Miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico shoreline in the Sarasota, Bradenton area beckon visitors and residents alike. We have some of the most beautiful and top-rated beaches in the world. Six islands line the Sarasota coastline: Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Venice, Manasota Key, and Casey Key.
See Visit Sarasota for a detailed list of all beaches and public access points.
Bradenton boasts the barrier island of Anna Maria, with the white sand Coquina and Manatee beaches. Check out My Manatee to explore beaches and waterfront parks.
Opportunities to hit the links in the Sarasota Bradenton area are plentiful. Golf Advisor lists more than 100 golf courses in this region. While living in fabulous golf communities in Pinehurst, NC, and Hot Springs, VA, I gained an appreciation for the history, enjoyment, and challenge of golf. Playing Pinehurst #2 and The Cascades at The Homestead certainly prepared me for playing golf in venues around the world but I was especially surprised that my mountain golf experience would come in handy while playing at the amazing new Streamsong Resort north of Sarasota. Those courses certainly dispel the myth that all Florida courses are flat!
I’m making it a personal goal to try to play as many of the 100+ golf courses in the area; have played 15 so far. Here’s the problem with my lofty goal: There is so much to do and see and experience in Sarasota beyond Golf and Gulf and I want to do it all. There are simply not enough hours in the day! No doubt playing golf and enjoying the beach are two of my favorite past times but what makes Sarasota such a vibrant, exciting community is the abundance and variety of other ‘things to do and see’ – experience museums, theaters, opera, orchestra, ballet, lecture series, music festivals, food festivals, wine festivals, comedy clubs, boat races, botanical gardens, aquariums, farmers markets. Walk the Ringling Bridge, bike the Legacy Trail, hike the Celery Fields. Boat, fish, kayak, paddleboard. Enjoy diverse, delicious dining. Shop till you drop. Volunteer; there are umpteen ways you can give back and make a difference. Endless opportunities exist for enriching and enlightening experiences - making Sarasota a very special place to call home.
Would love to hear from you! If you've been to Sarasota, or live in the area, what are your favorite things to do here?
Stay tuned for a series of posts on all Sarasota has to offer beyond the Golf and the Gulf.
