St. Armands Circle Tours and Activities

St. Armands Circle which includes a statue or sculpture
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle


Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida, is interesting and delightful to walk around practically any time of day or night. Side-by-side stores, restaurants and art galleries line the 360-degree attraction so you’ll find plenty of retail experiences and dining opportunities to fill part of a day. Stop and listen to sidewalk musicians who often entertain in parts of the circle. Go to its center where abundant lush vegetation and benches welcome you to take time out for yourself.

Although typically not an area to look for souvenirs, St. Armands Circle provides an assortment of quality stores and upscale eating establishments. Ice-cream outlets are popular for their inventive flavors. Bars open out onto the sidewalk, letting patrons watch the constant motion outside. Identify license plates of vehicles parked or driving by. Chances are excellent, especially during the winter months, of seeing representation from most states and many Canadian provinces.

Park wherever you find a legal space. The circle is regularly patrolled for infractions, which can lead to challenges for motorists. If you’re determined to find a parking space on the circle you may need to drive around a few times otherwise it’s usually easier to find a place elsewhere and walk to the area. Generally, the busiest times are from mid morning to late at night.

Strolling on hot pavement can take a toll on family pets, but retailers and restaurateurs often put water bowls and even treats outside their doors for the canine population. Although the number of people dwindles in the later hours, that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of entertainment. Visit establishments that remain open for live music and investigate rooftop bars with fire pits or gardens.

Get to St. Armand Circle from downtown Sarasota by traveling over the John Ringling Bridge. This area has greatly changed since the late 1800s when it was farmland owned by homesteader Charles St. Armand. Circus owner John Ringling later acquired the property and envisioned the current-day setting of a circle of shops.

Popular places to visit


Top St. Armands Circle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lido Beach Resort

Lido Beach Resort

4 out of 5
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
Lido Beach Resort
Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Cirque St. Armands Beachside

4 out of 5
233 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
Cirque St. Armands Beachside
2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck. Walk to Lido Beach

2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck. Walk to Lido Beach

Sarasota
2BR Beachy Speakeasy In St Armand's w/ Rooftop Deck. Walk to Lido Beach
Lido Islander Inn

Lido Islander Inn

3 out of 5
528 South Polk Drive, Sarasota, FL
Lido Islander Inn
Pirate House: Gulf Front, Pool, #1 Location Lido Key, St. Armands One Block.

Pirate House: Gulf Front, Pool, #1 Location Lido Key, St. Armands One Block.

Sarasota
Pirate House: Gulf Front, Pool, #1 Location Lido Key, St. Armands One Block.
Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach

Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach

Sarasota
Charming Studio Unit Across from Lido Key Beach
The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The Westin Sarasota
Private Beach 1 Block To Lido Beach. 1/2 Mile  St. Armand Circle

Private Beach 1 Block To Lido Beach. 1/2 Mile St. Armand Circle

Sarasota
Private Beach 1 Block To Lido Beach. 1/2 Mile St. Armand Circle
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle offers a delightful mix of activities, from watching stunning sunsets and birdwatching to exploring local wildlife. You can indulge in wellness experiences at nearby centres, enjoy shopping at a variety of boutiques, and discover the vibrant atmosphere at St. Armands Beachside. Don't miss the chance to wander through the charming shops and cafés that make this destination so inviting.

Shopping

St. Armands Circle offers a delightful shopping experience with the nearby Bay Isles Shopping Center (3.2km away) for family-friendly vibes and the Artisans' World Marketplace (3.2km away) for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the Siesta Key Farmers Market (4.8km away) for local goods.

Recreation

Nathan Benderson Park offers a serene environment for leisurely walks and picnics, perfect for unwinding. At IMG Soccer Academy, engage in sports activities that invigorate your spirit. For laughter and joy, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre provides family-friendly entertainment, ensuring a delightful night out.

Adventure

Embark on the Sarasota BayWalk for a scenic hike, offering stunning views and nature vibes only 1.6km from St. Armands Circle. For a bit of fun, head to Payne Park Tennis Center, an exciting adventure activity located 4.8km away, perfect for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

St. Armands Circle offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, both 4.8km away, showcasing captivating performances. Florida Studio Theatre, 3.2km away, adds to the cultural scene, making it perfect for family and romantic outings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota offers a delightful blend of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and marinas perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the charm of St. Armands, from its beachside activities to the vibrant circle itself, making it an ideal spot for a city experience while soaking up the sun and local culture.

  • Lido Beach: Located 1.1km from St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach offers a relaxing escape with its pristine sands and vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, soaking in Florida’s beautiful sunsets.
  • Longboat Key Beaches: Situated 8.0km away, Longboat Key Beaches boasts city vibes with a laid-back atmosphere. Explore its picturesque coastline, indulge in water sports, or simply unwind at one of the many beachfront cafes, all while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf.
  • Sarasota Opera House: Just 3.2km from St. Armands Circle, this cultural gem is a hub of entertainment and romance. Attend a captivating performance in a beautifully restored venue, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Sarasota.

Best time to go to St. Armands Circle

The best time to visit St. Armands Circle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Armands Circle

To save money on your visit to St. Armands Circle, consider travelling from September to November for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and find eco-friendly options, sorting results from lowest to highest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package deals to save even more. For getting around, take advantage of affordable public transport or enjoy walking around the area, which is pedestrian-friendly and packed with free activities.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Armands Circle are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Armands Circle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Armands Circle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your St. Armands Circle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.