My go-to spots across Sarasota's barrier islands — the best beaches, beach-bar classics, and St. Armands Circle stops, all open and back in action after the 2024 storms.
Map
The powdery quartz sand really does stay cool underfoot — grab a spot near the main pavilion and stay for sunset.
Siesta Beach
Quieter than the main public beach, with the same white sand and calm Gulf water.
Crescent Beach
Low-key south-end beach that's great for shelling and shark-tooth hunting away from the crowds.
Turtle Beach Park
Sunday-morning stroll for local produce, kettle corn, and island-made goods right in the Village.
Siesta Key Farmers Market
SKOB is the Village anchor — get a dozen oysters and a cold beer on the patio with live music.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Order the famous Salty Dog — a quarter-pound beer-battered hot dog — and a frozen drink; it's been a Siesta icon since 1986.
The Old Salty Dog Siesta Key
Go for a frozen daiquiri from the rooftop and some grouper bites while you people-watch Ocean Blvd.
Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village
The biggest tiki bar in Sarasota — thatched roof, live bands, and a mean market fish sandwich.
Gilligan's Island Bar & Grill
The dress-up dinner in the Village — lush tropical setting and a solid steak or fresh catch.
Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood
Elevated Italian for date night — hit the 5–6:30 bar happy hour and try one of their bourbon flights.
Cafe Gabbiano
Easy tacos and margaritas after the beach, with live music most nights.
The Hub Baja Grill
Part fish market, part casual café — the fish tacos and grouper sandwich are as fresh as it gets.
Big Water Fish Market
Order the award-winning clam chowder and peel-and-eat shrimp at this old-school island hangout.
Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar
Family-run breakfast-and-lunch spot for a big omelet before hitting the beach.
Village Cafe
The locals' morning coffee stop — grab an iced latte to go on your way to the sand.
Mojo Risin' Coffee Co.
Warm made-to-order mini donuts with cinnamon sugar — perfect beach-morning fuel.
Meaney's Mini Donuts & Coffee House
Craft martinis and live music nightly on the patio, with 3.14 Pi Pizza next door if you get hungry.
The Blasé Martini Bar & 3.14 Pi Pizza
Wide, renourished beach with a pavilion, pool, and concessions — easy and family-friendly.
Lido Key Beach
A quieter, more natural stretch north of the pavilion that's great for long walks and sunsets.
North Lido Beach
Book a guided kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels — you'll often spot manatees and rays.
Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach
Stroll the palm-lined circle of boutiques and galleries, then grab a drink in one of the courtyards.
St. Armands Circle
Sarasota's oldest restaurant — order the tableside 1905 Salad and a Cuban sandwich or paella.
Columbia Restaurant
Casual tropical spot for fish tacos and a rum drink on the patio.
Cha Cha Coconuts
Serving since 1978 — go for the 4–6pm happy hour and a stone crab or seafood tower when in season.
Crab & Fin Restaurant
Best breakfast on the Circle — big pancakes and omelets before a beach day.
Blue Dolphin Cafe
Walk the Circle with a waffle cone and watch them make fudge in the window.
Kilwins Ice Cream - Chocolate - Fudge
The reborn Le Colonne — get the lobster ravioli (ravioli aragosta).
