Is your soul craving a Sarasota sunset? There’s nothing like watching the shapes and colors going off in the sky after a day of exploring the beautiful beaches, parks, and attractions in Sarasota, Florida. What makes a sunset in Sarasota so spectacular compared to the rest of the country?
According to Sarasota Magazine the magic comes down to the way sunsets here are viewed across the Gulf of Mexico. In most other places, dust particles can mute the full spectrum of visible light to prevent the glistening colors from showing through. The dust-free Gulf of Mexico allows for some of the most breathtaking sunsets on the globe!
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Of course, it also helps that so many of the best viewing spots here just happen to be beautiful, relaxing places that are surrounded by sand, palm trees, and calm tides. Where will you find the best sunset in Sarasota? We’ve narrowed the choices down to seven incredible spots where the color spectrum is on full display. Here’s where to watch sunset in Sarasota during your upcoming visit!
1) Watch A Sarasota Sunset From The Water
Give yourself the gift of experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime pleasure of watching a sunset in Sarasota from a boat! There’s simply nothing like watching brushstrokes of yellow, orange, gold, and pink reflecting off the water as the ultimate celestial body exits in the sky for the evening.
Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced seafarer. You don’t have to know a thing about how to drop an anchor to enjoy sunset cruising if you book your trip with Sarasota Coastal Boat Tours.
Known for offering boat trips in Sarasota, we host two-hour sunset tours that take you out to the perfect spot to see a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Relax during the ride as gentle breezes and stunning scenery take over your senses. Our guests are routinely lucky enough to spot dolphins during these magical tours.
We’re the top Gulf Coast sunset cruise operator because of our:
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Friendly and experienced USCG-certified captain
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Gorgeous 2024 Sea Hunt Ultra 24-foot vessel
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All-ages cruising
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Departures timed for current sunset times
While we hope to catch you boarding soon, we do warn you that tours book up quickly. Don’t miss your chance to see the best sunset in Sarasota aboard our comfortable boat with an oversized bow area and cushioned rear-bench seating.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Plan the sunset experience of a lifetime with Sarasota Coastal Boat Tours!
2) Watch The Sun Setting At Lido Beach
Beautiful Lido Beach offers a great way to catch a sunset in Sarasota, Florida in a very natural and serene setting. This is the perfect place to finish out a day with a sunset after taking advantage of the beach park’s nature trail, picnic areas, and canoe/kayak launch.
As the day ends, the bright colors of the setting sun fill the sky, making a beautiful sight that will amaze you. Lido Beach is a great place to finish your day with a calm and unforgettable sunset.
3) Love The Views On The Ringling Bridge Causeway
The 65-foot-tall John Ringling Causeway is a bridge extending past Sarasota Bay that allows you to get from Sarasota to St. Armands Key and Lido Key. If you like exercise, plan to time your walk on the bridge with the sun setting.
If you prefer to find a place to sit, the 12-acre beach park adjacent to the famous Ringling Bridge offers it all! In addition to showing off beautiful bay views, Ringling Bridge Causeway Park also offers inspiring city views. This is also a top spot for fishing in Sarasota!
Pro tip: If you’re more of an early bird who prefers to turn in early at the end of the day, the Ringling Bridge Causeway is also one of the best places to view a Sarasota sunrise! As you stand on the bridge, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city awakening to a new day.
4) Enjoy Rooftop Dining During A Sarasota Sunset
One of the best places to catch a sunset is a rooftop bar that places you high above the tops of palm trees! Various options for rooftop dining with great views include:
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Perspective Rooftop Bar (North Palm Avenue)
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Roof Bar & Eats (North Gulfstream Avenue)
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Moose Lodge (Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach)
Pro tip: If you find yourself at a fun rooftop bar at sunset, ask for a frozen cocktail called a Sarasota lemonade that’s made with pink lemonade concentrate and Moscato wine.
5) See A Playful Sunset At Bayfront Park
Sarasota’s Bayfront Park is a beautiful waterfront green space offering some of the best views of the city and surrounding bay. From the playground to the promenade, there’s no shortage of spots for viewing a vibrant and dramatic sunset.
Pro tip: You can even head over to O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill to grab a bite right by the water when you’re done enjoying your Florida sunset!
6) Catch A Sunset By The Fishing Pier At Nora Patterson Bay Island Park
This pet-friendly park that is a favorite of local fishermen offers a beautiful spot with picnic tables and benches right at the water’s edge. In addition to being a wholesome and beautiful spot for catching a sunset, this Florida treasure also shows off incredible views of the Sarasota skyline.
7) Savor The Sunset From A Hill At Celery Fields
Bordered by bucolic oaks and willows, Celery Fields is a 300-acre marshland park with canals and shallow pools. Visitors can enjoy beautiful walking trails. If you’re chasing a good Florida sunset, head to the park’s 75-foot hill that offers benches for viewing breathtaking colors in the western-facing skies!
Find The Best Sarasota Sunset Spot
From summer sun to slightly moodier winter skies, Sarasota offers incredible sunset views all year long! If your dream is to catch the best sunset around, let Sarasota Coastal Boat Tours help you cruise along as the sun goes down all around you in open water!
We’re the premier Florida Gulf Coast boat tour agency for guests who love to explore the waves and sandbars located just out of reach of popular beaches. We’ll make sure you’re in the perfect place for sunset times based on the sun’s location throughout the year.
