Andy’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Among other things a great history of the circus.
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdAmong other things a great history of the circus.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StTypically beautiful exhibits e.g orchids
Great for all ages - A gigantic fish tank with tarpon, and wonderful exhibit on sea turtles.
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyGreat for all ages - A gigantic fish tank with tarpon, and wonderful exhibit on sea turtles.
Consistently ranked as the number one beach in the country, great for a long beach walk - during the evening can often see dolphins and witness spectacular sunsets.
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
Consistently ranked as the number one beach in the country, great for a long beach walk - during the evening can often see dolphins and witness spectacular sunsets.
Fun to bring down the sun on Sundays and listen to locals play drums.
62 locals recommend
Siesta Key Drum Circle
948 Beach RdFun to bring down the sun on Sundays and listen to locals play drums.
You will likely see alligators here - Lots of walking trails as well.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72You will likely see alligators here - Lots of walking trails as well.
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State ParkBeautiful, and shaded walking paths, old Florida.
Food scene
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirLots of nice restaurants and shopping.
A beautiful restaurant right on the way with nice views, and great food.
64 locals recommend
Ophelia's on the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass RdA beautiful restaurant right on the way with nice views, and great food.
Open relatively late, and lots of good italian food that can be shared family style e.g meatballs, arancini, pizza...
68 locals recommend
Clasico Cafe Bar
1341 Main StOpen relatively late, and lots of good italian food that can be shared family style e.g meatballs, arancini, pizza...
Outdoor seating is good, but the upstairs has a terrific view of Sarasota Bay, and its turquoise water.
74 locals recommend
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
412 Gulf of Mexico DrOutdoor seating is good, but the upstairs has a terrific view of Sarasota Bay, and its turquoise water.
A great place just up the road to pick up fresh fish to grill at home - it's also a restaurant, but can be a scene, hard to get seating.
150 locals recommend
Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami TrailA great place just up the road to pick up fresh fish to grill at home - it's also a restaurant, but can be a scene, hard to get seating.
Fine dining - Excellent food, service, and usually a wonderful piano player.
31 locals recommend
Michael's On East
1212 S East AveFine dining - Excellent food, service, and usually a wonderful piano player.
Sardinia Restaurant
5770 S Tamiami TrailVery good, and authentic Italian food, not far from the Haven.
Classic boat bar water with great views - Nothing fancy, bar food, but it's the view you're going for...
80 locals recommend
The Old Salty Dog City island
1601 Ken Thompson PkwyClassic boat bar water with great views - Nothing fancy, bar food, but it's the view you're going for...
A beautiful place that's a bit of a drive from the Have, but you did your feet in the water while having a drink and sitting a chair - Great food with beautiful shaded area...
88 locals recommend
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant
760 Broadway StA beautiful place that's a bit of a drive from the Have, but you did your feet in the water while having a drink and sitting a chair - Great food with beautiful shaded area...
Imagine having a nice Italian dinner in an art studio. Artist paint while you dine, and you can buy any of the artwork that catches your eye.
8 locals recommend
Cafe Barbosso
5501 Palmer Crossing CirImagine having a nice Italian dinner in an art studio. Artist paint while you dine, and you can buy any of the artwork that catches your eye.
Baker & Wife
2157 Siesta DrVeronicas Fish and Oyster bar
1830 S Osprey AveLocal shop
Cool board shop with rare nike's from the SB collection and also a fly shop - fishing charters available from here.
Compound Boardshop
3604 S Osprey AveCool board shop with rare nike's from the SB collection and also a fly shop - fishing charters available from here.
Best pizza IMHO
Malmosto
The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar
543 S Pineapple Ave