A Photographer’s Guide to Sarasota's Picture-Perfect Spots

Whether you always whip out your smartphone for scenic pictures and selfies or you visit parks at dawn with fancy camera equipment for that idyllic nature shot, you'll find delight in these 11 picture-perfect spots around Sarasota. Read on so you know where to snap the best photos.

Bayfront Park and Marina

Located right on Sarasota Bay, Bayfront Park is a must-see in downtown Sarasota. Check out the yachts and other boats at the marina, or climb aboard a sunset cruise. Or, stay on shore for some great sunset backdrops for your pictures. Bayfront also has a walking trail, public art, a playground, Marina Jack, and O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill. 

Insider tip: Make time to walk around Bayfront Park's loop for different photography angles, from the boats moored in the bay to the spouting dolphin water fountain.

5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236

Celery Fields

Celery Fields is home to what was once–you guessed it–actual celery fields. While Sarasota has plenty of beautiful parks, there's something unique about the 400-plus acres of Celery Fields because it has a panoramic hill for a bird's eye view of the area. Visit Celery Fields for birdwatching, walking, and of course, picture taking. Plus, it's Fido-friendly. 

Insider tip: Get some great shots by visiting at sunrise.

6799 Palmer Road, Sarasota 34240

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Combine plants, art, and peaceful scenery, and you get the spectacular Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Selby's downtown campus has 15 acres of orchids, cacti, succulents, and all sorts of flora and fauna. Interspersed with the plants are changing exhibits themed around famous artists. Selby is located right on Sarasota Bay, so you've got picture-perfect backdrops. If you're planning to do special occasion or wedding photography there, be sure to check out Selby's photography guidelines. 

Insider tip: Marie Selby Gardens also has a second location at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey for even more nature pics and exploration.

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's biggest state parks and is home to thousands of alligators. The park offers tram and boat rides to help you explore and take all types of pics. Or, choose one of the park's many trails so you can stroll and snap your next social media-worthy post. Some great photo spots include the famous canopy walkway (for a view from the trees!), the birdwalk, and the trails near the Myakka Outpost store. 

Insider tip: Arrive when the park opens to snag a permit for Deep Hole, home to hundreds of gators. Be prepared for the 2.2-mile hike to get there (4.4 miles roundtrip)—but you'll see plenty of great nature shots along the way.

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota FL 34241

The Ringling

The Ringling property brings together several must-visit facilities: a world-class collection of European and Asian art as well as a circus museum. Yet there's also Historic Asolo Theater and the stunning Ca'D'Zan (House of John), which was the home of circus magnate John Ringling and his wife Mable. With its ornate architecture and location right on Sarasota Bay, it's actually hard to stop taking pictures in and around Ca'D'Zan. Yet you may eventually get lured toward The Ringling's bayfront gardens. 

Insider tip: Don't miss Mable's Rose Garden for scenic strolls and colorful flower shots.

5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34242

Ringling Bridge Causeway and Bird Key Park

At Bird Key Park and the Ringling Bridge Causeway Park, you can take your time to enjoy the scenic causeway and surrounding Sarasota Bay while you take a walk or simply sit on a bench and take in the view. Palm trees line the bay, creating a tropical backdrop for your pics. 

Insider tip: Visit at night for pictures of the bridge lit up in different colors depending on the night or holiday season.

200 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, FL 34236

Sarasota Farmers Market

The Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays has been part of downtown Sarasota since 1979 and continues to be a major part of downtown's history and culture. Visit the market for terrific produce pics or sunflower shots at the Worden Farm stand (Worden is an organic farm that has a large market presence). If you're into people-watching and outdoor event photography, you'll find plenty of shots of people strolling and enjoying the vibrant vendors, fresh foods, and live music here (or really, at any of our area farmers markets!)

Insider tip: Check out the market map online in advance in case there are specific vendors you want to see, either for fun or for photo potential. 

N Lemon Ave to 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Siesta Key Beach at Sunset

Sarasota's beaches are glorious, but their beauty goes up a notch during our world-famous sunsets. Siesta Key Beach, which is also one of Sarasota's most popular beaches, has those camera-ready sunset views. However, you can see a memorable sunset from any of our beaches. 

Insider tip: As much as we love our sunsets, consider visiting Siesta Key or other area beaches around sunrise. The lighting for photos is still pretty terrific, and you can take photos of shells washing ashore or the birds that are looking for breakfast.

948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242

St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle on Lido Key is a major shopping destination that is literally in the shape of a circle. You'll find more than 100 stores, restaurants, and businesses there. St. Armands has a European feel to it, along with 16 historical statues that are photo-worthy. Shoot some shots of shoppers, take a selfie with a statue, or get some food pictures when you dine at one of its restaurants.

Insider tip: St. Armands Circle is close to the picturesque Lido Beach, where you can snap more even photos of the family or the sun setting over the horizon.

300 Madison Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

Venice Beach Fishing Pier

If you're looking for a scenic pier and some spectacular fishing, beach, and sunset shots, then the fishing pier in Venice is your go-to destination. Take a stroll on the jetties or wooden pier to spot seagulls and herons posing for you. Then, snap a pic of visitors swinging a line into the water or reeling in a catch of the day. Like any Sarasota beach destination, you'll get some great lighting around sunset. 

Insider tip: Venice is the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, thanks to the shark teeth that have washed ashore for millions of years. Make time to search for shark teeth while you visit. Depending on what you find, you may get some good closeup pics of shark teeth!

1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285

The Westin Sarasota's The Roof Bar and Eats

For a view unlike any other in Sarasota, take the elevator at The Westin up to the 19th floor to The Roof Bar and Eats. From there, you can take in a 360-degree view of downtown Sarasota as well as Sarasota Bay, the John Ringling Bridge, and Marina Jack. Plus, The Roof Bar and Eats is poolside, so you may be able to get some good pool shots. 

Insider tip: Come for the views, stay for a craft cocktail and a bite to eat.

100 Marina View Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236