You can see at a glance that Sarasota has plenty of fun to explore during the day. Whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, cultural events, or all the possibilities of the beautiful coastline, this vibrant city is a wonderland to enjoy. But what about when the sun goes down?
The nightlife in Sarasota is more than just lively; it’s legendary. The after-hours party scene has existed for over a century and is still fresh today. There isn’t enough space here to describe everything you can do after the sun goes down, but here’s just a glimpse into a few places to enjoy.
Get to Know the Nightlife in Sarasota
Sarasota has always attracted visitors from around the world. For over a century, artists, musicians, writers, movie stars, and famous characters have flocked to the area to play and relax.
The nightlife here isn’t just something for visitors to enjoy. Play is a big part of local culture, and residents see no reason for that to end when the sun goes down. Balmy nights and a relaxed vibe make it a natural choice to head out after dark, resulting in a vibrant nightlife scene.
There’s something here to enjoy, whether you want a sophisticated, elegant atmosphere or prefer something modern and relaxed. If you’re looking for an intimate bar to share drinks with someone special, you can find that too.
History of Nightlife in Sarasota
Sarasota has a long history of welcoming visitors with an excellent party, and you can experience some of this rich past for yourself. For example, The Gator Club is a famous bar that’s been around for over 110 years. The owners were rumored to serve bootleg whiskey and host illicit gambling during Prohibition.
Movies have been filmed in the bar, including the 1997 hit Palmetto, starring Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue, and Gina Gershon. Considering how much history has taken place in The Gator Club, it’s not surprising that some people insist that it’s haunted.
If you’re in the mood for an excellent seafood dinner to fuel your evening, Walt’s Fish Market has provided the freshest fish since just after World War II.
It was initially just a fish market until the owner’s son started frying fish sandwiches for customers. Demand for the sandwiches grew, and the only logical step was to open a full-service restaurant. Today, you can enjoy a wide selection of delicious seafood accompanied by specialty cocktails.
Popular Nightlife Districts
There are many areas to explore the nightlife, but here are just a few of our favorites.
Downtown
You can’t beat the bustling downtown area for a high-energy night out. If you’re looking for a sophisticated ambiance, try out a specialty martini at the Selva Grill or Ritz-Carlton. For a more relaxed vibe, check out the live music and outdoor dancing at Mattisons’s City Grille.
Siesta Village
Don’t let the sleepy-sounding name fool you; this area is a playground after dark. Sista Key Oyster Bar offers an indoor and outdoor bar, a great late-night menu, a wide selection of drink specials, and live music.
Not far away, you’ll find Gilligan’s Island Bar, with a beautiful Back Beach patio, complete with a fire pit. They serve an excellent menu and claim to have the area’s largest Tiki bar, as well as live music daily.
St. Armand’s Circle
This is a great place to shop, dine, enjoy some art, and visit nearby Lido Beach. After a day of fun, stop by 15 South Martini Bar. They serve up specialty martinis alongside live music and dancing.
Nearby is Daiquiri Deck, which offers indoor and outdoor dining. Be sure to enjoy a frozen drink on the balcony and take in the beautiful views and island feel.
Contact Candy Swick & Company to explore listings in Sarasota and find your dream home
At Candy Swick & Company, we know you’ll love Sarasota as much as we do. We would love to give you an insider’s view of the area and help you find the home you’ve been dreaming of. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
