St. Armands Circle
Circus magnate John Ringling built this roundabout as a European-style shopping village after buying the key in 1917, and it still shows: more than 140 shops and restaurants ring a park studded with Italian statuary from his own collection, alongside the Circus Ring of Fame's 150-plus bronze plaques honoring circus legends along the sidewalks.
The shopping-and-dining circle John Ringling laid out, with Lido Beach a short walk beyond it. It is the easiest good evening in Sarasota: beach, then dinner, without moving the car twice.
Read the full 17 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida (2026 Local Guide) →Also featured in Florida Holiday Nights Out 2026: Light Shows, Tree Lightings and Strolls
Street parking runs free on Sundays, 8am to 1pm — otherwise it's $1.50 an hour, so time your visit around it.
Nearby on Wayfind
Dry Dock Waterfront Grillfood ›Sage Restaurantfood ›Lucky 8food ›Indigenous Restaurantfood ›Focaccia Sandwich + Bakeryfood ›Blu Kouzina UTCfood ›Wayfind is an independent guide, not affiliated with the places listed. Details come from Google and may change — confirm hours before you go.