With its sunshine, sandy beaches and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, Sarasota is one of the finest vacation destinations in Southwest Florida. Adding to the delights of the city itself are numerous neighboring keys just across the bay, giving you even more to explore.
Coquina Beach
About 30 to 45 minutes from Sarasota hotels is the seven-mile-long Santa Maria Island, a destination beloved for its quiet old Florida atmosphere and outstanding beaches. Find hotels near Coquina Beach at the south end of Santa Maria, and you'll be in a prime position to enjoy the longest and finest stretch of sand on the island. The powdery, soft white sand beach is shaded by pine trees and patrolled by lifeguards. There are picnic tables and barbecue grills for public use, as well as volleyball courts and a playground, making hotels by Coquina Beach an ideal choice for families with young children. Hotels close to Coquina Beach can be your base for exploring the rest of Santa Maria Island and its three small cities. Ride the free tourist trolley around the island to get the lay of the land and then return to sites that appeal to you the most. Perhaps you'll take a stroll down historic Bridge Street in Bradenton, the southernmost town on the island, or rent gear for fishing off the pier. Also in this area is Leffis Key Preserve, a nature preserve where footpaths and boardwalks reveal the natural beauty of the saltwater wetlands at the southern tip of Santa Maria. Special platforms give you views over the open water, where you might spot manatees and dolphins. From May to October, look out for nesting sea turtles.
Explore Sarasota
With Travelocity's low-cost Sarasota vacation packages, you'll enjoy the best of this city and its spectacular surroundings. Search for Sarasota hotels on Travelocity or, for added convenience, check out the Travelocity mobile app, where you can plan and book your vacation travel on the go.