Welcome to Downtown Sarasota
A trendy neighborhood with delicious dining, fabulous shopping, and outstanding entertainment
Downtown Sarasota is a vibrant Florida neighborhood full of energy and charm. Surrounded by Sarasota Bay, this vibrant district is full of places to eat, shop, and attend with friends. Many families and professionals belong to the community, drawn in by its down-to-earth atmosphere and unique attractions. Properties throughout its tree-lined streets are well-maintained and up-to-date, offering many high-rise condominiums with luxurious features and scenic views.
From scenic parks to delicious eateries to high-end shops, Downtown Sarasota has it all. Its abundance of galleries, theaters, and museums keep things exciting all year-round, while its festive seasonal traditions add even more spark to the neighborhood. The rich historical heritage of the region adds character to the neighborhood, with several local buildings appearing on the National Register of Historic Places. Considered by many to be one of Florida’s most desirable communities, Downtown Sarasota is a lovely place to live.
What to Love
- Music venues, comedy clubs, and art galleries
- A vibrant neighborhood with a trendy atmosphere
- Delicious restaurants and scrumptious eateries
- A prime location with close proximity to beaches
- Fabulous shopping with high-end stores
- Seasonal festivals and exciting events
Local Lifestyle
Life in Downtown Sarasota is fun and upbeat. Residents have everything they need within the neighborhood without ever having to stray too far from home, and there’s never a dull moment thanks to its phenomenal facilities and amazing venues. The community enjoys a high quality of life and most people lead an active lifestyle in its fast-paced environment.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Sarasota has hip establishments to explore at every turn. The walkable district has no shortage of delicious restaurants in its culinary scene, and there are awesome entertainment options as well. One of the hottest places to dine in the neighborhood is Mattison’s City Grille. It frequently hosts musical guests and serves an innovative menu of dishes with many international influences, making it a go-to eatery that is just as trendy as it is delicious. Marina Jack is another fantastic spot to enjoy a meal. With gorgeous waterfront views and the opportunity to book a sightseeing cruise right from dinner, this coastal gem attracts guests from all over the state. For a live show, there are incredible options to choose from in the community. Phenomenal musical performances by acclaimed artists take place at Sarasota Opera House, and hilarious stand-up comedy acts can be seen at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre.
The shopping scene in downtown Sarasota is equally wonderful and offers loads of options to residents. An extensive array of stores appear throughout the neighborhood, carrying everything from electronics to clothing to home decor. There are plenty of supermarkets and pharmacies for groceries and convenience, and locals love visiting the Sarasota Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisan goods. For those looking to venture slightly outside the community, fabulous retail centers can be reached within minutes. The Crossings at Siesta Key have a high-end selection of businesses to explore, and the spectacular St. Armand’s Circle features an enormous directory of stores as well as events, spas, and restaurants.
Things to Do
There’s never a shortage of exciting things to do for residents and visitors of Downtown Sarasota. Lively festivities are always being added to the city’s calendar of events, and several vibrant areas provide perfect settings to spend an afternoon exploring and basking in the region’s rich culture. Art enthusiasts adore Palm Avenue for its impressive selection of galleries. Nicknamed “Gallery Row” by locals, it holds art walks on the first Friday of every month that is always a pleasure to attend. Burns Court is an awesome place to stroll through for history lovers, known for its artisan shops, vintage boutiques, and old buildings.
Schools
Residents of Downtown Sarasota have a blend of public and private schools to choose from. Students attend the Sarasota County School District, which is widely recognized across the state for its commitment to academic achievement.
