Our Sarasota Staycation: Family Fun Just an Hour From Tampa
Living in Tampa, we’re lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful places perfect for a quick escape. Recently, we packed up the kids and headed just about an hour south for a relaxing staycation in Sarasota. We stayed at a relative’s house, making this trip both affordable and easy—and it turned out to be such a fun family getaway!
Exploring Payne Park
One of the highlights of our stay was Payne Park, located just outside downtown Sarasota. Once the site of a baseball stadium, this 29-acre park has been transformed into a vibrant green space with something for everyone. The kids absolutely loved the circus-themed playground, which is a nod to Sarasota’s Ringling Bros. legacy. There’s also a splash pad, walking trails, and tennis courts. We brought our scooters!
Dining at Columbia Restaurant in St. Armands Circle
We made a delicious stop at Columbia Restaurant in St. Armands Circle—a Sarasota classic and Florida’s oldest restaurant chain. This location combines historic charm with a family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for dining with kids. We enjoyed Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and a Cuban Old Fashion for me! They are famous for their 1905 Salad, which we have had before at the Tampa location. The staff was accommodating and the food was outstanding. Plus, walking around St. Armands can be fun if you want to go shopping.
Beach Time: Lido and Siesta Key
Of course, no Sarasota trip is complete without some beach time. We spent an afternoon at Lido Beach, which was convenient and great for families who want easy parking and access to facilities.
Later in the trip, we ventured over to Siesta Key, our all-time favorite beach. With its powdery white quartz sand and calm, shallow waters, it’s ideal for young kids to play safely. We also explored the cute souvenir shops in Siesta Key Village and grabbed lunch at the lively Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). It’s a casual spot with great seafood, live music, and a fun, beachy vibe.
Local Flavor at Detwiler’s Farm Market
Before heading home, we stopped at Detwiler’s Farm Market, a local favorite for fresh produce, baked goods, and Florida-made treats. We stocked up on snacks for the ride home and picked up some unique local items you just can’t find in big-box stores. If you’re ever in Sarasota, it’s a must-visit!
Final Thoughts on Our Sarasota Staycation
This Sarasota staycation reminded us how lucky we are to live so close to such a vibrant, family-friendly city. Whether you’re into nature, shopping, beaches, or food, Sarasota has it all—and it’s just a short drive from Tampa.
Have you done a Florida staycation recently? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots!
Check out some of our other blogs! Essentials for taking toddlers to a theme park, 5 Items That Made My Life Easier At Disney
Top Items that made out Sarasota Staycation easier!
Safety Vests!
As parents, keeping our kids safe is always the top priority—especially around water. When we’re at the beach with our preschooler, we never rely on floaties, puddle jumpers, or inflatable toys alone. Instead, we use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest—and here’s why we think every parent should consider doing the same:
1. They’re Tested for Safety in Real-Life Conditions
Unlike basic floaties or novelty swim aids, Coast Guard-approved vests go through rigorous safety testing to ensure they can keep a child’s head above water—even if they become unconscious or fall in unexpectedly. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.
2. Beaches = Unpredictable Water
Even at calm, kid-friendly beaches like Siesta Key or Lido, water conditions can change fast. A rogue wave, a strong undertow, or just the distraction of chasing seashells can put a preschooler at risk in seconds. A properly fitted life vest adds an extra layer of protection, especially when you’re juggling multiple kids or packing up for the day.
3. It Encourages Water Confidence—Not False Confidence
Some swim aids give kids the illusion that they can float or swim on their own, which can be dangerous if they take them off or venture too far. A Coast Guard-approved vest keeps safety front and center while still allowing kids to have fun in the water with more freedom than constantly being held.
4. They’re Required for Boating or Jet Skis Anyway
Planning a boat ride, kayak outing, or jet ski rental? It’s the law that children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest on boats. So why not get them used to it early and consistently?
5. They’re Comfortable and Cute Now, Too
The good news? Today’s vests come in all kinds of fun colors and character designs. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and made to move with your child—so they won’t resist wearing them like bulky older models.
Tommy Bahama 7ft Umbrella!
With a generous 7-foot canopy, this umbrella actually gives you enough shade for multiple people—not just one chair. It’s perfect for families with little kids who need to stay out of the sun, or anyone who wants to avoid that midday UV blast.
This isn’t a flimsy, blow-away beach umbrella. The Tommy Bahama version has a vented canopy design that allows wind to pass through, reducing the risk of sudden gusts turning it into a kite. Combine that with the heavy-duty aluminum pole and anchor system, and you’ve got solid, secure shade all day.
Thanks to its built-in sand anchor and tilting mechanism, this umbrella is surprisingly easy to set up and adjust, even if you’re juggling toddlers, snacks, and sunscreen. You don’t need to be a pro—or dig a hole the size of a baby pool—to get it to stay put.
Wet bags for changing clothing after the beach! Incase you want to go out to eat/shop.
Face sticks! The easiest sunscreen for kids.
JBL clip for some music!
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