Beaches, boating, golf, dining, shopping, theater -- there's always something exciting going on in Sarasota.  Sophisticated or casual, upscale or economical, it's all just minutes away.

Each area of Sarasota County has its own personality, and our visitors are delighted to find more vacation variety here than they ever expected.  The City of Sarasota, with its active downtown and arts and theater district, still has a friendly, small town feel.  Luxurious Longboat Key's manicured beach resorts and condos also offer world-class tennis, golf and dining.  Laid-back Siesta Key has the feel of a tropical island, with sugar white sand officially designated "the whitest, finest beach sand in the world".  St. Armands Circle is home to gourmet restaurants and chic shops featuring the best items from around the world.

Once known primarily as a vacation or retirement destination, today's Sarasota is home to diversity.  A great year-round climate, expanding employment opportunities, abundant leisure time activities and excellent schools attract creative entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals who want to thrive in a community where life is fun.  Almost half of Sarasota County's population is in the prime working age range of 25 to 64.  No matter what you age or stage, there's always something interesting to do in Sarasota.

Sarasota County is located on the West Coast of Florida, about 60 miles south of Tampa (go to enlarged map).  The county's approximate 600 square miles extend west from rustic ranch land to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.  With more than 35 miles of gulf beaches, residents are within a 15-minute drive of the most spectacular white sand beaches in the world.