You can't talk about Sarasota without talking about the Ringling Museum Complex. It's a 66-acre estate—the former home of the circus baron—that features the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum complete with a stunning re-creation (at 1/12th scale) of the entire Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Ca d'Zan, Ringling's extravagant winter home. Then, take a break from the circus of life at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Your inner florist will be dazzled by the largest scientific collection of orchids and bromeliads in the world.
Sure, Sarasota is bright and beachy, but there's enough here to keep you occupied even if you're allergic to sand. Book a Sarasota vacation rental near the city center and you'll have easy access to fine restaurants, bustling bars, and boutique shops. In the evening, you'll find visitors and locals alike taking in concerts, theater, and comedy shows at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Asolo Repertory Theatre. When it's time to give your beach towel a workout, make your way to the beaches on Lido Key and Siesta Key and soak up some sun.
Situated in a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters, Sarasota has a little something for everyone, weather-wise. In winter, expect clear skies and temps in the 60s and 70s. In summer, things get dramatic in more ways than one. High temperatures hang around the 90s in July and August, the city is filled with beach-loving visitors, and it's hurricane season. Look for a Sarasota vacation rental with air conditioning, get ready to make friends, and check local forecasts. In spring and fall, the streets are less crowded and the weather is still fine.
Your Sarasota vacation rental is in a city that's almost 50% water, so take advantage of the wetland wildlife all around you. Nature cruises depart from the coast or the keys and take you toward the manatees and dolphins gliding by in Sarasota Bay. Self-guided nature lovers can pilot their kayaks through the bays, estuaries, and narrow rivers shaded by mangrove trees. Southeast of Sarasota is Myakka River State Park, where a kayak tour can bring you within sight of sea birds and close (but not too close!) to hundreds of alligators.
Fly into Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.), the closest airport, located 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is 30.1 mi (48.5 km) away.
Sarasota is filled with unique attractions for children of all ages. Vacation rentals are available near places like Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, an aquatic animal park with a stingray touch tank and shark tank, and Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a historic attraction with diverse wildlife in tropical habitats. Kids will also like Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, an animal sanctuary with big cats and other species with seasonal tours.
The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful locations in Sarasota make it perfect for a couple’s retreat. Vacation homes can be found near romantic locations like the Sarasota Opera House, an ornate performance venue with rare opera shows, and Bayfront Park, a waterfront parkland with a promenade, tiki bar, and dramatic views of the water. You'll also enjoy the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, a cheerful gallery with contemporary paintings, sculptures, and other artwork.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 7,589 vacation rentals around Sarasota. From 3,304 house rentals to 4,020 condo and apartment rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.
Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Sarasota:
For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
Vrbo offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Sarasota. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Sarasota listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
Yes, of course. Vrbo has 3,304 Houses in Sarasota. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Sarasota include:
But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Cottages and more.
Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 5,735 vacation rentals with pool available in Sarasota. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.