Sarasota, FL

One of the best things about Sarasota is that there are great places to stay whether you want to be downtown, on the beach, or somewhere in between. A few to get you started:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota — A Sarasota classic right downtown, with access to its Beach Club on Lido Key.
  
  
• Cirque St. Armands Beachside — Stay right by the beach with St. Armands Circle just steps away.
  
  
• The Westin Sarasota — A great downtown option with a rooftop pool and an easy location for exploring.
  
  
• Aloft Sarasota — Modern, casual, and right in the middle of downtown.
  
  
• Art Ovation Hotel — A fun downtown stay that leans into Sarasota's artsy side.
  
  
• The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort — For full-on resort mode. Beach, pools, and a beautiful setting on Longboat Key.

And many more. Sarasota has everything from beachfront resorts to smaller boutique hotels and vacation rentals. There's no shortage of great places to stay.

You could come to The Atelier hungry and never have to move your car. Three of our favorite Sarasota spots are right across the street.

• Veronica Fish & Oyster — Our very chic neighbor and one of Sarasota's best spots for oysters, seafood, and cocktails. Perfect for drinks at the bar or staying for dinner.
  
  
• Lucky 8 — Another new neighbor with New Orleans-inspired comfort food, great sandwiches, and a fun, casual vibe. An easy lunch before or after a little needlepoint shopping.
  
  
• Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie — A longtime Sarasota favorite for lunch, dinner, brunch, or happy hour. Basically the neighborhood go-to, and right across the street.
  

More Sarasota favorites

• Walt's Fish Market — My favorite. Old-school Sarasota, incredibly fresh seafood, and absolutely no need to dress up. This is always one of my first stops when I'm back in town.
  
  
• Indigenous — A tiny restaurant tucked into a historic Sarasota neighborhood with a constantly changing, locally focused menu. One of our favorites for a really good dinner.
  
  
• Ophelia's on the Bay — Beautiful waterfront dining on Siesta Key. Go for dinner, preferably around sunset.
  
  
• Owen's Fish Camp — Old Florida in all the right ways. Seafood, Southern favorites, and a setting that feels quintessentially Sarasota.
  
  
• Selva — Peruvian-inspired, great ceviche and cocktails, and always a fun downtown dinner.
  
  
• Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) — Grab oysters and a cold beer after the beach. Nothing fancy, exactly as it should be.
  
  
• Daiquiri Deck — Because you're in Florida. Order a frozen daiquiri and lean into it.

• The Met, St. Armands Circle — A Sarasota institution for designer fashion, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, plus a salon and spa if you're really making a day of it.
  
  
• Influence Style, Quay Commons — A great edit of contemporary designers and easy Florida pieces.
  
  
• Lotus, Downtown Sarasota — One of my longtime favorites for high-end fashion with a little more edge.
  
  
• Figgy Co. — A great local stop for something fun and a little different.
  
  
• St. Armands Circle — Walk the Circle, pop into the shops, and stop for a drink. It's touristy, yes, but it's also very Sarasota.

• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — One of Sarasota's gems. Beautiful bayfront gardens right in town and absolutely worth wandering for an hour or two.
  
  
• Mote Science Education Aquarium — A Sarasota institution and a great stop, especially if you're traveling with kids.
  
  
• Siesta Key or Lido Beach — Go shelling at low tide, take a long walk, or do absolutely nothing. All three are acceptable vacation activities.
  
  
• Asolo Repertory Theatre — Sarasota has a serious arts scene. Check what's playing at Asolo Rep while you're in town.
  
  
• Sarasota Opera House — A beautiful historic theater downtown and another reminder that there's much more to Sarasota than beaches.
  
  
• Sarasota Farmers Market — If you're here on a Saturday morning, wander the downtown Farmers Market for local food, flowers, and vendors.