7 Day Sarasota Itinerary: Beaches, Food & Hidden Gems
Plan your perfect 7 day Sarasota itinerary with top beaches, amazing food, and hidden gems along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast.
Paddle through Sarasota’s scenic waterways — from the shaded mangrove tunnels of South Lido to the wide-open wildlife of Myakka and the calm bays perfect for boating. Discover the outdoor magic that makes Sarasota one of Florida’s most captivating water-adventure destinations.
Plan your perfect 7 day Sarasota itinerary with top beaches, amazing food, and hidden gems along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast.
Discover Ted Sperling Nature Park Lido — Sarasota’s best spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring its mangrove tunnels and hidden beaches along Lido Key.
Explore Myakka River State Park — Sarasota’s wild heart. From alligators and cabins to Deep Hole and the Canopy Walkway, experience Florida as it once
Siesta Key Beach for Families features cool white sand, gentle waves, and lifeguards — Sarasota’s top spot for safe, kid-friendly fun.
Discover the Venice Jetties in Venice FL—perfect for fishing, boating, bird watching, and the best drive-up Gulf views on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Discover South Lido Beach Florida—rustic parking, mangrove tunnels, kayaking, and authentic Old Florida vibes at the tip of Lido Key.
Experience Sarasota’s natural beauty through quiet trails, thriving wetlands, boardwalk lookouts, and wildlife sanctuaries. These parks and preserves offer peaceful walks, scenic views, birdwatching, and family-friendly outdoor discoveries.
The Bay Park Sarasota brings art, nature, and community together — home to the stunning Ibis Playground, bayfront trails, and events for all ages.
Bird Key Park Sarasota offers bayfront sunsets, leashed-dog water access, and scenic walks along the Ringling Causeway—just minutes from downtown.
Urfer Park in Sarasota blends family fun, fitness trails, and history — a beloved local park with playgrounds, wildlife walks, and room to roam.
Discover 15 outdoor activities Sarasota fall visitors and locals love — from kayaking mangroves to drum circles, packed with local insight and tips.
Explore Rothenbach Park Sarasota — a shady oak-canopy trail, playground, and family-friendly park filled with deer, open space, and peaceful paved paths.
Discover Red Bug Slough Preserve Sarasota — hidden trails, peaceful lakes, and quiet moments for dog walkers & nature lovers off Beneva Road.
For those who enjoy leisurely walks amidst beauty, Sarasota has much to offer. Take a serene stroll through The Ringling’s exquisite gardens, admire the charm and architecture of Historic Burns Court, or explore the creativity and color of Bradenton’s Village of the Arts—each destination offering its own slice of scenic charm.
Payne Park Sarasota celebrates the city’s circus legacy with colorful playgrounds, shady trails, and family fun just off Ringling Boulevard downtown.
Discover Bradenton’s Village of the Arts—where historic cottages, colorful murals, and lively Art Walks create a most unique experience.
Explore Sarasota murals — from iconic landmarks to provocative street art and tropical-themed walls that brighten the city.
Explore Sarasota sidewalk art at the Avenue of Art in Burns Court — murals celebrating Sarasota’s history, whimsy, and community spirit.
Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy Sarasota delights visitors with colorful sculptures, vibrant paintings, and joyful surprises inside and out.
Explore The Ringling’s Circus Museum—three exhibits in one: the miniature model, the people behind the show, and real equipment like The Wisconsin.
Get outside and enjoy Sarasota’s signature coastal lifestyle — from playful beach moments to bayfront adventures and open-air family fun. These posts highlight outdoor escapes that blend sunshine, salt air, and Sarasota charm.
Discover Crescent Beach on Siesta Key — Sarasota’s quiet, vintage beach near Point of Rocks with top snorkeling, shelling & classic old-Florida charm.
Experience the Siesta Key Drum Circle — Sarasota’s beloved Sunday sunset tradition of rhythm, dance, and community on the beach.
Discover the best time of year to visit Sarasota beaches — from snowbird winters and spring break to turtle nesting and summer getaways.
Discover South Lido Beach Florida—rustic parking, mangrove tunnels, kayaking, and authentic Old Florida vibes at the tip of Lido Key.
Discover Turtle Beach Siesta Key—coarse sand, smaller crowds, camping by the Gulf, boating, and Old Florida at its finest.
Step off the main paths and discover Sarasota’s lesser-known outdoor gems — peaceful trails, quirky parks, local favorites, and unique places that even longtime residents overlook.
Escape to Arlington Park Sarasota — shaded trails, lakes, and year-round recreation where neighbors, kids, and retirees all find their rhythm.
Discover The Children’s Garden Sarasota — a hidden gem near downtown where fairies dance, dragons grin, and children’s imaginations bloom.
Urfer Park in Sarasota blends family fun, fitness trails, and history — a beloved local park with playgrounds, wildlife walks, and room to roam.
Discover fence art Sarasota—tropical murals of dolphins, sunsets, and Florida icons that turn wooden fences into vibrant outdoor galleries.
Explore Embracing Our Differences Sarasota, a powerful outdoor art exhibit at Bayfront Park featuring giant banners promoting social awareness.
Explore Rothenbach Park Sarasota — a shady oak-canopy trail, playground, and family-friendly park filled with deer, open space, and peaceful paved paths.
Experience the vibrant essence of Sarasota through our comprehensive guide, designed to showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal beauty, diverse culinary scene, captivating attractions, and engaging recreational activities. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, outdoor adventures, family-friendly fun, or the finest accommodations, our curated selections offer invaluable insights to help you make the most of your Sarasota experience.
Bayfront Park Sarasota blends banyan trees, bay breezes, and tropical vibes from O’Leary’s and Marina Jack — Sarasota’s #1 park for sunsets and memories.
Discover 15 outdoor activities Sarasota fall visitors and locals love — from kayaking mangroves to drum circles, packed with local insight and tips.
Discover Sarasota lifeguard stands — from Siesta’s yellow tower to Scooter of the Beach and the colors that capture Sarasota’s coastal spirit.
