Long weekend visit...Possible to find a beach front hotel that's walkable to nightlife? (Sarasota: hotels, taxi)

[TheJagMan]

Did some reasearch on cd. From what I've gathered Long Key is the main beaches while nightlife, such as the gator club seems to be inland. Are there good beaches inland or good nightlife on Long Key? What else should I visit when I'm there?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by TheJagMan

Did some reasearch on cd. From what I've gathered Long Key is the main beaches while nightlife, such as the gator club seems to be inland. Are there good beaches inland or good nightlife on Long Key? What else should I visit when I'm there?

Hi JagMan - are you talking about Longboat? There's hardly any accessible beaches there and no nightlife. You can go a bit further south to Lido - lots of beachfront hotels, and walking distance to St. Armand's Circle where you will find a lot more nightlife. Also St. Armands is right over the bridge to downtown where you will have even more.

Hope this helps!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by TheJagMan

Did some reasearch on cd. From what I've gathered Long Key is the main beaches while nightlife, such as the gator club seems to be inland. Are there good beaches inland or good nightlife on Long Key? What else should I visit when I'm there?

Yeah, I agree with Gypsy, Longboat is not the most happen place for night life. Unless you are looking for the piano bar type of thing out at Euphemia Haye

Anyway, another place you might want to look into is Siesta Key. You have the Daiquiri Deck and Beach Club-they usually have some pretty good live bands out there on the weekends. You also have the Siesta Key Drum circle out Siesta Key beach on Sun at sunset.

Like you mentioned Gators on Main St is another good place.

[TheJagMan]

Thanks for the advice! I did mean longboat. Reasearching now...

[SoFLGal]

Nope, closest beach would be on Lido, 3.54 miles away from the Gator Club.

[Ladywithafan]

if you're staying on Longboat and want night life, your best bet is to head to Lido/St. Armands for music, drinks, bars. Next, you could hit up Lido Key for Lido Beach Club. Next, downtown, main street. Last, you'd head to Siesta Key and/or gulf gate. Do be aware, you are totally subject to being pulled over out on Siesta and handle your drinking situation accordingly.

My advice, as a tourist would be to take a taxi. The money you spend on a taxi is cheap compared to a DUI.

[TheJagMan]

Found a place on St. Armands...What's the top party spot there or should I go to the Gator Club?

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by TheJagMan

Found a place on St. Armands...What's the top party spot there or should I go to the Gator Club?

I would say Cha Cha Coconuts is a good bet. Haven't been out that way at night for a while but it used to be a pretty good place. It's a small area so you could probably walk the circle and make your rounds and try different places out.

Here's a list of the places on the circle:
A unique shopping experience in Sarasota, Florida - St. Armand's Circle Association

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by TheJagMan

Found a place on St. Armands...What's the top party spot there or should I go to the Gator Club?

Gator & Sports Page on Main Street, O'Leary's Tiki bar over by Marina Jacks & Cha Cha's is reasonable & relaxed on St. Armands...15South, Tommy Bahama's and Cork are nice as well.

Make sure you take a walk & get into Wyland Galleries for awsome art as well!

[CuteShuz]

There can be a party crowd at 15 South sometimes (on the circle), if you are going into town, hit Ceviche at sunset for awesome views of the city and water, then you can hit Gator Club and/or walk to the Ritz Carlton for drinks late- its pretty busy on Fri and Sat nights.