Welcome to Art Of Life Sarasota Guest House

Day 1 — Friday

Nature, family fun, neighborhood charm, and a lively rooftop evening

9:30 AM – Walk or bike the neighborhood
Start with the local experience most visitors miss: a morning stroll or easy bike ride to Indian Beach and through Sapphire Shores.

10:30 AM–1:00 PM – Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Head to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM and offers animal shows throughout the day. (Ask your host for a complimentary pass!)

2:30 PM–5:00 PM – The Ringling in Sarasota, Florida, which is officially composed of three main venue areas: the Museum of Art, which houses European masterpieces; the Circus Museum, featuring treasures and miniature models from the Ringling Bros. circus; and the Ca’ d’Zan, the opulent historic mansion of John and Mable Ringling.

7:00 PM – Downtown Sarasota dinner + rooftop/live music night
Make Friday the “going out” night. Head downtown for dinner, then continue to Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, which lists Sunset Live Music on Fridays and Saturdays and weekend DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Day 2 — Saturday

Adventure day: kayaking, beach time, massage option, and a quiet backyard night

9:00 AM–12:00 PM – Lido Key mangrove tunnels kayaking
Book a Lido Key mangrove tunnels kayak outing for the morning. This is one of the strongest signature Sarasota experiences and gives the itinerary a real “vacation memory” anchor. Morning is best because it is typically more comfortable and less rushed. Lido beach is awesome for a dip if the weather permits.

12:30 PM – Lunch near Lido / St. Armands circle.
Armands circle is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly circle with lush landscaping, palm-lined streets, and historic Italian statues. It combines historic charm, European-style outdoor shopping, and high-end dining on a walkable, tropical island. It features over 130 boutiques and restaurants near Lido Beach. 

5:30 PM –

• Walk or bike to Sapphire Shores Park for a beautiful open view of a setting sun

• Or keep it very local and walk to Indian Beach

• Or stay home and make sunset part of the backyard experience

7:00 PM onward – Quiet chill evening at home
Make Saturday night the restorative one with backyard dinner, campfire, music,drinks on the patio.

While part of your group enjoys the backyard serenity, one or several guests can book a rejuvenating in-home session with our co-host Yaw. Thai, Swedish, and deep tissue options turn the stay into a true mini-retreat experience (try to arrange at www.yawtutu.com at least 2-3 days in advance to make sure he is available to come for an in-house massage).

For those who want more of the “cultural vibe” for the evening, check out Sarasota Opera or a drama/musical/standup comedy in one of many Sarasota theatrical venues.

Day 3 — Sunday

Beach day, local culture, and the Siesta Key Drum Circle

9:00 AM–11:00 AM – get ready for Siesta Key and leave home to stop for coffee + bookstore / local browsing at Shelf Indulgence, the local used bookstore that serves good coffee just 2 minutes away from the house.

For the iconic photo opportunity in a waterfront setting, stop by the statue called Unconditional Surrender (also known as Embracing Peace) at Bayfront Park in Sarasota, Florida. Park there for free. Multiple options for lunch are available in the downtown area short walk away.

1:30 PM–4:30 PM – Siesta Key beach afternoon
Head to Siesta Key Beach with enough time to actually enjoy the beach before the Drum Circle starts. 

Every Sunday at 530pm dozens of locals gather to make music and dance at a Siesta Key Drum Circle. It is one of Sarasota’s best-known communal experiences and works for nearly every type of guest.

Make sure you stay for the sunset - Siesta sunsets are one of a kind! Another option would be to return to Bayfront Park to board the Sunset cruise (LeBarge Tropical Cruises is recommended, advance reservation is suggested).

If you choose to stay until Monday, The Ringling offers Free Monday access to the Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion.