Hidden Gems & Local Favorites You Need to Know
By: Sarah Lancaster Massey
I am a fourth-generation Sarasotan who’s spent over 40 years living, working, and raising a family in this beautiful town. I grew up in West Sarasota and spent my childhood between Siesta Key, Lido Key, and discovering all the gems in between. Today, as the publisher of Stroll West of Trail and a mom of three, I love sharing local favorites with neighbors old and new. With a background in real estate and urban planning—and a lifelong love for Sarasota—I offer a personal perspective on family-friendly dining, kid-approved adventures, and the hidden gems that make this community so special. Through BeLocal Sarasota East, I’m excited to help you discover the best of what we call home. Here are a few of my favorites.
✿ Selby Gardens (Downtown Campus + Spanish Point)
Selby Gardens, a nonprofit botanical garden with campuses downtown and at Spanish Point, is one of Sarasota’s most treasured gems. The downtown bayfront oasis showcases world-renowned collections of orchids and epiphytes, while the Spanish Point campus in Osprey offers a glimpse into Florida’s past with shell mounds, pioneer buildings, and stunning bay views. I loved visiting as a child and now share that joy with my own kids—annual events like Lights in Bloom and the Halloween Spooktacular are family traditions. Do yourself a favor and become a member—you’ll support a great cause and enjoy it all year long.
Selby Gardens, a nonprofit botanical garden with campuses downtown and at Spanish Point, is one of Sarasota’s most treasured gems. The downtown bayfront oasis showcases world-renowned collections of orchids and epiphytes, while the Spanish Point campus in Osprey offers a glimpse into Florida’s past with shell mounds, pioneer buildings, and stunning bay views. I loved visiting as a child and now share that joy with my own kids—annual events like Lights in Bloom and the Halloween Spooktacular are family traditions. Do yourself a favor and become a member—you’ll support a great cause and enjoy it all year long.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
A beloved slice of Old Florida, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has delighted families since 1939 with its tropical paths, exotic birds, and nostalgic charm. Originally a botanical nursery in the 1930s, it officially opened as a public garden at the end of that decade. In the early 1970s, the first exotic bird show was introduced—featuring parrots trained by California inmates—marking the start of its transformation into a full-fledged animal attraction. Reptiles, lemurs, and interactive exhibits soon followed. Kids still love hand-feeding the flamingos, and for me, it's always a step back in time—especially since my great aunt worked in the nursery in the 1950s.
A beloved slice of Old Florida, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has delighted families since 1939 with its tropical paths, exotic birds, and nostalgic charm. Originally a botanical nursery in the 1930s, it officially opened as a public garden at the end of that decade. In the early 1970s, the first exotic bird show was introduced—featuring parrots trained by California inmates—marking the start of its transformation into a full-fledged animal attraction. Reptiles, lemurs, and interactive exhibits soon followed. Kids still love hand-feeding the flamingos, and for me, it's always a step back in time—especially since my great aunt worked in the nursery in the 1950s.
Southside Village Business District
At the heart of the West of Trail lifestyle, Southside Village is a walkable, family-friendly hub anchored by Morton’s Gourmet Market. It’s filled with local boutiques, salons, and eateries like Libby’s, Veronica Fish & Oyster, Pacific Rim and the classic Southside Deli. Perfect for morning coffee runs to Perq or relaxed family dinners at Origin Pizza.
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More Historic Gems of Sarasota:
Ca’ d’Zan at The Ringling: John and Mable Ringling’s Venetian Gothic mansion on Sarasota Bay is a jaw-dropping window into the 1920s circus era glamour.
The Sarasota Opera House: Originally opened in 1926 as a vaudeville venue, now home to world-class opera performances.
The Crosley Estate (Powel Crosley Estate): A Mediterranean Revival mansion in Bradenton with bayfront views and rich 1920s history.
The Sarasota Times Building: One of the oldest structures downtown, now home to the restaurant Sage—a perfect blend of architectural preservation and modern dining.
Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden: The oldest public rose garden in Florida, located at The Ringling, still blooms beautifully today.
Sarasota County Courthouse (Downtown): A striking example of Mediterranean Revival civic architecture, built in 1926.
Sun N Fun Resort
A lively RV resort and campground with pools, mini-golf, and family-friendly amenities, popular with seasonal visitors.
Big Cat Habitat
A nonprofit sanctuary for rescued big cats and exotic animals, offering educational shows and close-up wildlife encounters.
The Children’s Garden
A whimsical, shaded garden designed for imaginative play, storytelling, and nature-based learning for young children.
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
A casual waterside eatery known for its burgers and fresh seafood, located next to a historic bait shop on the water.
Point of Rocks
A rocky outcropping at the south end of Siesta Key, ideal for snorkeling and tide pool exploration.
Turtle Beach
A quieter alternative to Siesta Beach, offering picnic areas, kayaking access, and darker sand perfect for shelling.
Lido Beach
A spacious beach near St. Armands Circle with soft white sand, a public pool, pavillion for drinks and food, and easy parking.
South Lido Beach Park
A diverse natural area with beach access, hiking trails, kayak launches, and peaceful picnic spots, volleyball nets, and a playground.
Venice Dog Park (Brohard Paw Park)
An off-leash dog beach in Venice, where pets can run free and swim, with shaded areas and dog showers.
Siesta Village
A charming, walkable hub of shops, restaurants, and nightlife just steps from our world-famous Siesta Beach.
St. Armands Circle
Upscale shopping and dining district on a circular island, blending coastal charm with European-style elegance.
Ken Thompson Park
A bayfront park next to Mote Marine with picnic areas, playgrounds, nature trails, and a kayak launch into Sarasota Bay.
Mote Marine Aquarium
A renowned marine research center and aquarium featuring sea turtles, manatees, sharks, and interactive exhibits on Longboat Key, a new, bigger Mote is being constructed near UTC.
Beer Can Island (Greer Island)
A remote, picturesque sandbar at the north end of Longboat Key, known for its driftwood, sunsets, and natural beauty.