Discover St Armands Circle: A Shopper's Paradise
The Ultimate Travel Guide
St Armands Circle is a shopping destination like no other. Located in Sarasota, Florida, this charming and vibrant area is known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, St Armands Circle has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. So let’s dive in!
Top Attractions
St Armands Circle is home to some of the most popular attractions in Sarasota. Here are a few must-visit places:
- St. Armands Circle Park
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- Ringling Museum of Art
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Hidden Gems
While St Armands Circle has plenty of well-known attractions, there are also some hidden gems that are worth exploring:
- The Local Bean Coffee Shop
- Le Petit Jardin Cafe
- Island Park
- The John Ringling Causeway Bridge
- Lido Key Beach
Food Scene
St Armands Circle is known for its amazing food scene, which features a wide range of cuisines and dining options. Here are some must-try restaurants:
- Columbia Restaurant
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
- Shore Diner
- The Coolinary
- Indigenous
Budget-Friendly Tips
While St Armands Circle can be a pricey destination, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing the experience:
- Visit during the off-season (May-October)
- Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and bars
- Stay at a hotel or vacation rental outside of the Circle
- Shop at the farmers market for fresh and affordable produce
Outdoor Adventures
St Armands Circle is surrounded by natural beauty, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding at Lido Key Beach
- Biking along the Legacy Trail
- Fishing in Sarasota Bay
- Hiking and birdwatching at Celery Fields
- Sunset sailing tours
Historical Landmarks
St Armands Circle has a rich history, which is reflected in its many historical landmarks:
- The John Ringling Estate
- Ca d’Zan Mansion
- Sarasota Opera House
- The Crocker Memorial Church
- The Sarasota Courthouse
Family-Friendly Activities
St Armands Circle is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that kids will love:
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- The Children’s Garden
- Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique and off-the-beaten-path, here are a few experiences to consider:
- Hot air balloon rides
- Helicopter tours
- Segway tours
- Parasailing
- Wine tastings at local vineyards
Natural Wonders
St Armands Circle is surrounded by beautiful natural wonders, which are a must-see for any nature lover:
- Myakka River State Park
- Oscar Scherer State Park
- The Celery Fields
- The Ringling Causeway Bridge
- The Gulf of Mexico
Vibrant Nightlife
St Armands Circle has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from:
- The Gator Club
- The Beach Club
- The Daiquiri Deck
- The Blue Rooster
- The Terrace at Surf Shack
Local Markets
If you’re looking for fresh produce and local goods, be sure to visit these markets:
- The Sarasota Farmers Market
- The Phillippi Farmhouse Market
- The Siesta Key Farmers Market
- The Bradenton Farmers Market
- The Suncoast Food Alliance Market
Beaches and Mountains
St Armands Circle is known for its beautiful beaches and nearby mountains, which are perfect for a day trip:
- Lido Key Beach
- Siesta Key Beach
- Longboat Key Beach
- The Smoky Mountains
- The Appalachian Mountains
Cultural Immersion
St Armands Circle is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its many cultural attractions:
- The Ringling Museum of Art
- The Sarasota Opera House
- The Sarasota Ballet
- The Sarasota Orchestra
- The Venice Theatre
Art and Music Scene
St Armands Circle has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries and venues to explore:
- The Ringling Museum of Art
- The Art Center Sarasota
- The Sarasota Orchestra
- The Sarasota Opera
- The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Walking Tours
St Armands Circle is a great place to explore on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours to choose from:
- The St. Armands Circle Walking Tour
- The Sarasota Architectural Walking Tour
- The Sarasota Ghost Tour
- The Sarasota History Tour
- The Sarasota Food Tour
Architectural Marvels
St Armands Circle is home to some of the most impressive architecture in Sarasota:
- The Ca d’Zan Mansion
- The Sarasota Opera House
- The Sarasota Courthouse
- The Sarasota County Administration Building
- The Sarasota School of Architecture
Historical Sites
St Armands Circle has a rich history, which is reflected in its many historical sites:
- The John Ringling Estate
- The Ca d’Zan Mansion
- The Crocker Memorial Church
- The Sarasota Courthouse
- The Sarasota County Administration Building
Biking Routes
St Armands Circle and the surrounding areas are great for biking:
- The Legacy Trail
- The Venetian Waterway Park
- The Manatee River Trail
- The Myakka River State Park Trail
- The Sarasota Bayfront Trail
Wellness Retreats
St Armands Circle is a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of wellness retreats to choose from:
- The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
- The Zen Den Yoga School
- The Wellness Center of Sarasota
St. Armands Circle located in Sarasota, Florida a 1 hour drive from from pinterest.com