The Best Sunset Drives and Spots in Sarasota

Sarasota sits on the Gulf of Mexico, which means the sun sets over the water, and that makes the last hour of daylight the best time to be in a good car. These are the routes and stops we would pick for a sunset drive.

Siesta Key Beach and Ben Franklin Drive

The classic. Start your drive about 90 minutes before sunset so you can move slowly through Siesta Key Village and along the beach before the light changes. Public beach parking fills up early on a nice day, so plan to arrive before the crowd or have the car delivered nearby rather than hunting for a space.

The Ringling Causeway to Lido Key

The John Ringling Causeway crosses the bay between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle and Lido Key, and the view at the top of the bridge is one of the most photographed in the city. Drive it just before sunset, then loop St. Armands Circle and finish with dinner and valet.

Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Longboat Key is the quieter option. Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the length of the island, and driving north in the evening gives you a long, calm stretch with the Gulf on one side. It suits the Rolls-Royce and the grand tourers in our fleet.

Downtown bayfront near Marina Jack

If you want to stay downtown, the bayfront near Marina Jack is an easy place to park, walk and watch the light change over Sarasota Bay. It is a good pick for a short half-day block when you do not want to drive far.

Timing the evening

Sunset times shift through the year, so check the time on the day and start the drive 60 to 90 minutes earlier. For photos, golden hour is the 30 minutes or so before sunset. Our exotic car rental in Sarasota can be delivered to wherever you are starting, so the evening begins with the car already there.