Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Expert Itinerary for Sarasota, Florida

Viewed by 196 travelers

Day 1: Explore Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Toasted Mango Cafe

Kick off your Sarasota adventure with a hearty breakfast featuring their famous Mango Waffles and freshly brewed coffee.
Located downtown, easily reachable by car.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Ringling

Explore the beautiful estate and museums dedicated to the circus and art.
A 10-minute drive from the cafe.
USD25, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village

Enjoy a delicious homemade Amish lunch such as the famous Fried Chicken.
A quick 15-minute drive from The Ringling.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Take in the stunning gardens and view the beautiful Sarasota Bay.
Drive 10 minutes from Yoder's.
USD20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Siesta Key Beach

End the day with some sun and sand at one of the best beaches in the U.S.
Only a 15-minute drive from the gardens.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Beach Club

Savor a beachfront dinner with fresh seafood as the sun sets.
Located on Siesta Key, easily accessible from the beach.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sarasota

Day 2: Day at Siesta Key

Siesta Key, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Sun Garden Cafe

Enjoy classic American breakfast with a tropical twist.
A short drive from your accommodations on Siesta Key.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kayaking at Siesta Key

Paddle through the crystal-clear waters and explore the mangroves.
Rented kayaks are available nearby.
USD30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Captain Kurt's

Taste their famous conch fritters and other casual seafood options.
Easily walk or drive from the kayaking spot.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Siesta Key Village Exploration

Browse boutiques and shops while enjoying the local beachy vibe.
A short walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Beach Volleyball at Siesta Key Beach

Join in on a game or enjoy the sun while lounging on the beach.
Right on the beach; bring your gear or use rentals.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Old Salty Dog

Try the renowned Salty Dog and soak up the casual beach atmosphere.
Easily reachable by car along the coast.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Siesta Key

Day 3: Longboat Key Leisure

Longboat Key, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pigeon Key

Start your day with a coffee and pastries at this quaint spot known for its baked goods.
A short drive from Siesta Key.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Immerse yourself in local art and cultural exhibitions.
Just 10 minutes away by car.
USD10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Cycling along the Longboat Key bike trail

Enjoy the scenic bike path with breathtaking views of the Gulf.
Bikes can be rented nearby.
USD20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant

Relish a meal by the water featuring fresh fish dishes.
Drive 10 minutes from the bike rental.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at a Longboat Key Beach

Unwind under the sun, swim or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Many access points along Longboat Key.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lazy Lobster

End your day with a delicious lobster tail and live music.
Located just off Gulf of Mexico Drive.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Longboat Key

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Myakka River State Park, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Serving Spoon

Fuel up with a classic Southern breakfast—try their homemade biscuits.
A 30-minute drive from Longboat Key.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Exploring Myakka River State Park

Explore the expansive park with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Drive towards Myakka River State Park, which is about 30 minutes away.
USD6, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Myakka River Outpost

Enjoy a casual meal with stunning views overlooking the river.
Located inside the park.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Airboat tour on Myakka Lake

Get a thrill and spot alligators and birds on this exciting airboat ride.
Tours depart from within the park.
USD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the park

Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings or go for a short hike.
Explore more trails at your leisure.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Sarasota

Drive back to Sarasota after a full day of adventure.
30-minute drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe L'Europe

Tonight, enjoy a fine dining experience with exquisite dishes in a classic European style setting.
Located in downtown Sarasota.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Myakka River State Park

Day 5: Relaxation and Culture

Lido Key, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lido Beach Renewal

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast smoothie and acai bowl by the beach.
Drive to Lido Key, only a 15-minute trip from downtown Sarasota.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Lido Key Beach

Spend a leisurely morning soaking in the sun on this beautiful beach.
Walking distance from the breakfast spot.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Lido Key Tiki Bar

Enjoy catchy tunes and tasty tiki cocktails with your beach lunch.
Located directly on Lido Beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Get acquainted with marine life and learn about conservation efforts.
A 10-minute drive from the Tiki Bar.
USD30, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore St. Armands Circle

Browse the shops and art galleries surrounding this bustling hub.
Just a 5-minute drive from Mote Marine.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Capital Grille

Dine at this upscale steakhouse for a taste of exquisite culinary creations.
Located near St. Armands Circle.
USD75, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lido Key

Day 6: Island Adventure

Anna Maria Island, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ginny's & Jane E's

Enjoy pancakes and fresh coffee in this charming cafe with a local vibe.
A 30-minute drive from Sarasota.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Anna Maria Island Beaches

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing on the island’s beautiful beaches.
Access points are available along the coast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sandbar Restaurant

Savor a meal with a view overlooking the beach and waves crashing.
Located on Anna Maria Island's shoreline.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum

Learn about the island’s history and the rich seaside culture.
A short drive from the restaurant.
USD5, 1 hour

3:30PM

Kayak rental and exploration

Rent a kayak and paddle through the beautiful waters around the island.
Kayaks are available for rent nearby.
USD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant

End the day with dinner overlooking the bay, enjoying fresh seafood and cocktails.
Located at the northern tip of the island.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Anna Maria Island

Day 7: Final Day in Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggceptioal

Indulge in a creative egg-based breakfast before heading out to explore more.
Located downtown, about 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sarasota’s Art District

Explore the array of art galleries and shops filled with local art.
A quick drive or Uber from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion

Take a tour of the stunning mansion, inspired by Venetian architecture.
A 5-minute drive from the art district.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Trendy Cafe

Grab a casual bite featuring unique sandwiches and salads.
Located nearby the mansion.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Take a Scenic Boat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, soaking up views of the bay.
Boats dock a short drive from the cafe.
USD35, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure Dinner at Shore Dinners

Reflect on your charming journey over a farewell dinner by the waterfront.
Located back in Sarasota.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sarasota
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Sarasota

4-Day Trip to Sarasota
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Sarasota, Florida (April)
Packing List
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Sarasota Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go