Mary's Guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a MUST DO on MONDAYS when it has free entrance to the public. Stroll through the gorgeous gardens and grounds and world famous museum. The cafe is wonderful for lunch or an early dinner!
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdThis is a MUST DO on MONDAYS when it has free entrance to the public. Stroll through the gorgeous gardens and grounds and world famous museum. The cafe is wonderful for lunch or an early dinner!
This little gem is within walking distance of the house- only a few blocks up Bayshore Rd. and totally worth the visit! Where else can you feed pink flamingos right out of your hand? :)
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdThis little gem is within walking distance of the house- only a few blocks up Bayshore Rd. and totally worth the visit! Where else can you feed pink flamingos right out of your hand? :)
Bradenton Beach Parasailing
200 Bridge StAn adorable spot with shops and a lovely pier!
The Sea Hagg
4419 Cortez Rd WA nautical feast for the eyes!
Beautiful place to stroll along the water and through the beautiful boats and yachts at the marina! Stop by the little tiki bar for casual fare/drinks or Marina Jacks for more elegant dining! This is also where you can catch a fabulous sunset dinner cruise!
103 locals recommend
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront DrBeautiful place to stroll along the water and through the beautiful boats and yachts at the marina! Stop by the little tiki bar for casual fare/drinks or Marina Jacks for more elegant dining! This is also where you can catch a fabulous sunset dinner cruise!
Thee most exclusive neighborhood around- home to Stephen King and other celebs! If you have a rental car, load up the bikes and take the 30-40 min. drive to Casey Key for the most breathtaking ride of your life through sheer opulence along the crystal blue gulf!
20 locals recommend
Casey Key
Thee most exclusive neighborhood around- home to Stephen King and other celebs! If you have a rental car, load up the bikes and take the 30-40 min. drive to Casey Key for the most breathtaking ride of your life through sheer opulence along the crystal blue gulf!
Shopping/Dining
Wine, dine and shop all in this beautiful little oasis right off Lido Key Beach! Check out Columbia Restaurant- a local classic and favorite among Sarasotians and tourists alike!
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirGreat little village right off Siesta Key Beach for shopping and dining!
91 locals recommend
Siesta Key Village
County Road 789 AlternateGreat little village right off Siesta Key Beach for shopping and dining!
Every Saturday morning downtown Sarasota! A lovely way to start the day!
136 locals recommend
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon AvenueEvery Saturday morning downtown Sarasota! A lovely way to start the day!
Great Greek restaurant on St. Armands Circle. Lovely ambience, friendly staff and fabulous food!
17 locals recommend
Blu Kouzina
25 N Boulevard of the PresidentsGreat Greek restaurant on St. Armands Circle. Lovely ambience, friendly staff and fabulous food!
Food scene
Swordfish Grill
4628 119th St WGreat seafood with beautiful water view and live music!
The Beach House Restaurant
200 Gulf Dr NGreat place for a cocktail and sunset on the beach!
Mediterraneo
1970 Main StBest authentic, wood-fired Italian pizza in town!
Boca Sarasota
19 S Lemon AveGreat place for lunch or dinner!
I have not been here but it’s getting a lot of attention locally! Try their new cocktail the Pompadour… Looks delish!
18 locals recommend
1592 | Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
1592 Main StreetI have not been here but it’s getting a lot of attention locally! Try their new cocktail the Pompadour… Looks delish!
My favorite waterside restaurant! Make a reservation in advance- it’s almost always booked!
65 locals recommend
Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway StMy favorite waterside restaurant! Make a reservation in advance- it’s almost always booked!
This is the nearest restaurant to the house and the food is great! Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Check hours.
18 locals recommend
SunnySide Cafe
4900 N Tamiami TrailThis is the nearest restaurant to the house and the food is great! Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Check hours.
Famous for its paella and sangria but the appetizers and house salad are my favorites!
118 locals recommend
Columbia Restaurant
411 St Armands CirFamous for its paella and sangria but the appetizers and house salad are my favorites!
The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring AveSeafood and live music in a beach paradise!
An eclectic local favorite off the beaten path! Call ahead for the live music schedule!
260 locals recommend
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtAn eclectic local favorite off the beaten path! Call ahead for the live music schedule!
Beaches
Siesta Beach
Voted #1 beach in the US multiple times!
This is the closest beach to the house newly and beautifully expanded with a vast covering of powder white sand!
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrThis is the closest beach to the house newly and beautifully expanded with a vast covering of powder white sand!
My personal favorite of all the area beaches… just exquisite! Rent kayaks and have a bite to eat (fish tacos!) at the Sandbar restaurant right on the beach!
374 locals recommend
Anna Maria Island Chamber
5313 Gulf DrMy personal favorite of all the area beaches… just exquisite! Rent kayaks and have a bite to eat (fish tacos!) at the Sandbar restaurant right on the beach!
Things To Do…
Cute miniature golf course within walking distance! Just for fun!
35 locals recommend
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
3815 N Tamiami TrailCute miniature golf course within walking distance! Just for fun!