10:00 a.m.
A Slice of Parisian Life
C’est La Vie offers breakfast options for every mood, from a simple coffee and pastry to a sumptuous meal. This authentic French bistro and bakery has been a staple of Downtown Sarasota since 1997. Freshly baked pastries, including almond croissants and eclairs, are a highlight, along with savory baguette sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. The crepes are also a favored choice, especially the landaise filled with spinach, goat cheese, tomato, and walnut in a creamy sauce. While indoor seating is an option, many guests prefer the relaxed ambiance of the outdoor front patio, complete with colorful umbrellas and a garden-like setting.
12:00 p.m.
Kayak Through Sarasota’s Hidden Gem
Often overshadowed by the region’s beaches, the exotic mangrove tunnels on Sarasota Bay are a hidden natural gem. A two-hour guided kayak tour with Kayaking SRQ offers a glimpse into this mesmerizing world of wonder, launching from Ted Sperling Park on Lido Key. Unlike typical Florida mangrove tunnels, the tunnels here boast wider, more navigable passages and a canopy of red mangrove trees that form an archway overhead. While beautiful, the mangroves aren’t the only reason paddlers flock to Sarasota Bay. These waters are home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, from manatees and dolphins to a diverse array of birds, fish, and starfish. If time permits, the tour will also stop at a secluded beach where guests can take a quick dip in the bay or hunt for seashells.
2:30 p.m.
Alfresco Lunch in a Blue-Green Oasis
For those captivated by Sarasota Bay’s blue-green waters, The Bay has transformed the shoreline into an iconic 53-acre park filled with diversions. The Nest boasts a stunning large archway design that not only serves as a focal point but is also the perfect spot to enjoy snacks and drinks. This alfresco setting offers an ideal vantage point to soak in the park’s beauty as well as the coming and going of others. Try the Blue Ibis cocktail, a refreshing frozen drink made with vodka, lemonade, and blue raspberry flavors. The menu at The Bay features a selection of casual and healthy options, including rice bowls with blackened chicken or seasoned beef, a veggie wrap, and a quesadilla filled with roasted chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo.
5:00 p.m.
A Canvas of Colors
After recharging the body, recharge the spirit by taking a stroll through The Bay. The Oval is the epicenter of the park’s brimming event calendar, offering a lineup of fitness classes, live concerts, movie screenings, and more. As the sun sets, wander along the tranquil Mangrove Bayou Walkway, a half-mile trail that winds through restored wetlands, oak groves, and lush gardens. The trail leads to a pier overlooking Sarasota Bay, offering a secluded vantage point to witness the renowned sunsets that paint the sky with a stunning array of colors.
6:30 p.m.
Seafood Delights & Bayfront Sights
Keeping Sarasota Bay in view is effortless with an array of world-class dining options that dot its shoreline. Among these, Jack Dusty, located within The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is a premier choice. Its ambiance and menu are deeply rooted in the area’s maritime traditions, blending exquisite dishes with Sarasota Bay and marina views. The Sarasota Cioppino exemplifies the area’s rich flavors, with Gulf shrimp, bay scallops, Gulf fish, Cedar Key clams, and P.E.I. mussels in a tomato-chardonnay broth. Other tantalizing options include a butterflied Branzino and braised short rib in a coffee ancho sauce. Bon appétit!
9:00 p.m.
Wrap Yourself in the Melodies of Downtown
From the Sarasota Bay to downtown, Sarasota pulses with live music almost every day of the week. Follow the melodies (and tempting scents) to Selva Grill, a pioneer in Sarasota's Peruvian dining scene. The lounge offers a cozy ambiance with plush couches, intimate lighting, and a DJ on weekend nights that sets the mood. Enjoy a Selva Classic, a slightly dirty vodka martini, or a scratch-made mojito with house-made simple syrup in flavors like strawberry, watermelon, mango, passionfruit, blueberry, or raspberry. Their late-night menu includes an award-winning ceviche or inventive twists on Peruvian classics like Chilean sea bass croquettes and duck confit samosas.
9:00 p.m.
Wrap Yourself in the Melodies of Downtown
From the Sarasota Bay to downtown, Sarasota pulses with live music almost every day of the week. Follow the melodies (and tempting scents) to Selva Grill, a pioneer in Sarasota's Peruvian dining scene. The lounge offers a cozy ambiance with plush couches, intimate lighting, and a DJ on weekend nights that sets the mood. Enjoy a Selva Classic, a slightly dirty vodka martini, or a scratch-made mojito with house-made simple syrup in flavors like strawberry, watermelon, mango, passionfruit, blueberry, or raspberry. Their late-night menu includes an award-winning ceviche or inventive twists on Peruvian classics like Chilean sea bass croquettes and duck confit samosas.