18 Romantic Things to Do in Sarasota for Couples

When it comes to romantic things to do in Sarasota for couples, the beaches and sunsets are only the beginning. This incredible Gulf Coast city pairs all that natural beauty with a thriving cultural scene and world-class dining, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

When my husband and I plan a date night (or day), we don’t have to look far because Sarasota has more to offer couples than many bigger destinations. Of course, the white sand beaches are always tempting, and Siesta Key’s sunsets are like no other, but the city has so much more to give. There are botanical gardens, tours that mix history with fun, and romantic fine dining that makes dinner the highlight of the evening.

👉 Quick tips for visiting Sarasota!

🍽️ Savor downtown Sarasota with the History and Tasting Walking Tour
🛍️ The Sarasota Boutique Tour for a unique shopping experience
🌴 For something more active, try this memorable Night Kayaking Tour
🛏️ Find the very best Sarasota Hotels

As the author of 100 Things To Do In Sarasota Before You Die, and someone lucky enough to call Sarasota home, I’ve experienced so much that this city has to offer, and it’s still one of my favorite escapes.

Whether you’re planning a weekend or a longer stay, Sarasota has plenty of unique experiences for two. I can’t wait to share some of these top picks for sites, activities, and moments that make Sarasota such a special destination.

Watch the Sunset on Siesta Key Beach

No couples trip here is complete without a Siesta Key sunset. The sand on Siesta Key Beach is powder soft, made of pure quartz, and consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States.

We like to arrive about an hour early, walk the shoreline, then settle in as the sky begins to turn shades of orange and purple. Afterwards, you can easily stroll into Siesta Village for gelato or a nightcap before heading back to your hotel.

Siesta Key Beach is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. If you’re staying nearby, you can bike or hop on the free Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, which runs daily and stops near the beach and village.

Tip: If driving there, parking at the main lot is free, but it fills up quickly on the weekends, so go earlier.

Take a History and Tasting Walking Tour

There is so much history in Sarasota, and a lot of great food! On this small group history and tasting walking tour, you’ll get some of both. You will visit several local restaurants, tasting your way through samples. Don’t worry, you won’t leave hungry! While you stroll, you’ll also learn about the unique history of what was once referred to as Circus City.

Explore The Ringling

The Ringling is more than Sarasota’s art museum; it’s a glimpse into the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. Couples can spend hours wandering the Museum of Art, stepping inside the Circus Museum, or touring the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the house John built for his wife in the early 1900s.

The Bayfront Gardens are just as much of a draw, with banyan trees, sculptures, and a romantic walk that leads down to Sarasota Bay. Inside, you’ll find European art, circus history, and a gift shop with unique things you won’t see elsewhere.

Lunch in the Ringling Grill Room is a great way to end your experience. Sit outside if it isn’t too hot, or ask for a seat by the window. The portions are large, so keep that in mind. We ordered an appetizer and sandwiches, and it was too much to finish.

Stroll St. Armands Circle

With shops, galleries, and restaurants circling the center, St. Armands Circle is the kind of place where you can spend a few hours or most of the day. You can also read more of the history and check the schedule of events on the St. Armands Circle website.

When we go, I like to start with a glass of wine and a small plate before walking through a few of the boutiques. It’s such an easy way to spend time together, and if we’re not quite ready to head home, Lido Beach is right across the street. Kicking off your shoes and putting your feet in the sand is the perfect way to wrap up the afternoon.

Tip: Even if you’re not going midday when the sun is the hottest, always bring a hat and sunscreen. We keep chairs and other beach gear in our car so we’re always ready.

Book a Dolphin Tour

Since the early 1970s, researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory have been studying the dolphins in Sarasota Bay, and about 150 of them make this area their permanent home. You might get lucky and spot one from the beach, but the surest way to see them is on the water.

Many tours guarantee dolphin sightings, as the dolphins like this area as much as we do. Watching them swim and play right next to the boat never gets old, no matter how many times you go.

Tip: I think the best dolphin tours are in Anna Maria, which is about 40 minutes away. Morning tours usually mean calmer water and a smoother ride. Plan to spend the day as there are so many things to do on Anna Maria Island.

Experience a Sunset Cruise

Being on the Gulf at sunset is one of those things you’ll never forget. The sky changes every minute, seabirds fly overhead, and sometimes dolphins will even join the show.

For couples, an evening dolphin cruise is date night perfection as you sit back, watch the colors, and enjoy the view as the coastline lights begin to sparkle.

Tip: Again, the best sunset cruise is in Anna Maria Island. Even warm days can cool off quickly on the water, so bring a light jacket.

Sing Along Trolley Tour

If you’re music lovers and like an easy date night where someone else plans the details, the Sing Along Trolley is a hoot! Discover Sarasota Tours runs this 90-minute experience for adults 21+, departing from 1826 4th Street.

You’ll have the option of one free beer or wine before the tour, as well as one free beer or wine at the bar stop. We had so much fun on this tour!

Visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Selby Gardens is world-renowned for its orchids and bromeliads, and Time Magazine even named it one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2024. The downtown Sarasota campus offers shady paths along century old live oaks, tropical displays, and unbeatable bay views.

The Historic Spanish Point campus mixes pioneer history with nature trails along the water. You might spot rare birds like the roseate spoonbill.

Both campuses highlight the connection between art, nature, and conservation, and they host rotating exhibits that give you a reason to come back again and again. When we make a day of it, I like to start downtown, have lunch nearby, and then head to Spanish Point to wrap up the afternoon.

You’ll find plenty of quiet corners to enjoy together, plus more than a few spots perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Tip: Check the events calendar before you go because there are often special exhibits and seasonal displays you won’t see anywhere else.

See a Show at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

For couples who love live entertainment, the Van Wezel is hard to beat. The seashell-inspired building, painted a bold shade of purple, sits right on Sarasota Bay with incredible views. Inside, you’ll find Broadway tours, symphony performances, comedians, and popular headliners, so it’s easy to find something for every style.

We usually pair it with dinner downtown, then head over a little early to take in the bayfront views before the show. It’s one of Sarasota’s classic date nights and one you don’t want to miss.

Tip: There’s ample parking in its lot (850 spots) with valet service available. If you’ve dined downtown, walking the waterfront or taking a rideshare is a nice option instead of worrying about parking.

Take a Class at the Artisan Cheese Shop

The Artisan Cheese Shop is such a fun spot to visit. Explore the amazing and delicious cheeses and even order a charcuterie board for two.

The shop offers classes in designing a charcuterie board, learning about cheese, and more. The shop also serves wine to go with your cheese. I could shop there for hours.

Spend the Day at The Bay

The Bay Park is Sarasota’s new 53-acre waterfront development, and it has truly become one of my favorite places. Couples can start the morning with yoga under the banyan trees, paddle together on a free guided kayak tour, or simply take a scenic stroll along the walking trails.

In the evenings, there are concerts, food trucks, and movies under the stars. There are so many easy ways to enjoy time together here without a lot of planning. We booked the kayak tour and were really surprised just how easy it was, and another evening we caught a movie under the stars.

The Bay is the kind of place where couples can drop in for an hour or spend most of the day, depending on how much time you have. Tip: Most activities are free, but certain events, like the kayak tours, do require registration. It’s a good idea to reserve your spot through The Bay’s events calendar.

Experience the Siesta Key Drum Circle

Sunday evenings at Siesta Beach, just before sunset, the drum circle comes alive. Musicians, dancers, and curious visitors all gather in the sand and the energy builds as the sun begins to dip.

We’ve been several times, and it’s never the same experience twice. Some nights the drumming is more polished, while other times it’s freeform, but it’s always a ton of fun. Couples often settle in with a blanket or chairs, share a drink or snack, and enjoy the rhythm of the drums in the open air.

What makes it fun is how unpredictable it can be. You might see seasoned drummers, first-timers giving it a try, and plenty of people dancing in the circle. It’s casual, free, and has a community vibe that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. It’s one of the most memorable ways to take in a Siesta Key sunset together.

Tip: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early if you want a good spot. I also recommend bringing a beach blanket or chairs.

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch

Waterside Place is a newer lakefront district where shops, patios, and live events keep things fun and lively. We’ve picked up gifts for friends at Monkee’s and Florida Provisions, then stayed for dinner at Osteria 500.

Good Liquid Brewing is an easygoing stop if you’re in the mood for local craft beer. Before heading out, be sure to check the events calendar because we’ve been lucky enough to catch really great live music here more than once.

For couples, the draw is how versatile it is. You can make it a casual afternoon browsing shops and grabbing coffee, or a full-on date night with dinner and live music by the lake. Sitting out by the water with a drink in hand while the sun goes down makes it a perfect spot to end the day together.

Have a Mai Tai at the Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge

If you’re in the mood for a date night with a little character, Bahi Hut delivers. This Sarasota institution has been pouring drinks since 1954, earning its title as Florida’s oldest tiki bar.

The vibe is pure retro with low lighting, bamboo booths, and just enough tiki decor to make it fun without going overboard. It’s cozy, a little quirky, and surprisingly romantic in that vintage, rum-soaked kind of way.

The Mai Tai here is a local legend and because it’s so potent it’s capped at two per person. If you’re looking for a mellow vibe, swing by between 3 and 6 p.m. during Happy Hour when it’s quieter and a lot easier to grab a table.

Later on, the energy picks up, especially on weekends when live music kicks in. Tip: Those Mai Tais are no joke. Pace yourself and plan a rideshare if you’re making a night of it.

Stroll Through A Local Farmers Market

Farmers markets make such an easy and fun daytime date for foodie couples, and this one is the #1 farmers market in the entire country! The Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market, located at Waterside Place, has more than 100 vendors, so there’s plenty to explore together.

We’ll usually grab coffee and a pastry, and then wander through the stalls looking for local honey or a loaf of fresh bread to bring home. With plenty of food trucks, plan to have lunch or take home dinner.

If you prefer something smaller and more walkable, the Sarasota Farmers Market downtown is a great alternative. It’s been around since the late 1970s, so it has that classic, established vibe.

After browsing through the vendors’ stalls, you’re already within steps of plenty of lunch spots, making it easy to turn a morning at the market into a casual afternoon date.

Tip: Bring a tote bag (or two). Between the produce, baked goods, and maybe even a gift item or two, you’ll leave with more than you expected.

Dive Wine & Spirits Speakeasy

On Clark Road, Dive looks like an ordinary liquor store from the outside. But step past the shelves and through a steel door, and you’ll find a hidden cocktail den with just 25 seats.

It’s intimate, dimly lit, and feels like you’ve stumbled onto Sarasota’s best-kept secret. Part of the fun here is that you never really order the same thing twice. On my first visit, the bartender asked about my favorite spirit and surprised me with an off-menu creation.

That level of attention makes it feel personal, which is exactly why it works so well for couples. Dive is the kind of spot that makes any date night more fun! If you like Speakeasies, there’s also one above Agave Bandido in Waterside.

Visit the Sarasota Art Museum

For art lovers, Sarasota Art Museum is a must. Check out the different exhibitions or take a highlights tour, offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Check out the events calendar for wine tastings.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

With so many amazing Sarasota Restaurants, the dining scene is as much a draw as the beaches. These restaurants pair memorable plates with the kind of atmosphere that makes a night out together feel special.

Michael’s on East

A Sarasota institution since 1987, Michael’s on East is the city’s only AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant. It’s known for excellent service, a wide-ranging global menu and a wine list that has earned national recognition. The live piano in the lounge adds to the elegant atmosphere, making it a top go-to for dates, anniversaries, or special occasion evenings.

Sage

Located in the historic Sarasota Times building downtown, Sage serves creative seasonal dishes with a rooftop bar that’s perfect for cocktails before dinner. The combination of the historic setting and modern cuisine makes it one of the most unique dining experiences in the city.

Indigenous

Indigenous turns dinner into more than just a meal. Chef Steve Phelps builds the menu around what’s in season, so it always feels fresh and inspired. The intimate setting, along with dishes that celebrate local ingredients, makes it one of Sarasota’s most delicious choices for date night.

Shore

Shore is all about coastal cuisine in a sleek, modern setting. Outdoor tables are strung with lights, making it one of the most stylish spots for couples to linger over dinner.

Duval’s

Duval’s is a downtown favorite and great place for fresh seafood, winning multiple ‘Best of Sarasota’ awards. From oysters to lobster, the menu covers the classics.

The setting is modern but comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back and enjoy, without feeling like they are rushing you through dinner.

Selva Grill

Selva Grill has been wowing Sarasota diners for years with its Peruvian-inspired menu. Known especially for ceviche, it’s consistently listed among the city’s top restaurants. The bold flavors and vibrant setting make it a lively choice for couples looking to share something with a bit of a different spin.

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