Make sure, that when you travel you bring someone who you know enjoys similar things and fits your travel expectations? Second time in Sarasota, I brought my niece. We are similar in what we enjoy and our personalities mesh well.

No fights over what we wanted to do (figured out before hopping on the plane) and we shared almost everything…food, photos, laughs and almost clothes.

Whether your plan is to spend time with family or have a much needed girls time, Sarasota has so much to offer to people of every age. Click To Tweet I have conducted my favorite places for you, along with some helpful tips. Hope you enjoy.

Siesta Key Beach

Sarasota Florida has some great beaches. Among the best is Siesta Key Beach. It’s such a beautiful white sandy beach. The sand doesn’t get hot and feels like baby powder on your feet. It does tend to get crowded in certain seasons- spring break and on weekends. Be prepared to spend a little time trying to find parking, as this can sometimes be an issue.

We got our exercise in by walking on the beach by the water. You can find some cool looking shells and watch people having a great time with their loved ones.

Go on a weekday to avoid bigger crowds. Sunday nights they have a free show where people come out to dance to drums and twirl batons. It’s very unique and something worth seeing.

The Sunsets are the most breathtaking. My niece and I, while we were in Sarasota in April, agreed that we would go back just for the amazing sunsets. I’m from Minnesota and I’ve never seen a sunset, quite this beautiful.

Ringling Museum

If you appreciate art and beauty, this should be on your list to see while in Sarasota Florida. We went on a Monday because it’s free admission on Mondays. There are some other places in the museum that cost money to get in but we were happy with what we were able to see. You can take tours and learn more about the history of John Ringling.

Mote Aquarium

This is a great place for the entire family. They have a wide variety of things to see- sea turtles, manatees, sharks and much more. The only thing missing were dolphins. No crowd and no bending or standing on tiptoes to see things.

Before checking out the Unconditional Surrender Sculpture, grab some coffee in downtown Sarasota and look at some of the cute shops.

Buddy Brew

My niece and I found the best coffee shop in Sarasota. Buddy brew syrups are amazzzing. You can also get vanilla bean coffee floats. The prices are cheaper than Starbucks and the quality is better.

They have super cute and comfortable outdoor seating with room away from other people so you don’t listen to other conversations and have your space.

We ended up coming back here a few mornings for coffee and would walk downtown to look at cute shops and craft fair that was going on at the time.

Unconditional Surrender Sculpture

US broke out in celebration of Japan’s unconditional surrender. A sailor grabbed and kissed this nurse and this sculpture is a re-creation of that photo.

If you come to Sarasota you should definitely get a picture by the Sculpture.

Restaurants: Sarasota’s best

Daquiri Deck

Sooooo many daiquiris to choose from. They have a happy hour as well and you can take home a souvenir cup. I ordered the shrimp tacos and it was incredible.

Shore

we went for brunch and the food was so tasty. Best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had in my life.

Yoders

(So sorry I don’t have a picture for this one)
The Amish know how to make their food. If you are super hungry and wanting a meal that screams homemade, Yoders is the place to go.

The Amish community is wonderful. The people are polite, the Yoders gift shop is adorable and has unique gifts. The Big Olaf Creamery has to be on your list to try. Their ice creams and yogurts are hand mixed by the Amish. The ice cream is so creamy and a perfect way to end the day, especially on a hot day.

Breakfast House

The people here are so nice and are helpful to people in the community. Great atmosphere, people and food. Come in the morning but be sure to get here early because sometimes there is a line.

Gilligan’s Island In Siesta Key Village

Wonderful apps here. My niece and I split a couple because they are very filling. We shared the loaded nachos and we couldn’t devour even half of it because it was so large. They also have live music often. Fun atmosphere and great apps.

Chalk Festival

Sarasota is such a creative and artsy place. While we were there in April, it was chalk festival. We got to see amazing chalk art. For me, it was inspiring and reminded me to go get creative in my own art.

I think that about wraps it up. Sarasota has so many creative events that they do. It's worth finding out when and planning a trip out to experience it. Click To TweetThe laid back atmosphere, friendly people and sunny weather make it one of the best places to visit.

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