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Planning a family vacation? Look no further than Sarasota. It’s a one-stop holiday paradise with amazing family resorts, thrilling attractions, and delightful local cuisine!
Planning a family vacation can be pretty daunting, but not when you choose Sarasota. As one of the best cities in Florida for family vacations, Sarasota offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban sophistication that caters to the tastes and interests of both kids and adults alike. From an array of Sarasota family resorts to a wealth of attractions and restaurants in the city, you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable getaway with your loved ones.
Best of all, this city’s warm and welcoming vibe makes it feel like a home away from home. If you’re seeking a destination where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand, Sarasota should be at the top of your list. Let’s explore what makes this city a fantastic choice for your next family vacation!
Sarasota Family Resorts: Luxurious Comfort and Adventure in Harmony
Sarasota family resorts serve as the perfect launchpad for a memorable vacation. These establishments go beyond just providing comfortable lodging– they offer a blend of luxurious amenities, kid-friendly activities, and a location that places you at the heart of Sarasota’s magic.
Here are some top picks:
THE RITZ, SARASOTA
This opulent hotel combines coastal charm with an elegant atmosphere. With a spa, golf course, and beach club, The Ritz offers diverse entertainment for all family members. Kids can enjoy the Ritz Kids program, offering fun, educational activities based on the pillars of the environment, culture, and adventure.
Find more details about The Ritz here.
LIDO BEACH RESORT
Located just steps away from the powder-fine sand of Lido Key, this beachfront resort offers spacious rooms, a tropical pool, and a beachside Tiki bar. Families can also enjoy private beach access and a kid’s club with various fun activities this top Sarasota family resort offers.
See what awaits you at Lido Beach Resort here.
SIESTA KEY BEACH RESORT & SUITES
This cozy Sarasota family resort in the heart of Siesta Key offers a warm, intimate atmosphere. With a heated outdoor pool, barbecue facilities, and rooms equipped with kitchenettes, this resort feels like a home away from home.
Explore everything this resort has to offer here.
GROUND FLOOR LAKEFRONT RESORT
This lakeside retreat provides a serene escape with a private dock, heated pool, and spa. Its tranquil setting is perfect for larger families and allows you to relax and connect with nature.
Take a virtual tour of this property here.
ANNA MARIA BEACH RESORT
Another premier Sarasota family resort, Anna Maria Beach Resort exudes an old Florida charm with its modern, comfortable rooms, large heated pool, and private beach access. It’s a little slice of paradise where families can enjoy stunning sunsets and beachfront barbecues.
Find out what makes the Anna Maria Beach Resort one of the best in Sarasota.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Sarasota: Learning and Adventure Intertwined
While Sarasota’s family resorts give vacationers a chance to escape everyday life to relax and have fun, the city also boasts family-friendly attractions offering fun-filled experiences and educational insights.
These must-visits are perfect for creating unforgettable family memories:
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM
Explore the wonders of aquatic life at this non-profit marine research institution. This unique attraction combines science with fun. It offers a chance to encounter over 100 species of marine life, including sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and reef fish. The interactive touch pools and the Immersion Cinema are crowd-pleasers that educate while they entertain, ensuring you never run out of awesome family things to do while in Sarasota.
BIG CAT HABITAT AND GULF COAST SANCTUARY
Offering a truly majestic experience, this sanctuary is home to lions, tigers, bears, and other exotic animals. And the kids will surely be enthralled by the close-up encounters with the big cats! Moreover, there are training demonstrations and the chance to learn about these beautiful creatures’ conservation. Their petting zoo also allows kids to interact with more domestic animals, creating an all-around unforgettable visit.
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS
Step into a tropical paradise where lush foliage meets exotic animals. Here, families can hand-feed flamingos and witness impressive bird shows. Not only that, but you can also stroll through beautiful gardens filled with local and exotic plants. The playground and interactive reptile exhibit are definite highlights for younger visitors.
THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN
Imaginations run wild when you explore fun family things to do while in Sarasota. Especially in this magical garden designed specifically for children. There are lots of whimsical play areas and even mascots dressed up as fairy-tale characters! For your adventurous little ones, they can board pirate ships and explore dragon-shaped topiaries. It’s indeed a place where fantasy becomes a reality. Kids can learn and grow in a fun environment by engaging in outdoor play while surrounded by nature’s beauty.
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
Offering a tranquil escape, these gardens are a vibrant display of more than 20,000 plants from around the world. Families can enjoy the impressive butterfly haven, the towering bamboo garden, and the interactive children’s rainforest garden. This botanical oasis invites you to unwind, explore, and connect with nature’s stunning array of colors and textures.
Sarasota’s Family-Friendly Restaurants: Culinary Delights for Everyone
Sarasota’s culinary scene offers a variety of delicious options for families. The city’s family-friendly restaurants range from casual beachfront grills to unique themed eateries.
Here are some of our best bets:
OLD SALTY DOG
Lauded on Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food, this restaurant is much more than its famous beer-battered, deep-fried hotdogs. Bask in the beautiful views of the Gulf while indulging in various seafood options, including fish and chips, clam chowder, and crab cakes. Kids will love the casual, relaxed atmosphere, and a selection of sandwiches and British-inspired dishes offer something for everyone.
ATHENS FAMILY RESTAURANT
Step into this charming eatery and immerse your senses in the tantalizing aroma of authentic Greek cuisine. From gyros packed with succulent, herby meat to mouth-watering chicken souvlaki, there is something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The crowning glory is undoubtedly their honey-drenched baklava, a sweet ending to a family meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
O’LEARY’S TIKI BAR AND GRILL
Nestled by the bay, O’Leary’s offers a unique dining experience, combining a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views. Here, families can enjoy the cooling breeze while feasting on fresh seafood and hearty sandwiches and savoring tropical drinks. What’s more, live music creates a vibrant ambiance, turning a simple meal into an unforgettable event.
CHA CHA COCONUTS
This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a colorful, tropical paradise offering Caribbean-inspired dishes. The lively atmosphere, coupled with an extensive menu, ensures everyone is satisfied. From jerk chicken to coconut shrimp and even a kids’ menu featuring favorites like mac & cheese and chicken tenders, Cha Cha Coconuts provides an island escape right in the heart of Sarasota.
SURF SHACK
If your family enjoys a casual yet trendy atmosphere, Surf Shack is the place to go. With an array of gourmet tacos, succulent burgers, and creative sliders, everyone’s taste buds are in for a treat. Kids can choose from the ‘Groms’ menu, which includes mini burgers, chicken bites, and more, all in a surf-themed setting that brings the spirit of the beach indoors.
Let Hotala Be A Part of Your Unforgettable Sarasota Family Vacation
After exploring the inviting ambiance of our favorite Sarasota family resorts, diving into the interactive adventures at local attractions, and savoring the mouth-watering culinary delights in kid-friendly restaurants, it’s clear that Sarasota truly stands as a premier family vacation destination in Florida.
Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or embark on an unforgettable adventure, a vast array of excellent family things to do while in Sarasota is always within reach. Each moment spent here contributes to a mosaic of memories you and your loved ones will cherish for years.
We at Hotala know how precious family vacations are and are dedicated to making yours exceptional. We’re here to assist you in finding the best accommodations that suit your family’s needs and preferences. So why wait? Start planning your Sarasota family resort adventure today and prepare for a holiday filled with joy, laughter, and countless shared moments. Remember, a family vacation in Sarasota is not just a trip; it’s an experience of a lifetime!
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TLDR
Sarasota, Florida, is a gem for family vacations, with its extensive range of Sarasota family resorts, engaging attractions, and family-friendly restaurants.
With comfortable and luxury accommodations like the Ritz-Carlton and Lido Beach Resort, you can have a home away from home. Family-friendly attractions like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens promise educational and interactive fun. Additionally, the variety of restaurants, from the Old Salty Dog to Surf Shack Sarasota, ensures families enjoy diverse culinary delights.
Start planning your unforgettable Sarasota family adventure with Hotala today!
Featured image credit: Polesie Toys on Pexels
