Holiday rentals and lettings in Sarasota

Soak up the sun on Sarasota’s gorgeous sandy beaches and treat yourself to exquisite restaurants, enriching cultural activities, shopping districts of all kinds and lush, tropical gardens. Beach lovers should choose from holiday rentals on one of the keys that just out into the ocean, such as Longboat Key. If you are keen to be close to the main sights and activities of Sarasota, stay on the mainland in the downtown area. For a quieter, more laid-back vacation, but within driving distance of the sights, there are some lovely lettings in the communities south of Sarasota, such as Nokomis or Venice.

Space is the buzzword for lettings in Sarasota. Voluminous houses with large outdoor living spaces and impressive swimming pools are the order of the day. Many holiday rentals in the keys are wooden structures with a Caribbean-esque feel, perfectly suited both to larger families and smaller groups.

The laid-back keys to the west of the downtown area are home to the city's best beaches and its lovely waterways. They are the number one stop for many visitors to Sarasota, as well as being a great place to stay. The downtown area on the mainline is busy and vibrant and great for a night out, with mouth-watering restaurants and bars galore. Shopaholics will love the variety and mix of chain and independent shops.

Longboat Key is the northernmost key, with 12 miles of beautiful coastline at your service. Lesser known Lido key stands out for its tranquillity and super laid-back attitude. Siesta Key to the south boasts Siesta Beach, which is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. Finally, Manasota Key offers sand dunes and mangroves that appeal to nature lovers.

Known as Florida's Cultural Coast, Sarasota County has a wealth of museums, art galleries and performing art venues. The newest addition to the cultural landscape in the city is the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, which boasts with transformative and pioneering exhibitions designed “to elevate and empower all by cultivating discerning visual thinkers and ethical citizens.” Don’t miss the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which offers an outstanding collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, which offers one-of-a-kind classics, including John Lennon's 1965 Mercedes Benz, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre, which stages well-known classics to edgy contemporary works.

For family activities, Sarasota has you covered. At Sarasota's Marine Research Institute, the family can get up close to marine life such as sharks, sea turtles and dolphins in a safe environment. At TreeUmph, your kids can get their adrenaline pumping as they climb, swing, and zipline through the treetops of this dazzling aerial adventure park. For younger children, the Children's Garden is a whimsical, garden playground with a fairy garden, pirate ship, dragon, a giant chessboard, maze, and a butterfly garden. Just three of many wonderful activities awaiting your family in this dynamic city!

An urban oasis on Sarasota Bay. This large and absolutely gorgeous botanical garden boasts the most diverse collection of bromeliads in the world.

The island of Siesta Key in the resplendent Gulf of Mexico boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country. It is also home to Siesta Key Village, brimming with restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors, and much more.

The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a safe haven for big, exotic cats. Don’t miss the Ligers, a cross between a lion and a tiger!

Central Sarasota Farmers Market is the place to go for fruits and veg at great prices, locally made soaps, jams, breads, pasta, candles, clothing ... and so much more. It is a colourful place, great for people watching and chatting with the locals!

A must-visit for nature lovers, these wetlands are home to large numbers of alligators and armadillos. A magnet for fans of canoeing, kayaking and fishing, it also draws hikers with its 40 miles of trails, including one walkway suspended 8 metres above the ground!