If you’re looking to pick your next vacation destination, then look no further than Sarasota, Florida. This Southwest Florida coastal town has culture, beauty, and an abundance of vacation rentals so you can enjoy your stay in style. Here are just a few reasons to fall in love with Sarasota, Florida.

1. Sarasota is in a prime location

 You’re about two hours from Orlando if you want to hit the theme parks, 90 minutes from ritzy Naples, and about an hour from Tampa.

2. Sarasota’s beaches are award-winning. 

Ever heard of Siesta Key? Not only is “Siesta Key” the name of an MTV reality show, but Siesta Key Beach also has been named as a #1 beach by both Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor and a #11 beach in the world by TripAdvisor. You can credit its quartz sand and turquoise water for these high honors.

3. If you enjoy the arts, you’ll never run out of things to do.

Sarasota is sometimes called the Cultural Coast because it has so many theaters, art galleries, and museums. 

4. Speaking of museums, Sarasota is home to The Ringling. 

The Ringling is a world-class museum with European and Asian art as well as a circus museum. Why a circus museum? As you may have guessed by its name, The Ringling was the former property of circus magnate John Ringling. He and his wife Mable owned Ca’D’Zan, which also is part of The Ringling campus. It’s a must-see.

5. One of Florida’s most famous state parks is in Sarasota County. 

Myakka River State Park is home to literally thousands of alligators. See these famous Floridians on a boat tour, or explore the park’s many trails. 

6. Shop the day away at St. Armand’s Circle. 

St. Armand’s Circle is a shopping district shaped like a circle that’s full of restaurants, stores, and galleries. It also has a circular park-like area where special events are held throughout the year.

7. Sarasota has a proud foodie culture. 

Sarasota residents apparently like to eat, because the city is home to many eclectic and upscale restaurants. On the upscale side, you’ve got Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Burns Court Steak House, Capital Grille, and more. Eclectic local restaurants include Indigenous, Lila, and Rosemary & Thyme.

8. There’s a great farmers market in downtown Sarasota. 

Every Saturday year-round, the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market is held from 7 am to 1 pm. Featuring more than 70 vendors, the market is the place to be for fresh, Florida-grown produce, food vendors, crafts, and more. Sarasota has other farmers markets as well in Englewood, Venice, Phillippi Creek Park, and Lakewood Ranch.

9 You can hunt for sharks teeth. 

The town of Venice, located in Sarasota County, is considered the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. That’s because over millions of years, it’s become an area where shark teeth have washed ashore. Visitors to Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach arrive early in the morning with “Florida snow shovels” to search for small gray or black teeth. Occasionally, nearby divers looking for teeth still find a healthy-sized megalodon tooth.

There’s no shortage of what Sarasota has to offer. If you book a vacation rental in Sarasota, you’re bound to stay entertained.