Sarasota Guidebook

Ester And David
Ester And David
Sarasota Guidebook

LOCAL GEMS! - Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota is super cute, quaint, with lots to do! Shopping, restaurants of every flavor, coffee shops, live music. Make sure to check out the Saturday farm market where several streets close down, and you can get everything from coffee to spices, fresh produce to pizza, empanadas, crepes, etc. Our favorite local grocery store is Detweiler's. Fresh local produce very reasonably priced.
221 residents recomanen
Sarasota
221 residents recomanen
Downtown Sarasota is super cute, quaint, with lots to do! Shopping, restaurants of every flavor, coffee shops, live music. Make sure to check out the Saturday farm market where several streets close down, and you can get everything from coffee to spices, fresh produce to pizza, empanadas, crepes, etc. Our favorite local grocery store is Detweiler's. Fresh local produce very reasonably priced.
Amazing local gem of a park. Only a short walk from the ARLI HAUS. 5 mins drive from THE PALMIERI. FREE - 0.5mi nature trail around the pond (lots of turtles in the pond, and local FL ducks) - OUTDOOR GYM! - Yep you read it right. Super unique! Bring workout bands for a full body workout - Kids' playground (big, multiple ages, super fun!) - Tennis courts - Basketball courts PAID ACCESS - Indoor / Outdoor swimming pools, classes, activities (check out the Arlington Park community center website for entry fees and schedule)
23 residents recomanen
Arlington Park Sarasota
2650 Waldemere St
23 residents recomanen
Amazing local gem of a park. Only a short walk from the ARLI HAUS. 5 mins drive from THE PALMIERI. FREE - 0.5mi nature trail around the pond (lots of turtles in the pond, and local FL ducks) - OUTDOOR GYM! - Yep you read it right. Super unique! Bring workout bands for a full body workout - Kids' playground (big, multiple ages, super fun!) - Tennis courts - Basketball courts PAID ACCESS - Indoor / Outdoor swimming pools, classes, activities (check out the Arlington Park community center website for entry fees and schedule)
Every Saturday morning the main streets get blocked and you can walk through a food fare. Super fun! You can get coffee, pizza, crepes, honey, local sea salts, local flavored olive oils and other fun things like Kurtos chimney cakes, pizza to go, etc.
136 residents recomanen
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon Avenue
136 residents recomanen
Every Saturday morning the main streets get blocked and you can walk through a food fare. Super fun! You can get coffee, pizza, crepes, honey, local sea salts, local flavored olive oils and other fun things like Kurtos chimney cakes, pizza to go, etc.

BEACHES + DAY TRIPS | SARASOTA

The local and closest to Sarasota beaches are Siesta, Lido, South Lido, and Turtle, but there are some other fun places that you can visit as well. Listing a few things here, in case you want to venture out a bit.
Really nice, soft sand. Great for walking. Really good parkings and good parking (easier to find parking here than at Siesta)
442 residents recomanen
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin Dr
442 residents recomanen
Really nice, soft sand. Great for walking. Really good parkings and good parking (easier to find parking here than at Siesta)
This is a bit of a locals' gem and secret, with inlets for boats (you can actually rent a boat for the day right from the Marina in Sarasota and park it here for a beach stop). Fun for walking, soft sand.
25 residents recomanen
South Lido Key Beach Park on the Gulf
Benjamin Franklin Drive
25 residents recomanen
This is a bit of a locals' gem and secret, with inlets for boats (you can actually rent a boat for the day right from the Marina in Sarasota and park it here for a beach stop). Fun for walking, soft sand.
Tons of food & shopping options, as well as life music - if you’re looking for some entertainment
297 residents recomanen
Saint Armands Circle
Saint Armands Circle
297 residents recomanen
Tons of food & shopping options, as well as life music - if you’re looking for some entertainment
The #1 beach in the country and closest beach to both The Arlington Cottage as well as The Palmieri. Very soft, flour-like sand. - Siesta Oyster Bar is a great lunch / dinner option nearby (great food, live music). - The Island Trader Boutique right nearby often has some cute clothing and jewelry finds for the ladies PS. Parking here can be tricky, so make sure to come early (or later) during peak season vacation and spring break season. If you're in the middle of the winter busy season and totally not up for parking hunting, Lido might be a better choice, or the smaller but super cute Turtle Beach.
400 residents recomanen
Siesta Key
400 residents recomanen
The #1 beach in the country and closest beach to both The Arlington Cottage as well as The Palmieri. Very soft, flour-like sand. - Siesta Oyster Bar is a great lunch / dinner option nearby (great food, live music). - The Island Trader Boutique right nearby often has some cute clothing and jewelry finds for the ladies PS. Parking here can be tricky, so make sure to come early (or later) during peak season vacation and spring break season. If you're in the middle of the winter busy season and totally not up for parking hunting, Lido might be a better choice, or the smaller but super cute Turtle Beach.
We absolutely love Nokomis! It's only 25 mins from Sarasota. A great place for a long walk. End the day with Rum Runners or Pina Coladas at Pop's Sunset Grill (their rum runners and pina coladas are really amazing, best we've had anywhere). Calamari (ask for the sunset aioli), salmon bites, the sweet potato fries, and the Casey Key salad with blackened mahi are some of our favorite menu items we recommend trying.
64 residents recomanen
Nokomis Beach
64 residents recomanen
We absolutely love Nokomis! It's only 25 mins from Sarasota. A great place for a long walk. End the day with Rum Runners or Pina Coladas at Pop's Sunset Grill (their rum runners and pina coladas are really amazing, best we've had anywhere). Calamari (ask for the sunset aioli), salmon bites, the sweet potato fries, and the Casey Key salad with blackened mahi are some of our favorite menu items we recommend trying.
If you venture out to Nokomis, grab lunch / dinner at Pop's! AMAZING Rum Runners and Pina Coladas!!! Usually pretty fun live music on the weekends. Our favorites from the menu are the Casey Key salad with fresh catch blackened mahi, the calamari (ask for the sunset aioli on the side), pesto salmon bites, shrimp rangoon, coconut shrimp, and sweet potato fries
102 residents recomanen
Pop's Sunset Grill
112 Circuit Rd
102 residents recomanen
If you venture out to Nokomis, grab lunch / dinner at Pop's! AMAZING Rum Runners and Pina Coladas!!! Usually pretty fun live music on the weekends. Our favorites from the menu are the Casey Key salad with fresh catch blackened mahi, the calamari (ask for the sunset aioli on the side), pesto salmon bites, shrimp rangoon, coconut shrimp, and sweet potato fries
Just a short drive from Sarasota, really close to Anna Maria Island - a fun day trip We recommend Waterfront for a craft cocktail after the beach, Rod n' Reel for fresh catch dinner and cheap beer / wine on the pier. Overall AMI also has tons of places to grab ice cream and do some souvenir shopping.
138 residents recomanen
Coquina Beach station
138 residents recomanen
Just a short drive from Sarasota, really close to Anna Maria Island - a fun day trip We recommend Waterfront for a craft cocktail after the beach, Rod n' Reel for fresh catch dinner and cheap beer / wine on the pier. Overall AMI also has tons of places to grab ice cream and do some souvenir shopping.
Visiting the Coquina Beach and bumming around the AMI is a worthy day trip
374 residents recomanen
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf Dr
374 residents recomanen
Visiting the Coquina Beach and bumming around the AMI is a worthy day trip
A worthy stop if you venture out oto AMI (Anna Maria Island), and great place to grab really good, local, fresh (and cheap) food. Their blackened catch of the day is awesome (fresh mahi is our fav), and their fries will satisfy any fries connoisseur. CHEAP but solid beer on tap, and house wine. NOTE - the waits can be long, so plan on bringing a book for the wait on the pier. You can also often rent fishing poles there, so you can do some fishing while you wait. Also, many dolphins (and pelicans) have been seen from the pier, so this is a relaxing wait even if longer. Come on a sunny day. It's miserable when cold / windy.
111 residents recomanen
Rod and Reel Pier
875 N Shore Dr
111 residents recomanen
A worthy stop if you venture out oto AMI (Anna Maria Island), and great place to grab really good, local, fresh (and cheap) food. Their blackened catch of the day is awesome (fresh mahi is our fav), and their fries will satisfy any fries connoisseur. CHEAP but solid beer on tap, and house wine. NOTE - the waits can be long, so plan on bringing a book for the wait on the pier. You can also often rent fishing poles there, so you can do some fishing while you wait. Also, many dolphins (and pelicans) have been seen from the pier, so this is a relaxing wait even if longer. Come on a sunny day. It's miserable when cold / windy.
If you venture out towards AMI, this is a great place to grab a craft cocktail. Pretty good food as well
99 residents recomanen
The Waterfront Restaurant
111 S Bay Blvd
99 residents recomanen
If you venture out towards AMI, this is a great place to grab a craft cocktail. Pretty good food as well
Authentic Hispanic food trucks. The real deal. If you venture out to AMI area it's a worthy spot, affordable, no one speaks English, so be prepared to speak with your hands ;)
Botalon Grill
Authentic Hispanic food trucks. The real deal. If you venture out to AMI area it's a worthy spot, affordable, no one speaks English, so be prepared to speak with your hands ;)

THE FOOD SCENE

We are foodies, and these are some fun places we've found for great food and atmosphere, that we recommend trying. SOMETHING TO KNOW - a lot of restaurants, shops and coffee shops are closed on Sundays in the area. Check their google maps schedule and pre-plan so you're not disappointed.
A great place to grab a bite if you make it out to Siesta Beach. Really good, classic food (like a grouper reuben, cheap oysters during happy hour, really tasty lavender mojitos, and other "bar" food classics). Live music almost every day (call to confirm)
167 residents recomanen
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean Blvd
167 residents recomanen
A great place to grab a bite if you make it out to Siesta Beach. Really good, classic food (like a grouper reuben, cheap oysters during happy hour, really tasty lavender mojitos, and other "bar" food classics). Live music almost every day (call to confirm)
Really good mediterranean (we love the smoked eggplant dip, hummus, and green salad). This is a solid choice that's open on Sundays. Really nice cocktails as well, and a great wine list.
18 residents recomanen
1592 | Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
1592 Main Street
18 residents recomanen
Really good mediterranean (we love the smoked eggplant dip, hummus, and green salad). This is a solid choice that's open on Sundays. Really nice cocktails as well, and a great wine list.
Our fav BBQ place to sit down at or order to go. We love the "moist" brisket, ribs, muffins with maple butter, burnt ends, and bread pudding
40 residents recomanen
Brick's Smoked Meats
1528 State St
40 residents recomanen
Our fav BBQ place to sit down at or order to go. We love the "moist" brisket, ribs, muffins with maple butter, burnt ends, and bread pudding
A great farm to table restaurant. Really good cocktails, solid wine list, tasty prosecco. Zucchini fries are great, so are the truffle fries.
80 residents recomanen
Boca Sarasota
19 S Lemon Ave
80 residents recomanen
A great farm to table restaurant. Really good cocktails, solid wine list, tasty prosecco. Zucchini fries are great, so are the truffle fries.
Mission never disappoints. If you love BBQ and you find yourself in the Bradenton / Palma Sola area - this is a solid dinner choice. Amazing ribs, "moist" brisket, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, and more.
MISSION BBQ
5231 University Parkway
Mission never disappoints. If you love BBQ and you find yourself in the Bradenton / Palma Sola area - this is a solid dinner choice. Amazing ribs, "moist" brisket, coleslaw, cornbread muffins, and more.
If you're craving something different, this place is a gem. It's a Peruvian restaurant with fantastic ceviche and really amazing sauces. The food is quite tasty and very unique. Amazing tacos as well. NOTE - Darwin is a bit pricier, but if you're a foodie, this is a great option for all the beautifully complex flavors.
6 residents recomanen
Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine
4141 South Tamiami Trail
6 residents recomanen
If you're craving something different, this place is a gem. It's a Peruvian restaurant with fantastic ceviche and really amazing sauces. The food is quite tasty and very unique. Amazing tacos as well. NOTE - Darwin is a bit pricier, but if you're a foodie, this is a great option for all the beautifully complex flavors.
Really good Italian food and Naples style pizza. The pistachio cream sauce & speck pappardelle is really amazing. So is the pistachio gelato - house made, and some of the best in the area. HONEST TIP - Skip the baked goods in the display case in favor of the gelato (the baked goods look good, but they aren't always baked the same day)
31 residents recomanen
Napulè Restaurant
7129 S Tamiami Trail
31 residents recomanen
Really good Italian food and Naples style pizza. The pistachio cream sauce & speck pappardelle is really amazing. So is the pistachio gelato - house made, and some of the best in the area. HONEST TIP - Skip the baked goods in the display case in favor of the gelato (the baked goods look good, but they aren't always baked the same day)
Probably our fav sushi and sashimi place that's also just down the road from both The Palmieri and ARLI HAUS. Great service, nice patio seating. Open on Sunday, which is unique for the area. They also have really good options for takeout, if you're craving Thai food (ex. spring rolls, satay, etc.)
45 residents recomanen
Pacific Rim
1859 Hillview St
45 residents recomanen
Probably our fav sushi and sashimi place that's also just down the road from both The Palmieri and ARLI HAUS. Great service, nice patio seating. Open on Sunday, which is unique for the area. They also have really good options for takeout, if you're craving Thai food (ex. spring rolls, satay, etc.)
The name of the place has changed, and the options are different (call to get the updated website so you can order online) but the tacos are still great! In fact, this might be our favorite local taco place, with unique options like octopus, pork belly, and more. We have tried it all, every taco was amazing.
Island House Taqueria
2773 Bee Ridge Road
The name of the place has changed, and the options are different (call to get the updated website so you can order online) but the tacos are still great! In fact, this might be our favorite local taco place, with unique options like octopus, pork belly, and more. We have tried it all, every taco was amazing.
There is a hidden speakeasy style craft cocktail bar located in the back of this liquor store. This place is also located right next to our favorite Detweiler's so you can get your groceries, and... try a fun craft cocktail at your outing.
Dive Wine & Spirits
2881 Clark Rd
There is a hidden speakeasy style craft cocktail bar located in the back of this liquor store. This place is also located right next to our favorite Detweiler's so you can get your groceries, and... try a fun craft cocktail at your outing.
A great, modern Italian food date night outing spot. Beautiful patio, a place to dress up and go out to eat at. It is more spendy, just a heads up. NOTE - They get very busy so make sure to make a reservation
20 residents recomanen
Mediterraneo
1970 Main St
20 residents recomanen
A great, modern Italian food date night outing spot. Beautiful patio, a place to dress up and go out to eat at. It is more spendy, just a heads up. NOTE - They get very busy so make sure to make a reservation
A fun place to visit, with a unique backyard. Specialized in local seafood, and other classics. A good restaurant for kids and families.
260 residents recomanen
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns Ct
260 residents recomanen
A fun place to visit, with a unique backyard. Specialized in local seafood, and other classics. A good restaurant for kids and families.
This is kind of a fancy date night spot, in a beautiful, historic building, great atmosphere, good food (quite pricey, even for our taste). What we really recommend Sage for is a glass of wine (they have really good "by the glass" prices), and dessert. Sage's pastry chef is phenomenal and the deserts are mouthwatering. They also have a great rooftop patio with a firepit where you can grab a cocktail. Our little hack is to order dessert to go, and enjoy it on the rooftop patio with a glass of wine ordered there.
17 residents recomanen
Sage
1216 1st St
17 residents recomanen
This is kind of a fancy date night spot, in a beautiful, historic building, great atmosphere, good food (quite pricey, even for our taste). What we really recommend Sage for is a glass of wine (they have really good "by the glass" prices), and dessert. Sage's pastry chef is phenomenal and the deserts are mouthwatering. They also have a great rooftop patio with a firepit where you can grab a cocktail. Our little hack is to order dessert to go, and enjoy it on the rooftop patio with a glass of wine ordered there.
Amazing burger, octopus, wine, cocktails. A really good date night / outing place. It's a bit more spendy but so worth it for the atmosphere. NOTE - The burger is incredible and very affordable
49 residents recomanen
Veronicas Fish and Oyster bar
1830 S Osprey Ave
49 residents recomanen
Amazing burger, octopus, wine, cocktails. A really good date night / outing place. It's a bit more spendy but so worth it for the atmosphere. NOTE - The burger is incredible and very affordable
Amazing Italian food, pizza, pasta, and more. The cannoli is a must-order! It's as good as we've had in Boston
30 residents recomanen
Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
514 N Franklin St
30 residents recomanen
Amazing Italian food, pizza, pasta, and more. The cannoli is a must-order! It's as good as we've had in Boston
This is definitely a locals', and local to Sarasota place. There are a couple of locations - Pinecraft and one a hidden side street of St. Armand's Circle. Rum raisin flavor is the way to go.
Big Olaf Creamery
This is definitely a locals', and local to Sarasota place. There are a couple of locations - Pinecraft and one a hidden side street of St. Armand's Circle. Rum raisin flavor is the way to go.
Amazing German food. Really. Perfect for a cooler day. Call to reserve a pork hock special (only available on specific days, limited amount). Also, make sure to call and make a reservation (it's a small place, fills up fast).
6 residents recomanen
Siegfried's Restaurant and German Biergarten
1869 Fruitville Rd
6 residents recomanen
Amazing German food. Really. Perfect for a cooler day. Call to reserve a pork hock special (only available on specific days, limited amount). Also, make sure to call and make a reservation (it's a small place, fills up fast).
A great place if you want to meet up with a larger group. Outdoor games, great beer, overall a fun visit. Great for kids and families.
28 residents recomanen
Mandeville Beer Garden
428 N Lemon Ave
28 residents recomanen
A great place if you want to meet up with a larger group. Outdoor games, great beer, overall a fun visit. Great for kids and families.
Pinecraft Park with shuffle boards, a fun pretzel stand, Big Olaf's ice cream shop, Yoders local farm store
10 residents recomanen
Pinecraft Amish Community
Pinecraft Park
10 residents recomanen
Pinecraft Park with shuffle boards, a fun pretzel stand, Big Olaf's ice cream shop, Yoders local farm store
A really good, classic breakfast spot
54 residents recomanen
Station 400
400 N Lemon Ave
54 residents recomanen
A really good, classic breakfast spot
Absolutely incredible Mediterranean food. Big-city foodie approved.
Florence and the Spice Boys
Absolutely incredible Mediterranean food. Big-city foodie approved.
The mortadella pizza with walnut pesto is incredible!! Love the bruschetta as well. Service can be just a bit iffy sometimes (non English speaking people), but the pizza is worth it!
Atmosphere
The mortadella pizza with walnut pesto is incredible!! Love the bruschetta as well. Service can be just a bit iffy sometimes (non English speaking people), but the pizza is worth it!
The best gelato in Sarasota. Better than Gelato-go, to be honest. Less sweet, with more flavor, more authentic to Italian gelato style. Pistachio, salted caramel, and Nocciola (which is hazelnut, Nutella-like) are our favs!!
7 residents recomanen
Settimi's Gelato
367 St Armands Cir
7 residents recomanen
The best gelato in Sarasota. Better than Gelato-go, to be honest. Less sweet, with more flavor, more authentic to Italian gelato style. Pistachio, salted caramel, and Nocciola (which is hazelnut, Nutella-like) are our favs!!
Settimi's is our true fav (in St. Armand's) but Gelato-Go is a worthy option if you find yourself downtown Sarasota craving gelato.
Gelato-go Sarasota
14 S Orange Ave
Settimi's is our true fav (in St. Armand's) but Gelato-Go is a worthy option if you find yourself downtown Sarasota craving gelato.
KOJO
Bar Hana
Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery
OPENING SOON!!! Keep an eye for it! We’re stoked and can’t wait! Napule is great and to know that they teamed up to create this spot in St. Armand’s, we can’t wait to see how the new buildout turns out and for their awesome Italian creations. :)
15 South by Napule
OPENING SOON!!! Keep an eye for it! We’re stoked and can’t wait! Napule is great and to know that they teamed up to create this spot in St. Armand’s, we can’t wait to see how the new buildout turns out and for their awesome Italian creations. :)

COFFEE + PASTRIES

We love amazing coffee. These are some of our favorite 3rd wave espresso coffee shops in town and places to get the best pastries. SOMETHING TO KNOW - a lot of restaurants, shops and coffee shops are closed on Sundays in the area. Check their google maps schedule and pre-plan so you're not disappointed.
Breaking Wave is our favorite for espresso and amazing pastries, as well as their avocado toast. NOTE - CLOSED on Sunday, this is when we make the drive to Palma.
7 residents recomanen
Breaking Wave Coffee
1310 Main St
7 residents recomanen
Breaking Wave is our favorite for espresso and amazing pastries, as well as their avocado toast. NOTE - CLOSED on Sunday, this is when we make the drive to Palma.
A really fun, busy spot, in a more artsy area of Sarasota. Surrounded by boutiques. Open on Sunday (this is where we go when Breaking Wave is closed). NOTE - This is a vegan place, so no dairy in your cappuccino (oat milk is the sub)
21 residents recomanen
Project Coffee
538 S Pineapple Ave
21 residents recomanen
A really fun, busy spot, in a more artsy area of Sarasota. Surrounded by boutiques. Open on Sunday (this is where we go when Breaking Wave is closed). NOTE - This is a vegan place, so no dairy in your cappuccino (oat milk is the sub)
An Australian-variety super snobby espresso shop, closest to the ARLI HAUS (under 2 mile drive). Best for all your flat white needs.
36 residents recomanen
Perq Coffee Bar
1821 Hillview St
36 residents recomanen
An Australian-variety super snobby espresso shop, closest to the ARLI HAUS (under 2 mile drive). Best for all your flat white needs.
An amusing, cop-themed donut shop. REALLY good donuts. A fun place to visit both for adults and kids.
11 residents recomanen
Five-O Donut Co
2241 Ringling Blvd
11 residents recomanen
An amusing, cop-themed donut shop. REALLY good donuts. A fun place to visit both for adults and kids.
A solid place for French pastries, bread to go, and other baked goods
47 residents recomanen
C'est La Vie
1553 Main St
47 residents recomanen
A solid place for French pastries, bread to go, and other baked goods
An amazing little 3rd wave coffee shop. Only open a few days a week so confirm schedule in google maps before you head out.
Palma Coffee
An amazing little 3rd wave coffee shop. Only open a few days a week so confirm schedule in google maps before you head out.
A great French pastry place (there are 2 locations - Clark rd and Siesta drive)
Rendez-Vous French Bakery
5336 Clark Rd
A great French pastry place (there are 2 locations - Clark rd and Siesta drive)
We prefer Breaking Wave, if told honestly, but this is also a solid coffee shop for your espresso drink fix. NOTE : our ARLI HAUS guests get 20% off their 1st order, see the bottom of your check-in instructions for details! Enjoy!! :)
O & A Coffee and Supply (Waterside Place)
We prefer Breaking Wave, if told honestly, but this is also a solid coffee shop for your espresso drink fix. NOTE : our ARLI HAUS guests get 20% off their 1st order, see the bottom of your check-in instructions for details! Enjoy!! :)

SIGHTSEEING SARASOTA | NON BEACH ACTIVITIES

A few areas Sarasota is known for that are worth a visit, especially if you need something to do on a cooler or rainy day, or just need a break from the sun.
Sarasota is known for the Ringling Museum. We love the Circus museum, the tour of the mansion, and the gardens.
540 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art John and Mable Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Rd
540 residents recomanen
Sarasota is known for the Ringling Museum. We love the Circus museum, the tour of the mansion, and the gardens.
Beautiful garden, great views. Visit the mansion terrace and the courtyard (as well as the circus museum) for the true Ringling experience.
7 residents recomanen
Mable Ringling Rose Garden at The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Rd
7 residents recomanen
Beautiful garden, great views. Visit the mansion terrace and the courtyard (as well as the circus museum) for the true Ringling experience.
A great place for a rainy / cool day. Highly recommend paying for the actual mansion tour. It's worth it.
87 residents recomanen
Ca d'Zan
5401 Bay Shore Rd
87 residents recomanen
A great place for a rainy / cool day. Highly recommend paying for the actual mansion tour. It's worth it.
A beautiful botanical garden with a super fun kids' rainforest experience (this one is actually as fun for adults and it is for kids). If you love plants and need something to do that doesn't involve the beach, you can even grab a lunch here and just enjoy the grounds.
433 residents recomanen
Jardins Botànics Marie Selby
1534 Mound St
433 residents recomanen
A beautiful botanical garden with a super fun kids' rainforest experience (this one is actually as fun for adults and it is for kids). If you love plants and need something to do that doesn't involve the beach, you can even grab a lunch here and just enjoy the grounds.
Great for kids, on a rainy day
532 residents recomanen
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
532 residents recomanen
Great for kids, on a rainy day
A fun place for kids!
296 residents recomanen
Jardins de la Jungla de Sarasota
3701 Bay Shore Rd
296 residents recomanen
A fun place for kids!
A fun and unique Florida tourist thing to do on a non-beach day. You can walk around all the trails, see some alligators. Fun for kids and adults. You can also visit the Joshua Citrus Grove for the vanilla orange ice cream.
382 residents recomanen
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72
382 residents recomanen
A fun and unique Florida tourist thing to do on a non-beach day. You can walk around all the trails, see some alligators. Fun for kids and adults. You can also visit the Joshua Citrus Grove for the vanilla orange ice cream.
A super fun place to visit - see orange, grapefruit, and other citrus trees. Get some orange vanilla twist ice cream. Fun if you need a break from the sun. Combine with a Myakka State Park outing.
Joshua Citrus Inc
4135 County Road 760
A super fun place to visit - see orange, grapefruit, and other citrus trees. Get some orange vanilla twist ice cream. Fun if you need a break from the sun. Combine with a Myakka State Park outing.
Another citrus grove close to the Sarasota area. A good place if you're headed to Bradenton and/or the Anna Maria Island area.
20 residents recomanen
Mixon Fruit Farms
2525 27th St E
20 residents recomanen
Another citrus grove close to the Sarasota area. A good place if you're headed to Bradenton and/or the Anna Maria Island area.
A fun little local park and playground
10 residents recomanen
Parc familiar Urfer
4012 Honore Ave
10 residents recomanen
A fun little local park and playground
Pinecraft Park, Sarasota, FL 34239, Estats Units d'Amèrica
A fun local park with shuffle boards
Mini golf - fun for kids and adults
35 residents recomanen
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
3815 N Tamiami Trail
35 residents recomanen
Mini golf - fun for kids and adults
AXE AND BULL SARASOTA, FL
4088 Bee Ridge Rd
A fun walk around the marina right in the heart of Sarasota
103 residents recomanen
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront Dr
103 residents recomanen
A fun walk around the marina right in the heart of Sarasota
A must visit if you're a car enthusiast. It has some very unique and rare models you'd never expect to see.
60 residents recomanen
Museu de Cotxes Clàssics de Sarasota
5500 N Tamiami Trail
60 residents recomanen
A must visit if you're a car enthusiast. It has some very unique and rare models you'd never expect to see.
17 residents recomanen
The Children's Garden
1670 10th Way
17 residents recomanen
Fun climbing areas for kids right on the water. Win win for scenery.
Eloise Werlin Park
Fun climbing areas for kids right on the water. Win win for scenery.
20 residents recomanen
Red Bug Slough Preserve
5200 S Beneva Rd
20 residents recomanen
A fun activity for kids when you need a beach break.
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park
7321 Trade Ct
A fun activity for kids when you need a beach break.
For the cultured. See online schedule for events.
92 residents recomanen
sarasota opera
61 N Pineapple Ave
92 residents recomanen
For the cultured. See online schedule for events.
Oscar Scherer State Park
A nature walk
A fun nature outing
66 residents recomanen
Reserva de Emerson Point
5801 17th St W
66 residents recomanen
A fun nature outing
An amazing walk around the park if you find yourself in the Bradenton / Palma Sola area / are staying at our VILLA COQUINA. Trails right on the water. A small parking lot with hidden side entrance known as Riverview Pointe Park Reserve.
105 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional Memorial DeSoto
8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy
105 residents recomanen
An amazing walk around the park if you find yourself in the Bradenton / Palma Sola area / are staying at our VILLA COQUINA. Trails right on the water. A small parking lot with hidden side entrance known as Riverview Pointe Park Reserve.
A hidden gem behind the community center - 0.5 mile nature walk around a pond with a fountain where you can watch tropical birds and turtles. Paid access to the pool / swimming classes / workout classes at the community center. Free access outdoor gym, outdoor kids' play land park, tennis courts and basketball courts.
23 residents recomanen
Arlington Park Sarasota
2650 Waldemere St
23 residents recomanen
A hidden gem behind the community center - 0.5 mile nature walk around a pond with a fountain where you can watch tropical birds and turtles. Paid access to the pool / swimming classes / workout classes at the community center. Free access outdoor gym, outdoor kids' play land park, tennis courts and basketball courts.

MARKETS + GROCERIES (unique | local)

There are other grocery stores in the area like Publix, Aldi, Earth Origins, Sprouts, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, but we wanted to mention a few unique places you might not know to nav to. These are the true local grocery stores and markets
NOTE - closed on Sundays!! Our absolute favorite local farm market. A really good seafood counter if you're looking for something to grill. They also have an ice cream shoppe inside the store.
51 residents recomanen
Detwiler’S Farm Market
2881 Clark Rd
51 residents recomanen
NOTE - closed on Sundays!! Our absolute favorite local farm market. A really good seafood counter if you're looking for something to grill. They also have an ice cream shoppe inside the store.
Unique to the Pinecraft (Amish / Mennonite) area farm market, should you just need to run out and get something quick. The market has gotten smaller but it still has good, fresh, local produce snd some necessities. PS. Check out the nearby Pretzel stand as well - a fun and unique food truck for a quick nibble.
27 residents recomanen
Yoder's Fresh Market
3404 Bahia Vista St
27 residents recomanen
Unique to the Pinecraft (Amish / Mennonite) area farm market, should you just need to run out and get something quick. The market has gotten smaller but it still has good, fresh, local produce snd some necessities. PS. Check out the nearby Pretzel stand as well - a fun and unique food truck for a quick nibble.
Within 1 mile of the ARLI HAUS. A fun, gourmet market to visit. Specialty foods & spices, candies, chocolate, deli, coffee beans, food to go, etc.
63 residents recomanen
Morton's Gourmet Market
1924 S Osprey Ave
63 residents recomanen
Within 1 mile of the ARLI HAUS. A fun, gourmet market to visit. Specialty foods & spices, candies, chocolate, deli, coffee beans, food to go, etc.
Every Saturday morning the main streets get blocked and you can walk through a food fare. Super fun! You can get coffee, pizza, crepes, honey, local sea salts, local flavored olive oils and other fun things like Kurtos chimney cakes, pizza to go, etc.
136 residents recomanen
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon Avenue
136 residents recomanen
Every Saturday morning the main streets get blocked and you can walk through a food fare. Super fun! You can get coffee, pizza, crepes, honey, local sea salts, local flavored olive oils and other fun things like Kurtos chimney cakes, pizza to go, etc.
Awesome Italian market and restaurant. Great paninis and fresh, handmade pasta to go that you can finish cooking at home
6 residents recomanen
La Violetta
4837 Swift Road
6 residents recomanen
Awesome Italian market and restaurant. Great paninis and fresh, handmade pasta to go that you can finish cooking at home
Best local grocery store
48 residents recomanen
Publix Super Market at Bay Street
2031 Bay St
48 residents recomanen
Best local grocery store

EXERCISE

If you need a workout or gym access - here are some ideas
Our local gem closest to the ARLI HAUS. A super fun 0.5 mile nature trail (lots of turtles in the pond, fun for kids but also a really great walk or run option). Amazing free outdoor gym (just bring your workout bands for a full-body workout). Free outdoor, large kids' playground right next to the outdoor gym. Amazing, brand new tennis courts and basketball courts. Paid access workout facility, heated outdoor pools, and classes / activities at the Arlington Community Center (access their website to look up pricing and activities schedule)
23 residents recomanen
Arlington Park Sarasota
2650 Waldemere St
23 residents recomanen
Our local gem closest to the ARLI HAUS. A super fun 0.5 mile nature trail (lots of turtles in the pond, fun for kids but also a really great walk or run option). Amazing free outdoor gym (just bring your workout bands for a full-body workout). Free outdoor, large kids' playground right next to the outdoor gym. Amazing, brand new tennis courts and basketball courts. Paid access workout facility, heated outdoor pools, and classes / activities at the Arlington Community Center (access their website to look up pricing and activities schedule)
Close to both the ARLI HAUS and the Palmieri. Offers 1 day free pass. Indoor pool options. Really good equipment. Our favorite local gym.
CORE SRQ - SARASOTA BRANCH
1075 South Euclid Avenue
Close to both the ARLI HAUS and the Palmieri. Offers 1 day free pass. Indoor pool options. Really good equipment. Our favorite local gym.
Probably the most picturesque run/walk in the area!
6 residents recomanen
John Ringling Causeway
John Ringling Causeway
6 residents recomanen
Probably the most picturesque run/walk in the area!
10-mile paved biking / running trail with bike repair stations. Highly recommend if you're an avid cyclist. Connects several parks and other paths.
61 residents recomanen
Legacy Trail
Central Sarasota Parkway
61 residents recomanen
10-mile paved biking / running trail with bike repair stations. Highly recommend if you're an avid cyclist. Connects several parks and other paths.