Welcome to Downtown Sarasota
A beautiful, lively, and culture-rich community in Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is an upbeat town with exciting nightlife, great food, and warm, happy residents. People have often referred to this town as the cultural epicenter of Sarasota, thanks to its theater scene, an opera house, and plenty of art galleries. On top of this, Downtown is close to Sarasota Bay and Marina. Most entertainment options are only a short walk away, and you’ll be able to discover some neighborhood gems as you wander through the city’s charming streets.
What to Love
- Rich art scene
- Plenty of activities and festivals, including an opera house and theaters
- A vibrant, warm, and happy community
- Many quaint cafes and trendy upscale restaurants
Local Lifestyle
Lively is one word to describe downtown Sarasota. This charming town is a mixture of single-family homes, townhouses, and bayfront condominiums. The residents from downtown are happy, enthusiastic folks interested in arts, opera, and plays. Although Downtown Sarasota is upbeat, it's also a little laid back, thanks to its walkable town where you can stroll through the many shopping establishments or enjoy a quiet afternoon watching the sun go down. You'll also find various nature trails, parks, and beaches where you can enjoy more calm and relaxation.
One thing you will love about Downtown is the overall ambiance and warm tropical climate. Everything in this part of Sarasota is only a stone's throw away from your home. You can easily access the eateries, entertainment options such as galleries, pubs, or theaters, and the local gardens to soak in all of Downtown's flora.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Sarasota's Downtown has a unique dining culture featuring a combination of farm-table bistros, modern sushi joints, upscale cocktail bars, and polished seafood restaurants. Owen's Fish Camp is one of the most popular joints to enjoy freshly caught fish and oysters. BOCA is the place to try out if you are craving fresh farm-to-fork classic meals accompanied by wine from BOCA's extensive wine list. Conversely, Selva Grill is an elegant restaurant to enjoy Peruvian dishes and admirable cocktails for evenings out. Italian food lovers can find solace in the family-owned Italian restaurant Flavio's on Main.
If you prefer home-cooked meals, then Sarasota's Downtown Farmers market will be a welcome sight. The farmers market is open on Saturdays from 7.00 am— 1.00 pm. It attracts more than 500,000 people each year, and you will be spoiled for choice thanks to more than 80 vendors selling homemade pasta, seafood, and organic fruits and vegetables.
Things to Do
Given its lively nature, there is always something to do in Downtown Sarasota. For example, you can take a stroll through the beloved Marie Selby Gardens. This popular botanical garden in Sarasota exhibits some of Florida's best flora. Another option would be Ann Goldstein's Children's rainforest Garden for families with children. You can also enjoy Ken Thompson Park for a relaxed afternoon or early morning run.
The Sarasota Opera House is another must-visit in the town. Opening its doors in 1984, the Sarasota Opera House has become a Downtown staple and a well-loved entertainment spot. This opera house is the place to visit if you are looking for opera, classical ballet, music concerts, and film festivals.
Finally, art enthusiasts will find Downtown a haven sprinkled with interesting art galleries. Palm Avenue is one of the most well-known art spots and has been christened 'Gallery Row' thanks to its abundance of art galleries.
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