It's on the key and it's beautiful. If you are staying at the condos, there is beach access, all you have to do is cross the street. Maybe a 3 min walk. If you drive to the main beach there is a parking lot, which fills up quickly.

The Village has bars, restaurants, shops, salons , and rentals. You can rent bicycles, kayaks, scooters, jet skis, or go parasailing.

Sun Garden Cafe is great for breakfast, Daiquiri Deck/Gilligans/SKOB are some fantastic watering holes with food. The Beach Club/Gilligans is great for night time dancing. If you need tourist-y things then check out The Beach Bazaar.

Our favorite bar in The Village. Outside seating, good drinks, and crazy people.

Provides free rides on the key, all you need to do is tip.

The competition starts Friday the 13th and ends Sunday the 15th at noon. You can go explore the beach and see the sand castles. I recommend going Saturday before the wedding or Sunday when all of them are done. Its $6 cash only. But you can probably walk around perimeter and still see most of them.

For those of you staying at the condos and want to stock up on some food, go to Publix. For those of you not from the south, it's the nice BIG grocery store.

Yes, Sarasota finally got one !!!!!! So if you want more groceries, cheap wine, or small market charm, then go here.

If you are staying longer the next few things are for you. Located near the airport, this is a world renowned museum that was started by John Ringling (yes of the circus!) many years ago. Besides the art, there is a circus museum and John & Mable's house, called the Ca' D'Zan, which are not to be missed. All surrounded by beautiful gardens and banyan trees.

Displaying some classic Main Street charm, this area has plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants to check out. Sarasota is a center for the arts (including food!) and this area is a must see.

Located on Sarasota Harbor, this is a beautiful island park that is perfect for taking a stroll anytime, day or night. While there you can appreciate the local artist's sculptures and sometimes spot dolphins playing in the water. There is also a Tiki Bar and restaurant located here should you need. Just outside the park there is also a bridge that spans the harbor and is great for walking and taking in the sights.

There are a lot of boutiques, sometimes a little pricey but it's fun to walk around and plenty of great places to eat, recommend Surf Shack.