Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Local Attractions

Explore Local Attractions Throughout Sarasota, FL

While there’s always something exciting happening at Castel Del Mare, you can make the most of your trip by visiting local attractions throughout Sarasota, FL, and Siesta Key. Whether you’re interested in treating yourself to some top-rated restaurants, searching for shopping, or want to browse beautiful art, there’s something for everyone. Our condo community is located near the corner of Stickney Point Rd. and Tamiami Trail on the bay side of the south bridge to Siesta Key, making many of the top destinations easily accessible to our owners and their guests. Learn more about the local area and make every moment matter by purchasing a unit and planning your next unforgettable vacation at the “gateway to the white sands of Siesta Key.”

Learn About the Local Keys

The Six Barrier Islands of Sarasota: Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Casey Key & Manasota Key. Six barrier islands hug Sarasota County’s 40 miles of coastline. The barrier islands, often called the “keys,” each have their own personality.

Fun Fact

Unlike the key, an island isn’t created by exposed elements but is defined by the relationship between water and land. Another factor that usually sets a key and island apart is the size of the landform. For instance, keys tend to be small and low-lying, while islands can be enormous. A key is a small, (sometimes only 100’s of feet) low-lying coral island. Like all coral islands, keys are the remnants of ancient coral reefs and accumulated sand, and many keys are still ringed by healthy reef ecosystems. Over time, the top of a coral reef is exposed to the surface. No trip to Florida is complete without basking in the warm sun and enjoying the calm waves at one of our world-renowned beaches. Luckily, our owners and their guests are just a short trip to some of the area’s most notable keys. Whether you enjoy relaxing by the beach or want to take an excursion, there’s always something exciting happening. Learn more about the local keys and beaches:

Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach is just a few minutes from Castel Del Mare and borders the Gulf of Mexico. It’s known for its soft sand and turquoise waters. There are numerous other local amenities and activities for you and your entire family to enjoy.

Turtle Beach

Visiting families love spending the day at Turtle Beach because of its beautiful beaches, parks, playground, and picnic areas. It’s also well known as a sea turtle nesting habitat.

Longboat Key

Longboat Key gets it’s name due to it’s long thin shape like a long boat. There is a small town and view homes down both sides. The beaches offer beautiful white sands, graceful sea oats, sparkling Gulf waters and refreshing breezes. Accessible by shallow boats at the north tip of Longboat Key, Beer Can Island offers a stunning place for picnics, parties, fishing, swimming and sunbathing.

Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle boasts over 130 different shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Schedule a guided tour to learn about the area’s rich history or simply relax after a long day shopping and eating in the central park.

Lido Key

Lido Key is located just north of Siesta Key and is home to Lido Beach. Its smooth sand and clear waters make it the ideal location for beachgoers. You can also find plenty of other activities, including paddleboarding, surfing, and more.

Bird Key

Bird Key is a barrier island in Sarasota Bay, south of the John Ringling Causeway, between mainland Sarasota and St. Armands Key. Originally a small barrier island connected to the Ringling Causeway by a tree lined causeway of its own, it was the home of John Ringling North, nephew of circus magnate John Ringling.

tennis court

Enjoy Local Flavors Throughout Sarasota

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat between activities or want a romantic sit-down dinner, there are plenty of options for every pallet. Choose from top-rated local diners or chain restaurants you and your family love. There are countless options available throughout Sarasota. Some of our favorites include the following:

  • Dutch Valley
  • LongHorn
  • Pho 101
  • Olive Garden
  • Florence and the Spice Boys
  • Tripletail Seafood & Spirits
  • Marina Jack’s
  • Bavaro’s Pizza
  • Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
  • Grillsmith Burgers
  • Duval’s Local Seafood
  • Abel’s Ice Cream

Other Local Attractions in Sarasota, FL

Of course, there is more to see in Sarasota than just the beaches. There are numerous shopping options and other local attractions throughout the area. These are some of the more commonly know destination points while here. But there are also many tour options to look for too.

  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens
  • Marie Selby Gardens
  • The Ringling Art Museum
  • The Ringling Circus Museum
  • John Ringling’s Home Ca’ d’Zan
  • Mote Marine Aquarium
  • Ed Smith Stadium (Summer home of the Baltimore Orioles)
  • The Sarasota Opera House
  • McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre
  • Murietta Museum of Art and Wimsy
  • Big Cat Habitat Rescue and Sanctuary
  • Myakka River State Park
  • Oscar Sherer State Park
  • Asolo Reparatory Theatre
  • Bayfront Park
  • The Unconditional Surrender Sculpture
  • Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Stores, Health Care & Home Services

There are a wide variety of stores and other services available throughout Sarasota and the surrounding area for our owners and their guests. At Castel Del Mare, we strive to help everyone enjoy their stay. Some suggestions include the following:

  • Urgent Care
  • Sarasota Memorial Hospital
  • Doctors Hospital
  • Katz Plumbing
  • Accelerated Waste Solutions
  • Unique Car Service of Sarasota
  • Primetime Limo
  • Dolphin transportation
  • AirTech
  • Shawn McCutcheon’s
  • Badger Bob’s
  • Publix
  • Target
  • Detweiler’s
  • Gordon Food Service
  • Walmart
  • UTC Mall
Back to the top