Romantic Getaways in Sarasota: The Perfect Escape for Every Type of Couple

Are you and your partner looking for the perfect itinerary for a romantic getaway – just the two of you and a handful of new places, lovely scenery, and intimate experiences? We've got you covered. Here are some of the hot spots you'll want to visit for some romance and fun in Sarasota.

For the Beach-Loving Couple: Sunsets, Sand & Seaside Romance

Fall in love – or fall in love all over again – at Sarasota's island keys and beaches. There's nothing like a relaxing day on our shores – no matter where you end up on Sarasota's 36 miles of coastline.

You and your boo can start your Sarasota stay with a trip to Venice's beaches to search for shark teeth. After all, Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, thanks to the millions of teeth that have washed ashore there. You can buy or rent a shark tooth sifter and get to work looking for shark teeth, fossils, and shells.

Continue your beach vibe with waterfront dining. If you're looking for casual with a water view, try Fins at Sharky's facing the picturesque Venice Fishing Pier, or head up to Daiquiri Deck or The Old Salty Dog – both have locations on Lido Key or Siesta Key (there's nothing like that fresh seafood and a cold beer after a day at the beach). For something more upscale and romantic, Speaks Clam Bar is a short stroll from Lido Beach, while Cafe Gabbiano is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and pasta after catching a famous Siesta Beach sunset.

Speaking of, make sure to share at least one sunset together when visiting Sarasota. Our beaches face west, so you're sure to have a fantastic sunset view over the Gulf Coast horizon from any of our barrier islands. 

If you're exploring Siesta Key, you and your honey may want to take a tour of Siesta Key Rum and try some free locally made spiced and coconut rum samples. And, if you happen to be here on a Sunday evening, complete your romantic beach getaway with a visit to the Siesta Key Drum Circle, taking place right on the beach every Sunday evening.

Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key, Lido Beach Resort on Lido Key, Tropical Breeze Resort on Siesta Key, or A Beach Retreat on Casey Key are the perfect beachfront properties to round out your romantic getaway just steps from our white, soft sand and palm-fringed shoreline.

For Arts & Culture Enthusiasts: A Mix of Creativity & Entertainment

Sarasota is known as Florida's Cultural Coast for a good reason. The arts and artists are a big part of life in Sarasota, so you'll have plenty to see and do with your partner if you want to have an arts and culture-focused trip.

Don't miss the Sarasota Art Museum, home to a rotating exhibit of contemporary art. The Sarasota Art Museum is operated by the Ringling College of Art and Design and also features Bistro for after-touring eats, a boutique gift shop, and live jazz one evening a month.

One must-see is The Ringling, which is home to a world-famous European and Asian art museum, a circus museum, and a bayfront rose garden. Plus, as the former estate of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable, you also can visit Ca d'Zan, which was their ornate Venetian-inspired winter mansion. Give yourself a full morning or afternoon to enjoy all that The Ringling has to offer. You won't go hungry as The Ringling Grillroom and Mable's Coffee & Tea are onsite.

Enjoy an evening of performing arts while you're in town – whether it's catching a concert at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, witnessing love stories unfold at Sarasota Opera House, or sharing a laugh at an improv show at Florida Studio Theatre. 

When you're ready for top-shelf dining in an off-the-beaten-path gem, Indigenous Sarasota focuses on in-season American cuisine, sustainable seafood, and an ever-changing creative menu on an intimate, quiet patio setting. 

During your visit, visit one of the area's many weekend farmers' markets. Our year-round markets feature many local artists in addition to food and farm vendors. It's the perfect time to slow down, stroll, and catch the rays while shopping for unique gifts and goods to take home with you. 

The Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota is the ideal place to stay if you and your partner are into art and culture. The hotel includes an art gallery and features artistic touches throughout the property and even in its rooms. Plus, its downtown location means you're close to many of Sarasota's museums, galleries, and performing arts venues.

For the Adventure-Seekers: Thrills & Outdoors Excitement

Ready for some adventure? Let's go! Outdoorsy couples looking to get active can take an eco-hiking tour with Wonderbound Adventures through the wild stretches of Myakka River State Park. The state park is famous for its abundant alligator population, so it's also a terrific destination if you want to snap some pics (from a safe distance, of course).

For a different type of adventure, take an open-air trolley tour with Discover Sarasota Tours, offering a number of fun tour themes – ranging from its classic Sarasota tour and a haunted ghost tour to Circus Secrets and more.

A deep-sea fishing charter is another thrilling way to work in more adventures during your Sarasota stay. See what your fresh catch of the day will be by contacting Sarasota Fishing Fleet/The Miss Venice. 

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

If you prefer to stay closer to shore, book a sunset booze cruise instead with LeBarge Tropical Cruises, Cruisin' Tikis, or Key Sailing, where you can enjoy a cocktail with gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay – maybe even spotting a pod of dolphins to top the evening.

Owens Fish Camp is an ideal choice to keep up the thrills and energizing vibes, with its focus on Southern food and banjo playing in an Old Florida backyard setting under giant banyan trees and hanging lights.

Find your home-away-from-home with SkyRun Vacation Rentals, where you and your partner can choose between a vast selection of coastal homes and condos. Want to find a rental with a hot tub or pool? No problem. Close to the beach, bay, or downtown? You got it. 

For a Luxury & Relaxation Retreat: Pampering & Indulgence

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

There's no shortage of places in Sarasota where you can just say, "Ahhhhhhh" and relax. Prepare to pamper yourself in Sarasota by visiting some of our favorite pampering destinations.

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota has a spa with traditional offerings, like a Deep Muscle Massage, but also custom offerings like the Sarasota Touch of Honey – complete with a sugar foot exfoliation and honey-inspired reflexology.

Or, try the Sirius Med Spa for a couples massage, facial, and all sorts of relaxing choices to indulge together. Sirius has a location near the University Town Center, a perfect place to stop for a nice lunch and shop for new items and spend a day exploring the many upscale retail stores.

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

Enjoy a round at one of Sarasota's many pristine golf courses. Traverse the fairways together in your golf cart and see who can get the most birdies. Winner gets to choose where to go for dinner. 

For a few good recs, treat yourself to a classy dinner at the newly opened Ocean Prime or indulge yourselves at Element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta. You'll find top-notch surf and turf on both their menus, as well as fine wine selections and impeccable service.

A stay at the 5-start St. Regis Resort Longboat Key, one of Sarasota's newest luxury properties, is a must if you want some real elite R&R and unmatched hospitality, situated right on the serene Gulf shores.

For the Nature-Loving Couple: Eco-Tours & Outdoor Serenity

Sarasota can offer lots of adrenaline-pumping thrills, but it also has peace and serenity. If quiet time in nature is the goal of your trip, a kayaking or paddleboard tour is a must to admire native wildlife and our beautiful waters up close. Companies like Get Up & Go Kayaking or Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures can lead you two on a private paddling tour through bayous, estuaries, and majestic mangroves.

For a true wilderness escape, pack a day pack and head out to Myakka State Forest or Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, located in the more remote, untouched areas of Englewood and North Port. These heavily wooded areas welcome visitors to take part in hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. 

Don't miss Marie Selby Botanical Gardens near downtown Sarasota for a beautiful collection of plants and flowers right on Sarasota Bay. The waterfront views of the marina are simply unmatched, as they are at its second location in Osprey at the Historic Spanish Point along Little Sarasota Bay. Discover the Tropical Conservatory and the Museum of Botany and the Arts at the HSP location or enjoy a sustainable, alfresco meal at The Green Orchid Café at the downtown campus.

Down in Venice, retreat to Creator's Farm and Garden, a wonderfully tranquil paradise where botanical varieties and edible plants are uniquely arranged throughout a lush, green setting. The hammocks and swings will entice the two of you to take a load off and drift off under the shade of old Florida trees. Grab refreshments and play badminton while learning about aquaponics and permaculture. 

Consider camping under the stars at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey. The state park is a hidden gem with more than 15 miles of wilderness, hiking trails, and primitive or RV spots for you and your loved one to warm up by the campfire and listen to the sounds and chirps of the Florida scrub jay.