Local Discoveries
Art, gardens, family adventures, waterfront walks and more.
Things to do →Sarasota • Bradenton • Anna Maria Island
Explore Sarasota & Bradenton: Your Gulf Coast Escape Starts Here.
Sun-kissed beaches, coastal flavors, unforgettable adventures and a lifestyle you'll want to come back to.
Welcome to Florida's Gulf Coast
Come for the sunshine. Stay for the memories.
From the powdery sand of Siesta Key to Bradenton's riverfront and Anna Maria Island's easygoing charm, explore our favorite ways to experience the Sarasota–Bradenton area in every season.
The main attraction
Meet your happy place.
Six beautiful beach areas, each with its own personality.
Anna Maria Island
Old Florida charm, island communities and unforgettable Gulf sunsets.
Explore island ↗
Images are illustrative Gulf Coast lifestyle photography and may not depict the exact named destination. Check beach access and conditions before visiting.
Beyond the beach
So much to explore.
Art, nature, shopping and waterfront experiences for every kind of trip.
Selby Botanical Gardens
Discover lush plant collections and gardens near Sarasota Bay.
Official website ↗
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking, boating, fishing, nature walks and spring training baseball.
Explore more ↗Local flavors
Eat well. Stay awhile.
Discover a few established local dining favorites. Listings below are editorial examples, not paid placements.
PIER 22
Downtown Bradenton · Waterfront dining on the Manatee River.
View location ↗Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Longboat Key · Seafood and bayfront views.
View location ↗Beach House Waterfront
Bradenton Beach · Gulf-front dining and coastal favorites.
View location ↗Tide Tables
Cortez · Casual seafood by the water.
View location ↗Marina Jack
Sarasota Bayfront · Waterfront dining in downtown Sarasota.
View location ↗Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Sarasota · Relaxed seafood dining along Phillippi Creek.
View location ↗Restaurant hours, menus, and availability may change. Confirm details with each restaurant.
Make the most of your visit
Your getaway, your way.
Planning a weekend or a whole week? Start with a few easy ideas.
- Day 1: Siesta Key beach day and a sunset stroll.
- Day 2: The Ringling, downtown Sarasota and bayfront dining.
- Day 3: Bradenton Riverwalk, Cortez and Anna Maria Island.
- Extra time: Gardens, kayaking, shopping or spring training.
For current events and travel updates, use official local visitor resources.
Sarasota Visitor Information ↗ Bradenton Area Guide ↗
From vacation to everyday life
Love visiting? Imagine living here.
The Sarasota–Bradenton area offers coastal homes, vibrant communities and a lifestyle worth exploring. Whether you're looking for a vacation property, a seasonal retreat or your next home, local real estate guidance can make all the difference.
Tonio Paternostro
Fine Properties
941-405-0700
Real estate services provided by Tonio Paternostro, Fine Properties. Property photo is illustrative, not an active listing.
Grow with our visitor community
Put your business on the map.
Own a restaurant, activity business, shop or vacation experience? Ask about featured listings and sponsorship opportunities on Sarasota Spring Break.
Advertising placements are available by inquiry; no placement is implied for businesses featured above.
Advertising inquiry email is a temporary placeholder; confirm your preferred business email before launch.
Explore in depth
Local guides for every kind of getaway.
Practical ideas for beaches, attractions, family trips, island visits and Gulf Coast living.
Best Beaches in Sarasota & Bradenton
Compare Siesta Beach, Lido Key, Coquina Beach and Anna Maria Island, with practical tips for choosing your Gulf Coast beach day.
Read local guide →Things to Do in Sarasota Beyond the Beach
Explore Sarasota museums, gardens, shopping, family attractions and waterfront walks with a practical plan for your visit.
Read local guide →Things to Do in Bradenton & Manatee County
Explore Bradenton Riverwalk, Robinson Preserve, Cortez fishing village and family-friendly ways to enjoy the Manatee River area.
Read local guide →Anna Maria Island Visitor Guide
Plan a relaxed Anna Maria Island trip with beach choices, Bridge Street, island traffic tips and waterfront dining ideas.
Read local guide →Siesta Key Spring Break Guide
Plan a Siesta Key spring break with beach-day tips, village dining ideas, transportation guidance and ways to enjoy the area responsibly.
Read local guide →Sarasota & Bradenton Restaurants and Waterfront Dining
Discover waterfront dining areas and local restaurant ideas in Sarasota, Bradenton, Cortez, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.
Read local guide →Sarasota & Bradenton with Kids
Family-friendly ideas for beaches, museums, gardens, parks and rainy-day activities around Sarasota and Bradenton.
Read local guide →Sarasota & Bradenton Real Estate and Relocation
Considering a home or seasonal property near Sarasota or Bradenton? Explore coastal neighborhoods, lifestyle tradeoffs and local real estate guidance.
Read local guide →3-Day Sarasota & Bradenton Weekend Itinerary
A practical three-day Gulf Coast itinerary combining Siesta Key, Sarasota attractions, Bradenton Riverwalk and Anna Maria Island.
Read local guide →