The Sarasota Waterfront

The western edge of downtown Sarasota sports a thriving waterfront that engages locals and enchants visitors. The economy runs full-throttle, the natives are happy, and vacationers dream about making this Florida city their new home. Great shopping, exciting entertainment and outstanding restaurants make Sarasota a favorite destination for snow birds and seasoned southerners. Beautiful architecture and historic avenues stretch along the white sandy shoreline, and a short boat ride across the bay leads to a string of idyllic keys. Sports fans, art connoisseurs and true romantics all find something to love on the Sarasota waterfront.

Shopping adventures abound along historic South Palm Avenue, and the variety includes fashion forays and discovering fine home furnishings. Antique lovers browse rare collectibles at the Coco Palm Gallery and stretch their legs across heirloom carpets at Art to Walk On. A wonderful assortment of galleries and boutiques showcase home decor, original art and designer clothing. When it’s time to relax, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provide an oasis of tranquility and tropical beauty. From languid walks along the palm-lined avenue to pampered time at the Ana Molinari Salon and Spa, relaxing is as easy as shopping in the downtown waterfront area.

Sarasota’s dining opportunities are suited for every taste in cuisine and style. Gourmet pub grub is the speciality at the Sportspage Bar and Grille along with the latest games on giant TV screens. Families enjoy making ice cream parlor dreams come true at Cafe Epicure. The warm kitchen of Caragiulos specializes in delicious Italian-American cuisine served with the cozy comfort of family tradition. After-dinner entertainment stretches from the sparkling club scene to the Sarasota Opera or an evening at the Players Theatre. The downtown Sarasota waterfront is a special area that combines big-city excitement with the charms of a small town. It’s no wonder that everyone finds something to love here.