Sarasota, Florida

Arts, Culture and Gulf Coast Beaches.

Sarasota pairs world-class culture with easy Gulf Coast living: the Ringling, Selby Gardens, a lively downtown on the bay, and some of America's best beaches a short drive away. Our two Sarasota homes sit in Gulf Gate and Southgate, both about five minutes from Siesta Key.

2prime neighborhoods, minutes to Siesta Key

See our Sarasota homes

Sunset over the Gulf from Siesta Key Beach

2neighborhoods, minutes to Siesta Key

Gulf sunset from Siesta Key Beach

Sarasota

Florida's Cultural Coast, Minutes From the Beach.

CultureThe RinglingThe State Art Museum of Florida
GardensSelby GardensOrchids and gardens on the bayfront
ShoppingSt. Armands CircleBoutiques and dining near Lido Beach
BeachesSiesta Key and Lido KeyTwo beloved Gulf beaches nearby
StageVan WezelThe purple performing arts hall on the bay
OperaSarasota Opera HouseA historic 1926 theater downtown
BaseballSpring trainingThe Baltimore Orioles play in Sarasota
NatureMyakka River State ParkAbout 58 square miles of wild Florida

Golden hour on the bay

Sarasota pairs world-class museums, theaters and dining with an easy, sun-washed pace. Spend the morning at the Ringling, the afternoon on the sand and the evening watching the sky turn gold over the water, then come home to your own heated pool in Gulf Gate or Southgate.

5 minto Siesta Key

Casa Azul · Gulf Gate

Gulf Gate

Dinner Around the Corner, the Beach Five Minutes Away.

BakeryOoh La La French BakeryBaguettes, croissants and our favorite challah
OystersBrine Seafood and Oyster BarAn upscale raw bar for date night
OystersMonk's Steamer BarA laid-back local favorite for steamed oysters
GreekGreek and MediterraneanClassic flavors from local kitchens
ThaiThai and sushiAsian favorites a few doors apart
PubMolly Malone'sA friendly neighborhood Irish pub
LoungeNEAT Bar and LoungeBourbon and craft cocktails
MarketAn Italian marketFresh bread, cheeses and treats to take home

Our Gulf Gate home

Casa Azul is a quiet, peaceful retreat tucked into the neighborhood, made for gathering the people you love. Spend the day on Siesta Key, come home to a swim under the palms, then head out to dinner at one of Gulf Gate's local favorites, just minutes away.

Extra-large family roomRoom for everyone to spread out, relax and reconnect.
A table for the whole crewA big dining table made for long family dinners.
Made for entertainingA grand chef's kitchen opens to airy living spaces.
New pool and lanaiA brand-new screened-in heated pool and hot tub overlooking the grove.
Quiet and privateA lush backyard with no rear neighbors, just palms and quiet.
Clawfoot soaking tubA long, slow soak to end every beach day.

Explore Casa Azul

Our neighborhoods

Our Sarasota Homes

Gulf Gate Sarasota's Hottest Little Dining District. Explore Gulf Gate

Spotless every stay

Gulf Gate, Sarasota

Casa Azul

3 bedrooms · 2 baths · sleeps 8

In Gulf Gate · 5 min to Siesta Key

A hidden sanctuary in Gulf Gate, minutes from Siesta Key's famous sand. Float in the brand-new screened-in heated pool, unwind in the hot tub and dine in a lush private backyard with no rear neighbors. Cook in the grand chef's kitchen, sink into the clawfoot soaking tub, with Gulf Gate's favorite attractions just minutes away.

Brand-new screened-in heated pool
Hot tub
Fire pit
Single level
Pet friendly

5.0 out of 5

Southgate Tree-Lined and Quiet, Close to Everything. Explore Southgate

Sleep-in comfort

Southgate, Sarasota

Sandpiper

4 bedrooms · 2 baths · sleeps 8

In Southgate · 5 min to Siesta Key and 5 to 7 min to downtown

A fully renovated beach house on a quiet, tree-lined Southgate street, minutes from Siesta Key and downtown. Out back, a heated saltwater pool and hot tub glow beneath Italian patio lights in a huge private yard. Gather around the granite-island kitchen, linger over dinner outside, and drift off in deep, restful bedrooms.

Private heated pool
Hot tub
Single level
Pet friendly

5.0 out of 5

Life in Sarasota

Everything We Love About Sarasota.

Beyond the museums and the beaches.Here is how we love to spend a Sarasota day.

Fine dining downtown
Chef-driven restaurants, rooftop bars and waterfront tables along Main Street and the bayfront.
Art galleries
Browse the artist studios of Towles Court and the galleries tucked along downtown streets.
Saturday farmers market
Local produce, flowers and fresh bites fill downtown streets every Saturday morning.
The Bay park
Waterfront paths, shady gardens and sunset views at the city's bayfront park.
Boating on Sarasota Bay
Sunset cruises, fishing charters and dolphins playing in the wake.
Golf
Public and private courses all around the city, with sunshine most of the year.

Your Sarasota Guide

The beach

Siesta Key Beach is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota by car. Lido Key is closer, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Dining

Downtown Sarasota has many independent restaurants and cafes. Walk a few blocks, read the menus, and pick one.

Outdoors and culture

The Ringling Museum and its gardens work well on a rainy day. Myakka River State Park, about 58 square miles of wetlands and pinelands, is the pick for a day outside.

Getting around

Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) serves the area. Beach days and day trips are simplest by car.

Host picks

Where we eat and play in Sarasota

Our own favorites, from date-night dinners to golf cart rentals. More picks are on the Siesta Key page.

Downtown Sarasota

Fine dining

Rose & Ivy
Steakhouse and sushi, with a small hidden speakeasy upstairs.
Clasico Italian Chophouse
Modern steakhouse with Italian-inspired cooking.
Veronica Fish & Oyster
Fresh seafood, oysters and coastal dishes.
Owen's Fish Camp
One of Sarasota's most loved restaurants: fresh seafood and Southern hospitality.

Local favorites

Florence and the Spice Boys
Mediterranean food with fresh, bright flavors.
Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
American favorites in an upscale casual room.
Pietro's Italian Restaurant
Traditional Italian in a warm setting.
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Excellent seafood with outstanding service.
Vino Vino
A wine bar with small plates and a relaxed feel.

Breakfast and steaks

Breakfast Company
Creative breakfast and brunch with generous portions.
Zebra Café
Fresh breakfast, healthy options, smoothies and coffee.
Alpine Steak House
A classic Sarasota steakhouse with quality cuts and old-school charm.

St. Armands, Longboat Key and nearby

Worth the drive

Blu Kouzina Host favorite St. Armands Circle
Exceptional, authentic Greek food.
Shore St. Armands Circle
Modern coastal cooking in a beautiful setting.
Drift Kitchen & Bar Lido Beach Resort
Upscale rooftop dining with wide Gulf views.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill Longboat Key
Fresh seafood, waterfront views and generous portions.
Deep Lagoon Seafood Osprey
Fresh seafood on the water.
Evie's at Spanish Point Osprey
Casual waterfront food and drinks.
Fin's at Sharky's Venice Pier
Fresh seafood overlooking the Gulf.
Pop's Sunset Grill Nokomis
A local favorite for waterfront dining and live music.

Live music downtown

The Gator Club
A historic live music venue for blues, rock and jazz.
Mattison's City Grille
Outdoor dining with frequent live entertainment.

Family days out

Museums and attractions

The Ringling
World-class art, the Circus Museum and Ca' d'Zan, the waterfront mansion.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Sharks, sea turtles, manatees, stingrays and more Florida sea life.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Animal encounters, tropical gardens and daily wildlife shows.
The Children's Garden
Pirate ships, fairy gardens, tree forts and hands-on play areas.
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Home to rescued lions, tigers, bears and other exotic animals.

Outdoors

Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest state parks: hiking, kayaking, wildlife, airboat tours and scenic overlooks.
Bayfront Park & Marina
Waterfront paths, a splash pad, a playground and Sarasota Bay views.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Orchids, banyan trees, koi ponds and areas for kids.
Payne Park Circus Playground
A big circus-themed playground that nods to Sarasota's circus history.
Mangrove tunnel kayak tours
Guided paddles where dolphins, manatees and native birds are often spotted.

More family fun

Circus Arts Conservatory
Live performances rooted in Sarasota's circus heritage.
Sarasota Trolley Tours
An easy way to see the city's history and landmarks.

Groceries

Stocking the kitchen

Morton's Gourmet Market Host favorite
Gourmet foods, prepared meals, a bakery, wine and catering.
Detwiler's Farm Market
Fresh produce, seafood, meats and local specialties.
Publix
Trader Joe's
Whole Foods Market

Questions

Should I fly into Sarasota (SRQ) or Tampa (TPA)?

Both work well. Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) is the closest, about 15 to 20 minutes from Gulf Gate and Southgate. Tampa International (TPA), about an hour and 15 minutes north, often has more nonstop flights and airlines, so it is worth comparing fares for your dates. Once you book, we will gladly share tips for the drive in.

How long to the beach from your Sarasota homes?

From both Casa Azul in Gulf Gate and Sandpiper in Southgate, Siesta Key is about a 5-minute drive, close enough for a sunrise walk or a last-minute sunset. Lido Key is about 15 to 20 minutes away through St. Armands Circle, depending on traffic.

Is the pool heated?

Yes. Every BigTree home has its own private heated pool, and both of our Sarasota homes also have a hot tub for starry evenings. Tell us before you arrive how warm you like the pool, and we will do our best to have it just right when you walk in.

Which Sarasota neighborhood should I choose?

It depends on the stay you are dreaming of. Choose Gulf Gate for a lively little dining district, with a French bakery, oyster bars, Greek, Thai and an Italian market close by, at Casa Azul with its screened-in pool and private backyard. Choose Southgate for quiet, tree-lined streets between downtown and the beach, at Sandpiper with its huge yard and saltwater pool. Both are about 5 minutes from Siesta Key, and we are always happy to help you decide.

What is there to do in Sarasota?

So much. Visit the Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, and the orchids at Selby Gardens, then shop and dine at St. Armands Circle. Catch a show at the Van Wezel or the historic Sarasota Opera House, browse the Saturday farmers market, see Orioles spring training in February and March, or spend a wild day at Myakka River State Park. Ask us for favorites that match your crew.

Is Sarasota good for families?

Absolutely. Calm Gulf beaches, the Ringling's circus museum, Selby Gardens and Myakka River State Park make easy, memorable days out. Both of our Sarasota homes have a private heated pool and hot tub, single-level living and room for up to 8, with beach gear and pool toys ready when you arrive.

Do I need a car in Sarasota?

Yes, we recommend one. Beaches, downtown, the airport and the best day trips are each a short drive apart, and both homes have free parking right on the property.