Increasingly lively these days, downtown Sarasota has lots to offer for all. My favorite thing to do is get up early and go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. City Island Park down by Marina Jacks is a lovely park to walk, marvel at all the luxury boats and quietly sit by the water. O'Leary's is a fun tiki-style bar where locals and visitors love to drink cocktails at sunset.
All along Main Street are shops and restaurants and it is lively at night. There are always bands playing at Mattison's and across the street at The Gator Club.
Burn's Court is a quaint and colorful area that houses Burn's Court independent movie house, little shops, cafes and spas, and some vintage collectible shops.
NearbySelby Gardens is a massive tropical urban oasis with lovely rotating exhibitions.