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Sarasota is a beautiful tourist destination with great beaches and leisure options. However, as in every American city, you do nothing without a car and I was tired of driving and parking. So, I decided to take a bus or taxi – which did not work out well. In the US if you do not know the schedule of the buses, it means you will spend the whole day in desert bus terminals in the middle of nowhere, waiting for something to happen.

Bus terminal

Newly purchased bike

I was at a bus terminal when one of the few beggars in town came and asked me for help – he had a blue bike from the 70s. We chatted for a while and I do not remember how it happened, but I bought it for US$ 100 and rode all over the city, free as a bird. It turned out to be a very pleasant place, despite the heat and humidity.

The city is plain and there is not much traffic, you do not get tired; it is possible to cycle long distances. A great part of Sarasota has bike lanes, and as in most American towns, you can leave your bike and no one will steal it. 

 

The Kissing Statue in Island Park

Picnic car

I took the time to go to all the tourist points that interested me most: the beaches, the city center with stores and ice cream shops, the “Unconditional Surrender” (Kissing Statue) and the SARASOTA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM – besides the Ford T, picnic cars and the classic American cars, you can also see John Lennon’s Mercedes and the original car from “Back to the Future”, all built in stainless steel.

The car from "Back to the
Future"

John Lennon’s Mercedes

Siesta Beach

Lido Beach

You are immediately charmed by Sarasota. It is not known by foreigners, but is one of the favorite tourist points for several Americans, especially the wealthy ones. The beach has great hotels, excellent restaurants, designer stores and everything is clean and organized. SIESTA BEACH is a big attraction, considered the best American beach. Its white sand and calm sea make it a perfect place to spend the day with the kids – although I have already been to much prettier beaches in the US. There is also the beautiful LIDO BEACH, where I watched an amazing sunset.

Sunset at Siesta Beach

The Kissing Statue at night

The KISSING STATUE is one of the most beautiful statues I have ever seen; there should be one in bronze too. There is even a dispute between the city hall of New York and Sarasota for its possession, because it is unique and represents that famous photography of an American soldier kissing the nurse girlfriend after he came back from World War II. The photograph is beautiful; the statue is gorgeous and is the main landmark in Sarasota.

Bike lane on the bridge

The nicest part of the ride was passing by John Ringling Bridge, which connects the mainland to Lido Beach. It is a long bridge with a steep incline. I cycled during the day and at night; it is a great feeling, especially on the descent with the wind and the view.

Beach shore in Sarasota – view from John Ringling Bridge

Dinner with John and his wife

Another great place to visit is one of Grease filming locations – a public school that remains exactly the same. There are many restaurants, and most of them are famous. John and his wife, my clients, took me out to dinner in a fantastic restaurant, with the sound of Jazz music. 

School where Grease was filmed

Sarasota also has a good nightlife. In the historic center there are top restaurants and parties; picturesque bars and restaurants, and those small places just to eat a burger or a pepperoni pizza (so good!).

Bar in Siesta Beach

Chocolate and ice cream
shops

Sarasota is a great destination for the summer, with a fancy touch that you only find in big cities. Check it out!

Typical trees and sunset in Florida

Sarasota

bike

Sarasota classic car museum

beach

ciclovia

bicicleta

museu do automóvel

siesta beach

lido beach

praia