Island Park at the Sarasota Bayfront

Downtown Sarasota's Island Park is a beautiful multi-use greenspace that follows the arc of the shoreline at the west end of Main Street.


It's one of Sarasota's many delights that one minute you're walking along a city street with shops and restaurants, and the next minute you're ambling along the water's edge, surrounded by yachts,

small craft,
walking paths,
a playground, and numerous spots to read or rest under the shade of a banyan tree.


The panoramic view towards the John Ringling Bridge, which connects downtown to Lido Key, is not to be missed.
And, Sarasota being the artsy town that it is, you can enjoy permanent sculpture such as this exuberant dolphin fountain
and the very interesting "Season of Sculpture", a biannual temporary outdoor exhibit of large-scale creations that follows the curve of the bayfront. This year's selection is now installed, so make sure to schedule an amble along the Bayfront to see the artwork up close.

Selby Library, An Oasis Downtown

Sarasota has a habit of making things beautiful (well, with a few architectural exceptions downtown!). Selby Library looks like a graceful, gleaming mothership floating across from Five Points Park on First Street.


With columns that look like elephant legs, reminiscent of its circus heritage, the building offers shady relief from summer sun outside, and a 21st century research and reading facility inside.
On the first floor, you'll find the children's library, with a delightful entrance archway that's a real aquarium! On this floor are also new books, videos, books on tape, DVDs, and CDs. Also, a large magazine reading area and fiction collection.
Upstairs are numerous study pods with Internet computers. That's also where you'll find non-fiction, periodicals, quiet-rooms, and reference. There are meeting rooms on both floors. The facility has free wi-fi and work carrels, too. During Season, there are exhibits mounted on the mezzanine facade and in the center of the main floor.

Are you Ready for Season?

Walking east on Main Street in Sarasota FL during Season. Shopping, cafes, tra la.

Private Views from Public Places in Sarasota FL

Under the protective canopy of Selby Library in downtown Sarasota FL, a contemplative view with a boy and his dog for company. Across the street is a leafy park. To the left is Starbucks. Further down the street is Whole Foods Market Centre.

Sarasota is a small city that feels like a small town. Once you're downtown, you can walk to everything, including the expansive Sarasota Bayfront Park.