Downtown Sarasota Lunch Tour: Food & History Walk
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; light walking required over city sidewalks.
Overview
Explore downtown Sarasota’s culinary hotspots and uncover local history on this 3-hour walking lunch tour. Perfect for food lovers and history fans!
Downtown Sarasota Lunch Tour
3 Hours • Historic Sarasota!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the rich history and culinary delights of downtown Sarasota on this engaging three-hour tour. Stroll through historic streets while sampling dishes from four unique restaurants, all while learning fascinating stories about the pioneers who shaped the area. Perfect for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike!
Duration
3 Hours
When
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
About
It's time to experience an afternoon in beautiful downtown Sarasota while enjoying its rich history and amazing food!
Our tour transports you through a timeline that reveals the untold history of our Suncoast from its primitive beginnings to the present-day building boom. Your guide will share details and stories about the pioneers and wealthy trailblazers that spearheaded the discovery of Sarasota while you stroll its historic streets.
This is a perfect tour for you foodies and trivia buffs that are local or visiting Sarasota for the first time.
You will visit four restaurants each unique in its own way as you sample some scrumptious culinary delights. At the end of this three-hour tour, you will be filled with great food AND fun historical tidbits about Sarasota's downtown.
Attire: casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. (It's a leisurely walk of about a mile) Includes: All food and restaurant gratuities are included in the ticket price. If you enjoyed your tour, tips are accepted and greatly appreciated by our tour guides. Weather: We tour rain or shine. Start Time: 12 p.m. Where to meet: The Fat Chef Statue in front of Mattison's Grill & Restaurant at the corner of Main & Lemon Streets. Parking: Free1 hr. parking is available in the City Parking Garage above Whole Foods Parking Garage. The entrance to this upper-level parking is on 2nd street between Whole Foods & Central Ave. State St. & Palm Ave Parking Garages: please be aware that the City of Sarasota is now charging for parking after 1hr. The 2nd hour is $2, and it is $1 per hour after that at those locations.
Please note that all tours require a minimum of 4 people. This does not mean one party must book 4 individuals, but that our total headcount achieves the minimum. We will notify you if we have not reached this capacity and will always strive to accommodate our valued guests!
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves several blocks of walking on city streets, so comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.
Bring a small water bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially on warm days while walking between stops.
Arrive with an appetite
You’ll be tasting dishes from four unique restaurants, so come ready to enjoy lots of different flavors.
Check weather in advance
Tours proceed rain or shine, but weather can impact comfort, so dress accordingly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban herons
- Osprey by Sarasota Bay
History
Downtown Sarasota grew rapidly in the early 20th century as a hub for arts and commerce, influenced by key figures like circus magnate John Ringling.
Conservation
Several local restaurants emphasize farm-to-table sourcing and sustainability to reduce environmental impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures comfort during the city walking portions of the tour.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from Florida’s intense sun while walking outdoors.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially during warm months.
summer specific
Light jacket or sweater
Useful for cooler mornings or evenings during fall and winter tours.
fall specific