Sarasota County Florida - a cultural alternative to Disney World

Consider Sarasota Florida for a Winter Getaway Vacation

If you've already done Disney World and Orlando or just aren't into crowds but want to vacation in Florida, two Florida destinations worth considering are St. Augustine on the east coast and Sarasota on the west coast.

Sarasota is located on the Gulf of Mexico between Manatee County (north) and Charlotte County (south). (Sarasota Florida map) With a year round average temperature of 72.6 F (22.6 C) and an annual high temperature of 82.8 F (28.2 C), Sarasota weather makes it a perfect winter vacation destination.

It's not easy to compare Sarasota with other Florida destinations. Sarasota is considered Florida's Cultural Coast, with a bevy of professional theaters, professional symphonies, ballet and opera. Sarasota is home to more than 30 art galleries, artist communities, Florida's only designated state museum, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and a purple, shell-shaped performing arts hall, known for its excellent acoustics and unique architectural design (the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall) ­ all of which complement the area's beautiful beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Pet-friendly hotels and parks in Sarasota Florida

Eclectic Shopping and Dining in Sarasota Florida

Sarasota is known for its restaurants. Choose between American, Amish, Asian, Café/Deli, Continental, Italian, Seafood and Spanish/Peruvian. Rub elbows with locals while downing cold brews and munching big juicy burgers in the '50s feel of open-air diners. Amish restaurants serve heaping portions of comfort food, and French bakeries tempt with delicate pastries.