By: Susan Finch

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Sarasota is the perfect place for a weekend of fun with the girls to bond and kick up your heels. Surrounded by breathtaking Keys, white sandy beaches, and plenty to do; the Sarasota area is the perfect playground for a bachelorette party, girls getaway, or friend reunion.

Where to Stay

Kick off your weekend by checking into the Lido Beach Resort and leave behind your worries (and the guys) with a dip in the Gulf or hotel pool before soaking up some sun. For an option walkable to downtown and the Bayfront with great amenities, both the Westin and Art Ovation hotels offer close proximity and rooftop bars for views of Sarasota and beyond. Aloft hotel with its tech-savy design, bar, outdoor patio lounge, and rooftop pool overlooking downtown is also a solid option.

Cocktails and Nightlife

Toast your weekend with a cocktail at Marina Jack’s Blue Sunshine Patio & Grill overlooking the marina, or by choosing from 23 different daiquiris at the DaiquiriDeck on St. Armands Circle. Beachfront at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, an Old Florida tiki bar is open to the public and ready to invite visitors to sip on a cold beer or cocktail, grab a bite to eat, or watch the sunset. Although there is no parking, guests can stroll over from the beach or the adjacent beach access.

For an evening beach party, The Beach Club in The Village on Siesta Key hosts a DJ  and dance-worthy music, or you can head downtown Sarasota to The Gator Club for live music and dancing through the night. Oysters are always on the menu at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (aka–SKOB), and you can keep the night rolling at Gilligan’s or the Daiquiri Deck with locations in Siesta Village, St. Armands Circle, Siesta Village, and south Siesta Key.  

Adventurous and Relaxing Activities

Tap into your sense of adventure and join Siesta Key Watersports for parasailing with one or two friends soaring up in the air with you, a ride on personal watercraft, or boat rental for a day of exploring. When you’ve had your fill of adventure, the Yoga Shack is the perfect spot to wind down your weekend, or a beachside stretch with Yoga on Siesta Beach to soak up all the benefits of outdoor yoga to calm your body and mind.

 For one last indulgence before departing Sarasota, book a massage at The Ritz-Carlton, L. Spa, or The Met luxury day spa. Before you head out, stop for brunch with your gal pals at State Street Eating House, The Rosemary, or sit outside at Mattison’s City Grille. It’s the perfect time to plan your next girls trip over mimosas, French toast, and omelettes. You’ll have new favorite spots and plenty to still see and do for your next Sarasota girls’ getaway.