5 Ways Sarasota’s Coastal Lifestyle is Unlike Any Other

October 4, 2022 | Read Time: 5 minutes

Located off the Gulf Coast of Mexico, the vibrant city of Sarasota, Florida fosters a strong sense of community by celebrating coastal lifestyles year-round. Home to world-class beaches and magnificent Sarasota Bay, waterfront living entices many people to relocate to this desirable location. Inspiring people to approach life with a spirit of adventure, discover why the locals cherish this coveted coastal lifestyle.

1. Direct Access to Pristine Beaches

Sarasota has an international reputation for its breathtaking beaches. Renowned for their beauty, these beaches have pristine white sand and beautiful turquoise-clear waters that make locals want to dive in and explore. The beach of North Lido Key has a reputation for its peaceful seclusion. This quaint beach is maintained in its natural state and is home to many shore birds, ideal for those looking for a natural oasis within a scenic paradise. Popular for its beachside amenities is Lido Beach. Less than half a mile south of St. Armands Circle, this beach has a plethora of amenities that enhance visitors’ beach experiences. Concessions, restrooms, heated swimming pool, observation deck and umbrella and chair rentals are all available directly on the beach. In addition to relaxing on picturesque shoreline, locals are often found surfing, swimming, searching for seashells and turtle watching during summer months when baby turtles are hatched. Discover all that these gorgeous Florida beaches less than a 5-minute drive from Peninsula Sarasota via the John Ringling Causeway.

2. Numerous Watersport Activities Accessible By Landmark Marinas

Just a short stroll or drive along the waterfront brings you to two of Sarasota’s biggest landmark marinas – Hart’s Landing and Marina Jack. A combined transient dock, historic bait shop and general store, Hart’s Landing offers a variety of features that enhance waterfront living. Encouraging the spirit of adventure, the charming marina has a wide menu of activities and gear available for rent, including fishing charters, sightseeing tours and fishing pole and kayak rentals. The premier boater’s gathering place, Marina Jack is the quintessential marina specializing in transient dockage and houses 3 waterfront restaurants. The marina itself charters sightseeing and sunset dinner cruises, ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in vivid Florida scenery. With additional pontoons, jet skis and ski boats available for rent, locals enjoy a day of adventure on Sarasota Bay with the best of watersports.

3. World-Class Fishing at Your Fingertips

Whether you are heading out onto the water recreation or for sport, Sarasota is a hotspot for fishing. With a wide variety of locations such as bayside mangrove forests or deep-sea offshore waters, the waterways are teeming with all different types of wildlife. Grouper, snook, snapper and tarpon are several among many fish that are found in these tropical waters. Taking full advantage of the thriving fishing scene, locals are often found fishing from piers, kayaks, boats and even the shoreline of gorgeous Sarasota beaches. Between booking a sport fishing charter for a deep-sea adventure or leisurely fishing along one of Sarasota’s laid-back piers, the fishing scene in Sarasota is truly like no other.

4. Waterfront Restaurants with Picturesque Views

Home to a plethora of five-star dining venues, the Sarasota area celebrates culinary excellence. Enjoy the best of fine dining with restaurants placed directly on the waterfront. Located on Longboat Key, the high-end Chart House provides extensive menus for dinners, desserts happy hours, wines and more. Overlooking the gorgeous Sarasota Bay, guests can indulge in exquisite dining while enjoying unparalleled views. The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill has some of the best al fresco waterfront dining in all of Sarasota. With tables situated directly off Sarasota Bay, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. The Ritz-Carlton property in Sarasota prides itself in several fine dining venues including signature restaurant, Jack Dusty, and beachfront restaurant, Ridley’s Porch. Directly overlooking a Sarasota Bay marina in Downtown Sarasota, Jack Dusty creates innovative dishes with fresh ingredients, local seafood and craft cocktails and microbrews. The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club houses Ridley’s Porch, with broad menus and an airy coastal ambiance, this fine dining venue is complimented by the tropical views of the Gulf of Mexico. Elevate the fine dining experience by relishing in picturesque views.

5. Experience The Dynamic Arts & Cultural Scene

With so much natural beauty surrounding the area, Sarasota is an art lover’s dream. There are so many art exhibits and festivals throughout the city. St. Armands Circle hosts an art festival every year, exhibiting local and national art of all mediums in gallery style-booths. Local art enthusiasts find themselves looking forward to the Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts on Main Street. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this upcoming year, the festival spans over 5 city blocks and hosts over 200 artists, earning its spot as one of the top 100 art festivals in the nation. Inspired by the natural scenery, this renowned city has also developed a thriving culture scene, with vibrant and lively outdoor concerts and festivals. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts Friday Fest, a once-a-month outdoor concert series right on the Bay. Showcasing local talent from the area, the festival has a wide variety of food trucks and drink stations, inspiring residents to come enjoy live entertainment on the Van Wezel lawn. Bayfront Park hosts a variety of festivals along with other local-favorite activities, including yoga on the lawn and holiday events such as the Fourth of July Spectacular, complete with bayfront fireworks. Cultural events and coastal living create the authentic Sarasota ambiance.

Original Content Courtesy of Peninsula Sarasota