Sarasota sits on Florida’s Cultural Coast here’s how to plan the perfect visit.

There’s always a performance, festival, special exhibition, or new museum or gallery to explore.

The Sarasota Modern

Located in the Rosemary District,The Sarasota Modernis an architectural stunner.

View of a lifeguard stand on the beach in Sarasota, Florida

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Lido Beach and Siesta Key are also fantastic options, boasting fine white sand and stunning views.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The 45-acreMarie Selby Botanical Gardenshas two campuses.

The downtown Sarasota campus features 15 acres along Sarasota Bay, including a bayfront mangrove walkway.

Hotel bar at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Courtesy of Ritz Carlton

The Ringling

The Ringlingis an expansive 66-acre estate made up of several museums and attractions.

Whitney’s

Located in a converted 1950s garage,Whitneysis a delight for modern design enthusiasts.

It offers an all-day menu, weekend brunch, and live music.

A couple walks down a path with pillars

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My favorite month to be here is November.

The weather is ideal, the crowds are minimal, and everything is open.

If youre planning to drive to Sarasota, consider finding accommodations with parking.

Right: A statue in the garden of the Ringling Museum Left: Inside the building and painted glass

Jacqueline Dole/Travel + Leisure

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy bike tours, boat rentals, snorkeling, and more.

How to Get Around

Unless youre driving to Sarasota, consider skipping the rental car here.

There’s a lot of traffic in season and finding parking is a challenge.

A sunset on buildings in Sarasota, Florida

Robert Burnett/Getty Images

It runs until midnight, with stops between Lido Key, St. Armands Circle, and downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota County also offers a bus system,SCAT.

Visitors can purchase one-way tickets in addition to one-day, seven-day, or 30-day passes.

People on the beach by a yellow life guard stand on Siesta Key

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