Boaters who live in Sarasota share a great secret. Imagine salty sea breezes, perfect weather, and boundless navigable waters. From all corners of the globe, boaters are drawn here not only by the beauty of the Gulf and inland waterways, but by a noticeable lack of boat traffic, favorable currents and steady winds that make this one of the best boating environments anywhere.
Sarasota Bay is a huge watershed of amazing places and experiences — tidal sandbars, isolated beaches, bird rookeries, wide-open spaces, plenty of dockside dining options, and glamorous vistas dotted with grand mansions. Owning a power or sail boat allows you to explore and enjoy Florida Gulf coast boating. To live In Sarasota and not have a boat means you are missing out — we enjoy some of the best boating waters in the country.
Waterfront Living
There is a spectacular collection of homes lining Sarasota’s local waters, from architectural treasures to extravagant mansions. The demand for these homes tends to be larger than the supply because they are highly desired and properties on the waterfront are in shorter supply than those further away. As a result, waterfront homes retain and increase in value over time, making them an excellent investment. Two of the most popular waterfront single family home communities are Country Club Shores and Bird Key.
Many buyers of waterfront homes have a preconceived notion of exactly what they are looking for, whether it is a breathtaking view, a deep water dock, quick access to Sarasota Bay, or a large seawall to accommodate their vessel. I have sold some spectacular Sarasota waterfront homes over the years, and my experience in knowing which properties will best suit my client’s needs and lifestyle has proved invaluable. The backside of a waterfront home is where the action is, and I can arrange for clients to cruise through backwater canals to get a clear idea of what type of water their home is situated on.
If you are looking for a home in Sarasota or Longboat Key that is not directly on the water, you always have the option of docking your vessel at either the award winning Longboat Key Club Moorings, the Sarasota Yacht Club or Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. Located at the Harbourside area of the Longboat Key Club, the Longboat Key Club Moorings is well known for its luxurious exclusivity, pristine setting and is spread over 37 acres. The Sarasota Yacht Club is located right inside Big Pass, offering wonderful amenities, including an award winning culinary team in the dining room. Marina Jack is right in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown bayfront, within walking distance of area restaurants, and Sarasota’s arts and culture venues.
Dockside Dining
To tie up and soon be eating something warm and drinking something cold while admiring a tropical water view is one of the joys of boating in Sarasota. There are dozens of waterfront restaurants to choose from; here’s just a few.
Marina Jack is the perfect downtown Sarasota stop. Get fancy in the Marina Jack Dining Room, switch to a Tommy Bahama shirt for the Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill, or keep the flip-flops on for the Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar before heading back out into the Gulf.
Right outside of New Pass (waterway between Lido Key and Longboat Key) sits New Pass Grill, a local landmark grill and bait shop, where you can tie up and savor one of the best fish sandwiches in the area, all with a stunning view of Sarasota Bay. You may even enjoy watching some sailboats gliding by enroute to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a popular spot to pull up and relax near Longboat Key. Their expansive menu items are paralleled only by their incredible views of Sarasota Bay.
Further north on Longboat Key is The Shore restaurant directly across from Jewfish Key offering an al-fresco coastal menu in an open air dining space – and of course, their own private dock to tie up to.
Boaters like to joke that the best two days in your life are the day you buy a boat and the day you sell it. That leaves a lot of days in between filled with sunshine, laughter, family fun, exercise and reflection. If you are looking for the perfect waterfront home, let’s find it!
