Ft. Myers or Tampa Bay.