Insta-worthy sundowns and first-rate art on Florida’s Cultural Coast

YES, IT’S FLORIDA. The gulf sparkles like liquid sapphire and the sands are blindingly white, however that’s not all– there’s culture here and it includes a capital C.

The air is abundant with jasmine, the streets lined with banyan trees and first-rate art, opera and theatre are taken pleasure in with ocean views– welcome to Sarasota County and Florida’s Cultural Coast.

Sarasota sits an hour and a half’s drive from Tampa and 2 from Orlando– perfect for a trip. With British Airways Holidays, you can reserve a Sarasota break and delight in a variety of thoroughly picked hotels, and have the choice to include a hire cars and truck.

Coast with the most

Sarasota’s islands are evidence that the very best things in life are totally free. Siesta Beach has actually been called the very best beach in the United States and 4th on the planet by Tripadvisor in 2025.

Understood for its grainy white sand and calm Gulf waters, Siesta is a paradise where the sundowns are so sensational they offer repetitions.

Then there’s Lido Secret and Longboat Secret, where, in elegant resorts or on sundown cruises, you’ll discover simply the shot– plus possibly a photobombing dolphin– that’ll make the rest of Instagram weep with envy.

Bite-sized experience

Feeling daring? Head to Venice Beach, referred to as the shark tooth capital of the world, where fortunate beachcombers collect millennia-old megalodon teeth.

Sarasota– the city that shares its name with the county– isn’t simply a fantastic location for getting a tan; the arts scene here might go toe to toe with cities 5 times its size.

The Ringling, constructed by circus tycoon John Ringling– who blew his fortune on European work of arts before the Great Anxiety stepped in– is at its centre.

There’s a Venetian Gothic estate, gardens dotted with Roman-style statues, a gallery and a museum committed to “the best program in the world”.

It’s strange, lavish and entirely dazzling– a location where Rembrandts sit beside circus wagons, where upper class and carnival culture clash.

In the spotlight

Prefer your art live and loud? The Sarasota Opera is first-rate, Sarasota Ballet pirouettes with the very best of them, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre phases whatever from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals.

For something more peaceful, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a full-blown tropical wonderland– orchids leaking from trees and water functions so peaceful they might reduce your heart rate on sight.

And if you elegant time-travelling back 5,000 years, Historical Spanish Point benefits ancient shell mounds, jungle-thick gardens and a piece of Florida history that’s older than the concept of Florida itself.

Up river

The state’s Cultural Coast has lots to provide those venturing inland; Myakka River State Park is among Florida’s earliest and wildest, where airboats take you deep into alligator nation.

If you choose your wilderness more easygoing, kayaking through mangrove tunnels is something else– secret waterways where the only noises are the dips of your paddle.

Time to regroup

And after all that action, you’ll require to refuel. St Armands Circle on Lido Secret is where food satisfies style, trendy restaurants rubbing shoulders with seafood joints that redefine “fresh”.

One bite of Gulf-caught stone crab or velvety shrimp and grits, and you’ll never ever take a look at a frozen fish finger the very same method once again.

For a correct Floridian night out, Downtown Sarasota is where it’s at. Fancy a roof bar with a view of the bay? Done. Choose a low-lit jazz lounge where the bourbon streams easily? Very same.

Not that Sarasota is all bohemian happiness. This location does high-end like it was born for it. From personal beach clubs to first-class resorts– with British Airways Holidays you’ll have a lot of thoroughly picked hotels to pick from– it’s a masterclass in extravagance.

Perfect location

Desired a beachfront suite where the waves do the lullabying? It’s here. Choose a store hideaway leaking in appeal? Choose. The city provides first-class service without the stuffiness.

So whether you’re here for sun, sea, sand or a little bit of Shakespeare, Sarasota has everything– and after that some.

When you book with British Airways Holidays

• All British Airways Holidays plans are Atol-protected, keeping you and your cash safe.
• All bundle reservations consist of versatile payment choices, with low deposits.
• All British Airways Holidays plans consist of a generous luggage allowance, together with a 24-hour devoted assistance helpline throughout your journey.
• British Airways Holidays uses a variety of hotel choices in addition to the chance to work with an automobile with Avis.
• When you book flights and cars and truck work with together, all obligatory charges are consisted of, and you’ll take advantage of roadside support and 24-hour consumer assistance. All hotels and cars and truck hire are dedicated to British Airways’ high security requirements.

Reserve now at ba.com/florida