Sarasota is one of those places where you can expect to find something new every time you go there. You can be in the blissful company of virgin beaches and drive on scenic bridges. Do some sailing or fishing, or come close to alligators.
You can feel the rustic charm of farmer’s markets, or saddle up for horseback tours. Get behind the wheel as you prepare for a trip to Sarasota by car. Sarasota is a city that has a lot in store for you, and when you have a car to drive, the surprises keep on coming to you from unexpected places.
We have done our research for this ultimate Sarasota City Guide and here are some top places that you should visit on your road trip to Sarasota.
State Road 789
State Road 789 is a dream road to take on your road trip in Sarasota. This one road brings in such fantastic places to visit like Mote Aquarium and beaches on Longboat Key.
SR-789 is the best road in Sarasota if you want to visit virgin beaches on the Gulf of Mexico or Sarasota Bay.
You get to see the wildlife of Bird Key Park, go fishing or just sit by the beach. You can savor the postcard landscapes of Longboat Key and watch fishing boats and sailboats bobbing gently along the calm waters at Sarasota Pier.
You can pass by bridges lined by gently swaying palm trees and watch the shimmering waters of Sarasota Bay reflect the entire landscape with a crystal clear perfection. As you drive on John Ringling Boulevard, St. Armands Circle can be a rest stop if you are looking for some refreshments to have along the route.
You will find plenty to eat and drink in this one place. Head on to Lido Key Beach and you will find Mote Aquarium to be a huge tourist attraction here. You can stop here for about 2-3 hours before continuing on your car drive. You will then visit the sandy beaches on Longboat Key.
State Road 72
Another road that you can take here in Sarasota is State Road 72 (SR-72). The road goes through the Myakka River. This drive is best if you want to go away from the coast and venture into the inland country of the city of Sarasota.
You can now enter the vast wilderness of Myakka River State Park. This park is 37,000 acres of lush green mangrove swamps, marshes, and wetlands. You can drive along Upper Myakka Lake and you can even go on one of the many hiking trails. You can even camp here on their many campgrounds.
It is best if you book any of the 12 passenger van rental Sarasota for your road trip. A car rental is a way to go if you want to experience the joy of this road trip across Florida. The car veers through a lush forest canopy that consists of mangrove forests and wooded swamplands. You can watch birds and alligators from your car window on this scenic drive on State Road 72.
Casey Key Road
Nothing brings more joy to a road trip than driving along a road lined with virgin beaches. Casey Key Road is such a road in Sarasota where you can skirt secluded beaches and see the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.
The joy of grabbing a canoe or a paddleboard and gliding over the gently rolling waters at Blackburn Bay is incomparable. A scenic car drive is just what you need, to see the natural beauty of Casey Key, which is a natural barrier island. The sidewalks are best for jogging and cycling. Casey Key Road is the ideal road that you must take on this Sarasota road trip.
Tamiami Trail
When you take the Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, you get to see Sarasota in a different light. You can visit prehistoric sites and acres of green gardens. Historic Spanish Point is one of the best prehistoric sites with a huge landscaped garden. The garden is so large that there are hiking trails inside. You can go on free tours and enjoy the heritage site on your drive.
Midnight Pass Road
You can veer off the Tamiami Trail and take the Midnight Pass Road. This, later on, becomes State Highway 758. But the thing is this road will take you to Siesta Key, which has some very beautiful beaches like Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, and Sarasota Beach to name just a few.
If you go on driving, you can visit Boyd Park or see the beauty of Palm Island. There are so many places along this route where you can rest for a while and eat a hearty lunch before going off on your drive. You can hunt for shells and sea creatures at Point of Rocks or check in on some holiday villas at Heron Lagoon.
