Goldenrod Homes Guidebook
Beaches
We recommend taking the route via 758 (Bee Ridge Rd) because it is typically less traffic. At the main public beach area, there is a large parking lot, playground, sand volleyball courts, shaded picnic areas, restrooms and showers, and a concession area. There are also other small accesses along Beach Road heading into Siesta Key Village. These have small parking areas but no amenities.
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Siesta Beach
We recommend taking the route via 758 (Bee Ridge Rd) because it is typically less traffic. At the main public beach area, there is a large parking lot, playground, sand volleyball courts, shaded picnic areas, restrooms and showers, and a concession area. There are also other small accesses along Beach Road heading into Siesta Key Village. These have small parking areas but no amenities.
You will need to go through downtown and over the Ringling Bridge to arrive on Lido Key. Due to construction of a traffic circle at the base of the bridge, traffic is a bit confusing in this area right now.
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Playa de Lido Key
400 Benjamin Franklin DrYou will need to go through downtown and over the Ringling Bridge to arrive on Lido Key. Due to construction of a traffic circle at the base of the bridge, traffic is a bit confusing in this area right now.
If you want to take your pups to the beach, this area offers a dog park and a beach where dogs are welcome. Be aware, the sand here is not like Siesta Key and can be hot on feet and paws.
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Brohard Paw Park
1850 Harbor Dr SIf you want to take your pups to the beach, this area offers a dog park and a beach where dogs are welcome. Be aware, the sand here is not like Siesta Key and can be hot on feet and paws.
Dining and Shopping
Lots of restaurants and beach shops to explore. We recommend checking out Califlorida Surf and Skate Shop (local brand and custom made skateboards), Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and Gilligan’s. There is a lot more to explore, but these are some of our favorites.
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Siesta Key Village
County Road 789 AlternateLots of restaurants and beach shops to explore. We recommend checking out Califlorida Surf and Skate Shop (local brand and custom made skateboards), Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and Gilligan’s. There is a lot more to explore, but these are some of our favorites.
While there are some typical beach shops here, this is a more upscale shopping and dining area.
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Saint Armands Circle
Saint Armands CircleWhile there are some typical beach shops here, this is a more upscale shopping and dining area.
There are a lot of locally owned delicious restaurants here and lots of little shops to explore. You can stay on the bayfront and dine at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar or Marina Jack’s and be on the waterfront. In downtown itself, there is everything from Asian, to Greek, to barbecue, to seafood, and eclectic seasonal menus. Most people will not be disappointed in the selection here. There are hotels with rooftop bars and views as well as smaller intimate venues.
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Downtown
There are a lot of locally owned delicious restaurants here and lots of little shops to explore. You can stay on the bayfront and dine at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar or Marina Jack’s and be on the waterfront. In downtown itself, there is everything from Asian, to Greek, to barbecue, to seafood, and eclectic seasonal menus. Most people will not be disappointed in the selection here. There are hotels with rooftop bars and views as well as smaller intimate venues.
This area is just a couple of blocks filled with locally owned restaurants and a few shops. You won’t see it off the main road, but there are a lot of delicious dining options and bars to hang out in that can be less crowded than the beach area.
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Gulf Gate Estates
This area is just a couple of blocks filled with locally owned restaurants and a few shops. You won’t see it off the main road, but there are a lot of delicious dining options and bars to hang out in that can be less crowded than the beach area.
More local dining and bars. We recommend Southside Deli for breakfast/lunch and Origin Craft Beer and Pizza for pizza, wings, and craft beers.
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Southside Village
More local dining and bars. We recommend Southside Deli for breakfast/lunch and Origin Craft Beer and Pizza for pizza, wings, and craft beers.
Parks and Playgrounds
This park is walking/biking distance and has paths around the lake and a playground area.
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Arlington Park Sarasota
2650 Waldemere StThis park is walking/biking distance and has paths around the lake and a playground area.
Bee Ridge Park
4430 S Lockwood Ridge RdThis is smaller than Arlington, but a bit closer and also has a playground area.
This is a larger playground park that was opened in the last couple of years. Last time I was here there was not a lot of shade, so I would recommend early morning playground time during hot weather.
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Payne Park
2010 Adams LnThis is a larger playground park that was opened in the last couple of years. Last time I was here there was not a lot of shade, so I would recommend early morning playground time during hot weather.
This park has a ¼ mile walking loop, children’s playground and water play area and is on the bayfront. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar is located at the entrance to this park.
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Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront DrThis park has a ¼ mile walking loop, children’s playground and water play area and is on the bayfront. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar is located at the entrance to this park.
Other Fun Things To Do in Sarasota
A “floating tropical island” with drinks and live music. They also offer nature watching cruises. We love the sunset cruise!
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LeBarge Tropical Cruises
2 Marina PlazaA “floating tropical island” with drinks and live music. They also offer nature watching cruises. We love the sunset cruise!
Come discover our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them at Mote Aquarium, which is located just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota.
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Laboratorio y Acuario Mote Marine
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyCome discover our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them at Mote Aquarium, which is located just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota.
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an ever-growing large-animal rescue in eastern Sarasota County. Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire, the non-profit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and works to educate the public about animal care and conservation.
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Hábitat de grandes felinos y santuario de la costa del Golfo
7101 Palmer BlvdBig Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an ever-growing large-animal rescue in eastern Sarasota County. Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire, the non-profit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and works to educate the public about animal care and conservation.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.
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Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdSarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.
Sarasota has been a circus town for many years. The Ringling circus wintered here. This museum has 3 parts: the museum of art, the circus museum, and Ca’d’Zan–John and Mabel Ringling’s mansion.
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The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdSarasota has been a circus town for many years. The Ringling circus wintered here. This museum has 3 parts: the museum of art, the circus museum, and Ca’d’Zan–John and Mabel Ringling’s mansion.
Sometimes it’s open mic night, sometimes it’s drag queen bingo, sometimes a burlesque show and sometimes it’s big name comics (Jon Lovitz, Lewis CK, Andrew Dice Clay); all times, it’s a good time.
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McCurdy's Comedy Theatre
1923 Ringling BlvdSometimes it’s open mic night, sometimes it’s drag queen bingo, sometimes a burlesque show and sometimes it’s big name comics (Jon Lovitz, Lewis CK, Andrew Dice Clay); all times, it’s a good time.
Mainly, seasonal performances of Broadway, dance, and other specials, but there are some music and festivals throughout the summer.
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Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami TrailMainly, seasonal performances of Broadway, dance, and other specials, but there are some music and festivals throughout the summer.
Seasonal circus performances by professionals and students (Sailor Circus), as well as circus classes.
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The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota
2075 Bahia Vista StSeasonal circus performances by professionals and students (Sailor Circus), as well as circus classes.