Things To Do
St Armands Circle
St. Armands Key features a large traffic circle known as "St. Armands Circle." The area is filled with tourists but there are several shops and restaurants that we have enjoyed walking to during our trips to the area. A few places you might like to check out: Shore Restaurant, the Green Zebra (great for a healthy-ish breakfast or lunch), Starbucks, Lilly Pulitzer, Everything But Water, The Met Fashion House, Tommy Bahama, and a Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar (some great people watching from the upstairs bar balcony). The Ritz-Carlton shuttle will drop off and pick up guest in St. Armands Circle. Or if you are wanting a little exercise, it is a 2.3 mile walk from the hotel to the circle (including a bit of an uphill climb over the John Ringling Causeway which offers beautiful views of the Bay).
Lido Key Tiki Bar
The Lido Key Tiki Bar is part of The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, but it is open to the public and will be a great spot for guests staying at all hotels to meet up at the beach.
Shore St. Armands
If you are looking for a lively spot for lunch or dinner in historic St. Armands Circle, this restaurant is our favorite. There is a very cute "beachy" boutique downstairs.
Shore Longboat Key
Shore on Longboat Key is the sister restaurant to the St. Armands Circle Location. Same great food as the other location, but this one offers sweeping views of the bay. It is about a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Sarasota but the views are worth the drive in our opinion.
Selva Downtown Sarasota
Selva is a Latin fusion restaurant, with emphasis on Peruvian cuisine and serving fantastic ceviche. It is a favorite restaurant of local Sarasotans, conveniently located in downtown Sarasota and within walking distance from most hotels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
If you are looking for a cultural excursion, look no further than the Ringling Museum of Art and the Circus Museum (the latter being particularly great for kids). You can also tour the Ca' D'zan, the stunning private residence of John and Mable Ringling.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have a location in downtown Sarasota for those wanting to explore the beautiful bayfront sanctuary.