Sarasota private tours

Welcome to Sarasota, where the Gulf of Mexico's gentle waves meet untouched shores, and the sun paints a vibrant sky. The city weaves artsy charm with coastal grace, ready for your exploration. With your guide, Sarasota tours become explorations beyond the norm. Walk through the lively Sarasota Farmers Market, where the aroma of fresh bread and produce speaks of the city's essence. Your guide uncovers hidden delights like the Ringling Museum's whimsical sculptures or the perfect sunset view at Lido Beach. Whether exploring the historic Rosemary District or tasting local treats on a food and wine tour, your journey is enriched by ...

Welcome to Sarasota, where the Gulf of Mexico's gentle waves meet untouched shores, and the sun paints a vibrant sky. The city weaves artsy charm with coastal grace, ready for your exploration. With your guide, Sarasota tours become explorations beyond the norm. Walk through the lively Sarasota Farmers Market, where the aroma of fresh bread and produce speaks of the city's essence. Your guide uncovers hidden delights like the Ringling Museum's whimsical sculptures or the perfect sunset view at Lido Beach. Whether exploring the historic Rosemary District or tasting local treats on a food and wine tour, your journey is enriched by stories from a true insider. Say farewell to queues and hello to unforgettable moments. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Sarasota.

Explore Sarasota your way

At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Sarasota tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Sarasota for every interest, including:

Layover tours: Get picked up at SRQ, stroll St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach for a Gulf view, then tour highlights at The Ringling, like the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan exterior. You’ll be back at the airport on schedule.

History tours: Explore The Ringling’s art and circus collections, then head to Historic Spanish Point to walk pioneer buildings and ancient shell mounds. Fans of mid‑century design can see Sarasota School of Architecture stops like Sarasota High School and, when available, the Umbrella House.

Nature and Wildlife tours: Kayak the Lido Key mangrove tunnels to look for herons, rays, and manatees. Or visit Myakka River State Park for the canopy walkway and a guided boat tour on the lake to spot alligators and bald eagles.

Transit and getting around: Downtown is walkable, but beaches, parks, and museums are spread out and local buses are limited. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide about tours with private transportation.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Sarasota inside and out.

Walking tours & neighbourhoods

Day trip ideas from Sarasota

If you’re staying in Sarasota, you’re set up for simple day trips to nearby cities, beach towns, and nature spots, so you can keep your plans flexible and choose the places that match your pace, your interests, and the kind of stories you like to bring home.

St. Petersburg: Cross the Sunshine Skyway and spend your day in a walkable waterfront city filled with murals, indie galleries, and casual spots for fresh seafood; if you like street art, local breweries, and lively neighbourhoods, this is an easy fit, and your tour can zero in on murals, markets, or quiet park views along the bay.

Tampa & Ybor City: Dive into cigar history, Cuban sandwiches, and brick-lined streets, then follow the Riverwalk for city skyline views; if you’re into local food, immigrant heritage, and old architecture with character, this day trip serves up a mix of culture and city energy without a long drive.

Anna Maria Island: Slow things down on soft Gulf beaches, wander wooden piers, and browse small shops for coastal finds; when you want a low-key beach day with clear water, bikeable lanes, and sunset colours that look unreal, this island keeps it simple and suits families, photographers, and anyone who loves a calm shoreline.

Myakka River State Park: Trade city streets for wide prairies, oak hammocks, and big-sky views, with trails and boardwalks where you can spot birds and gators; nature lovers, photographers, and active types get plenty to do in a single day, and it’s close enough that you still make it back for dinner in town.

Venice: Stroll a compact city centre with Mediterranean Revival style, then head to Caspersen Beach to hunt for shark teeth along the surf line; if you like mellow beaches, easy biking on the Legacy Trail, and small-town cafés, this quick trip covers it in a tidy loop without rushing.

A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Sarasota most travellers miss.