Sarasota: My Peaceful Place on Florida's Gulf Coast

How This Place Became Part of My Heart

You know how some places just get into your soul? That's Sarasota for me. My parents bought a place here back in 2003, and honestly, it changed our lives for the better. For my dad one of the first African-American pediatricians in Indianapolis this was the one place on earth where he could truly relax. After long weeks pouring everything into his patients, he'd come down here and just... slow down. Watching him find that kind of peace? That meant everything to me.

Before I had kids, I was down here almost every month. It was my perfect escape quiet mornings with my parents, long walks on the beach, and a pace of life I couldn't find anywhere else. As life got busier with marriage and babies, Sarasota naturally evolved into our family's sanctuary, our second home where we could all just breathe a little deeper.

When my husband proposed, there wasn't even a question about where I wanted to get married. We chose the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, gathered about 120 of our closest family and friends, and said our vows right there by the Gulf. It was beautiful and felt right tying one of the biggest moments of my life to a place that already held twenty years of precious memories.

Sarasota isn't just another Florida vacation spot for me. It's where my dad found his peace, where I started my married life, and where my boys are making their own childhood memories just like I did. This place will always feel like home because it holds so much of who we are as a family.

The Beaches That Help Me Reset

Can we talk about these beaches for a minute? The sugar-white sand of Siesta Key, the quieter stretches of Lido Beach there's something here that just completely resets me. I don't know if it's the way the sand feels between your toes or the sound of the waves, but I can literally feel my shoulders drop and my breathing slow down the moment I step onto the sand.

I'll never forget taking RJ when he was just a toddler. That little boy absolutely refused to leave the beach we practically had to drag him out when it was time to go! Now my kids run around, play football in the sand, splash in the waves for hours, and make the same kind of magical memories that I still hold close to my heart. While I'm perfectly content sitting in my chair with my toes in the sand all day long, my husband and boys love taking it up a notch with boating and fishing adventures. They've rented boats right out of Sarasota and gone deep-sea fishing over in Marco Island those trips are always their absolute highlight of our visits.

Here's what I love about Sarasota's beaches they each have their own personality and mood. Siesta Key Village puts restaurants and nightlife right at your fingertips when you want that energy. Lido Beach connects you straight to St. Armands Circle for shopping and dining when you're ready to explore. And Longboat Key gives you those quieter, more peaceful stretches when you need less crowd and more calm reflection time.

The Food That Keeps Seafood Lover In Happy

Food is honestly the center of every single one of my Sarasota trips. I'm that person who loves eating outside with a water view even when it's 90 degrees and humid, that's still my absolute happy place. There are spots here that I return to every single time because they're not just restaurants to me, they're part of the Sarasota experience. Here are the places that keep me coming back:

Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle - This is my absolute favorite spot in all of Sarasota. That warm Cuban bread they bring to your table, the sangria that tastes like vacation in a glass, and their famous 1905 Salad are pure Sarasota essentials for me. Every single trip, we end up here at least once.

Owen's Fish Camp - Fresh seafood with Southern comfort vibes that just feels like a warm hug. It's cozy, it's fun, and it has never once disappointed me.

Drydock Waterfront Grill - Amazing seafood right on the water where you can watch the boats go by while you eat. Pro tip: make those reservations early, especially during snowbird season when everyone's in town.

Circo on St. Armands Circle - Perfect for when I'm craving flavorful Mexican food and a margarita to go with that sunset.

Chart House - This is where I go when I want to dress up a little and have an elegant night out right by the water.

Saint Regis options - CW Prime when I'm in the mood for upscale steakhouse vibes, and Reva for beautiful waterfront Italian that makes you feel like you're somewhere in the Mediterranean.

Ritz-Carlton Brunch - Okay, this is my total holiday splurge. Caviar, crab, lobster, and more beautiful food than you can imagine. It's definitely an experience worth having at least once, maybe twice if you're celebrating something special.

Family Fun That Actually Works for Everyone

One thing I really appreciate about Sarasota is how well they do family entertainment they've managed to mix culture, genuine fun, and adventure in ways that work for both kids and adults. Here are our go-to spots that never fail to make everyone happy:

The Ringling Museum - This place is incredible. It's home to the State Art Museum of Florida, two fascinating circus museums, and those gorgeous Bayfront Gardens that are perfect for wandering around. Don't miss the Ca' d'Zan Mansion it's like stepping into a fairy tale. Pro tip that'll save you money: admission is completely free on Mondays.

Mote Marine Laboratory - That 135,000-gallon shark tank is impressive, plus they have sea turtles, manatees, and interactive exhibits that actually keep the kids engaged instead of just running through quickly.

Big Cat Habitat - This is a nonprofit sanctuary with a rustic, natural feel that's completely different from your typical tourist spots. It feels more authentic and meaningful.

PopStroke - Tiger Woods' mini golf concept that's really well done. Two 18-hole courses, jumbo screens for entertainment, and they do free ice cream Tuesdays for the kids which obviously makes them very happy.

Day trips that are worth the drive - Busch Gardens in Tampa when we want roller coaster thrills, Disney World in Orlando (I still absolutely love the Epcot Food & Wine Festival), and various water adventures like jet skiing and boat rentals when we want to get out on that beautiful Gulf water.

My personal favorite activity? A sunset cruise with friends, wine in hand, and that incredible Gulf backdrop stretching out forever. It's pure magic every single time.

Shopping from Cute Boutiques to Great Outlets

University Town Center Mall (UTC) - This is where I go for sneakers galore for my boys and all the popular retailers they love.

St. Armands Circle - My absolute favorite for browsing boutiques, finding perfect sundresses, and wandering through art galleries where you might discover something special.

Ellenton Premium Outlets - A family favorite when we want to find some good, discounted finds without breaking the budget.

Day trip shopping adventures - Tampa outlets when we want a bigger selection, Orlando Premium Outlets (hello, Lululemon outlet that makes my heart happy!), and local spots like Detwiler's Farm Market for fresh produce and that authentic local charm.

Evening entertainment options - CinéBistro for dinner and a movie when we want something relaxed, or those Wednesday night food trucks at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch for a more casual, fun family evening.

Hidden Gems That Feel Like Secret Discoveries

Indian Beach Park - A wonderfully quiet spot for kayaking and watching sunsets without fighting crowds for the perfect view.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Peaceful orchids and stunning bay views when you need a calm, reflective moment away from all the activity.

Harbor Acres neighborhood - This historic area is absolutely perfect for a scenic walk when you want to see a different side of Sarasota.

Myakka River State Park - Where you can spot alligators in their natural habitat and explore Florida's wilder, more untamed side.

Amish restaurants - Der Dutchman and Yoder's for hearty comfort food that honestly feels like the warmest hug. Sometimes you just need that kind of simple, satisfying meal.

Why This Place Will Always Hold My Heart

For me, Sarasota is so much more than beautiful beaches, incredible restaurants, or fun attractions, though it has all of those things in abundance. This is where I can genuinely slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the parts of myself that get lost in the busy pace of everyday life. I love taking long walks during the day or at sunset, though I've learned to avoid mosquito hour after a few unfortunate experiences!

The water always, always calls me back. As an Aquarius, being near the ocean feels like my most natural rhythm, it's calming and grounding and energizing all at the same time. There's something about that Gulf water that just speaks to my soul.

But most importantly, Sarasota is where so many of my most precious family memories live. This was one of my dad's very favorite places on earth one of the few where he could truly let go and slow down after giving so much of himself to his work and his patients. It's where I got married surrounded by the people I love most. And now it's where my children are growing up making their own beautiful memories, building their own connection to this special place.

Sarasota isn't just a destination for us. It's my peaceful place, my heart's home, and it always will be. Every time I'm here, I'm reminded of what really matters family, peace, beautiful moments, and the incredible gift of having a place where you can just be yourself completely.