7-Day Expert Itinerary for Sarasota, Florida

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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