St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksShopping Malls
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
This outdoor mall with a coastal view is a high end retail and entertainment district home to over 130 shops, restaurants and galleries. St. Armand's Circle is built on an island in Sarasota Bay adjacent to Lido Key. Its circular shape and layout is inspired by its designer John Ringling, who is famous for shaping the modern day circus—you can learn more about it through day tours around Sarasota. The shops surround a charming green park in the center—a perfect place to relax in between a full day of shopping and dining. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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  • Estefania H
    1 contribution
    Winterland event
    I went with my family and the kids to the winterland ... horrible experience, there was no santa claus there, then, if the adults want to go with the kids just to check them, they tried you to buy a ticket. The stuff working there were really unhappy and they did not even smile to the children! First and last time visiting this event.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written December 13, 2022
  • Suzanne M
    Sarasota, Florida24 contributions
    Grandson enjoyed Winterland
    We went to the Winterland event and thought it was great. For $10 our grandson did the bounce house, snow globe, merry-go-round and rode the train. We were told that the skating rink was not ice and he opted not to do it. There was no Santa, which was okay since he's older. I could see where it would be a disappointment for younger children and their parents. The whole area was beautifully decorated.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 20, 2022
  • Louise H
    4 contributions
    So fun
    We went to the winter spectacular event in the circle. Yesterday. We had ages 3 to 68 and everyone had an amazing time. The skating was a little weird, but really fun. And the little ones had so much fun not only skating but also on all the other rides and activities. I think it was a great addition to the December festivities in Saint Armands Circle. Ready
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written January 1, 2023
  • MichSuz
    Sarasota, Florida38 contributions
    Great customer service
    We went to the winter spectacular with our children and grandchildren. We accidentally booked (and paid for) two sets of tickets at different times, and thought we would wind up giving them away. The people who were in line with us already had their own ticketsI, but the attendant at the event told us they would refund us the 2nd set .This was not expected but very welcomed - great customer service! The event itself was great for younger kids. We had babies with us and they didn't have to have tickets, but they enjoyed the merry go round and the train. Kids up to the age of 9 or 10 looked like they were having fun - I could see it was a bit too young for some of the teenagers. I do wish they had an opportunity for photos with Santa, but we will return next year for sure.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 3, 2023
  • David M
    Sarasota, Florida62 contributions
    Dinner at Venezia!
    I have been making my own pizzas every Friday night for dinner since March of 2020 and the start of the Covid Pandemic. Finally returned the day after Thanksgiving for a Greek Pizza and Salad with friends. More outdoor dining tables but the umbrellas are gone! Once you try their pizzas and other menu items, you will want to become regular!
    Visited November 2022
    Written January 4, 2023
  • russellp806
    Burleson, Texas54 contributions
    My wife loves to shop!
    The circle was still decorated from Christmas, and was extremely beautiful! A lot of beautiful shops and boutiques... my wife absolutely loved it! Dresses, jewelry, tee shirts, and a wide assortment of restaurants... we spent an afternoon and evening exploring!
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 6, 2023
  • fredinmn
    Woodbury, Minnesota363 contributions
    Shopping in the heart of Sarasota
    Nice shopping area in the heart of Sarasota. A good variety of shops and restaurants all within an easy walk around a circle. We were there in after the New Year's and it looks like the circle had a nice Christmas area set up in the center that would have attracted a lot of families. It was busy, but we were able to find parking in a nearby parking ramp. You do need to watch when you are crossing intersections as sometimes the cars aren't always paying attention as they are looking for parking spots. There were some intersections that cross guards were working, which was nice.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 21, 2023
  • 4TravelersNC
    Asheville, North Carolina13 contributions
    A great place to shop
    We visited St. Armands Circle a couple of times during our recent visit to Sarasota. Great shops, met nice people and some great food. Parking is at a premium so be patient as you look for a spot. Lots to see. It rivals Beverly Hills and is worth the trip over the bridge.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 21, 2023
  • debral430
    Calabash, North Carolina65 contributions
    Nice place for browsing and eating.
    We were there during an art show which was great. Plenty places to park and reasonable prices. Had a slice of fabulous pizza at Rico's Pizzeria. Great crust and sauce. Nice gift shops to browse. Plenty of ice cream places too Just a nice area to walk and browse.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 30, 2023
  • Gwen B
    Kingston, Canada61 contributions
    Great Place to Visit
    Fun Place to visit. Lots of parking lots only $1 an hour. Lots of great shops to poke in and out of. More in higher pricE range but lots of variety. Lots of excellent restaurants. Close to Lido Key Beach.
    Visited February 2023
    Written February 8, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
5,799 reviews
Excellent
3,445
Very good
1,770
Average
434
Poor
90
Terrible
60

Fraser H
Carlisle, PA6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Despite the traffic slowdowns (due to volume) a stroll around The Circle is a great way to spend a few hours or an entire day. You can try a meal in one of the many excellent restaurants, or just enjoy a coffee or a gelato. Lido Beach is only a few blocks off The Circle. There is a new parking garage just off the circle for those who don’t want to wait for a spot right on The Circle itself. The centre of The Circle has plaques commemorating circus stars from days gone by. A statue of John Ringling is on the edge of The Circle itself. In the evenings there are often street musicians serenading the strollers.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike D
1 contribution
Apr 2021
The City is taking full advantage of fleecing the public with highly unusual parking rules. You are not allowed to back into parking spaces without getting a ticket. It's obvious that this is a money maker for the city and they don't care about the unsuspecting tourist by using poor signage.

Hopefully this message gets out to the public to help others and as far as my family and friends who I was with we will not return.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,816 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
St. Armands Circle in real life was so much better than just reading about it. I loved the energy and the atmosphere of a Monday afternoon here. People strolling, just hanging around, dining in multiple restaurants and cafes, visiting the boutique stores, enjoying the statues and shady trees. It felt like sampling the joys of life. And even parking was relatively easy.
I have the feeling we will be coming back here...
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RobertLivonia_MI
Livonia, MI104 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
A lot of overpriced shops and over the top traffic congestion are what await you if you come here. True, there are some really good restaurants, but that is the case all over Sarasota. If you come to watch the sunset at Lido Beach, plan on staying for dinner or it will take you over an hour to get over the causeway. I didn’t find the shopping experience worth the hassle.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LorSun
71 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
With the many shops around the circle there's something for everyone. Great place to browse. A decent mixture of mid and high price shopping. Plenty of local items to take something home. Great eateries throughout with plenty of places for a sweet treat. Definitely worth the time there. Negative is they've gone from free parking to $1.50 per hour metered parking.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kurt B
Canton57 contributions
Apr 2021
Nice area, and they do a wonderful job of having safety restrictions in place against Covid. Other than that, it’s just an area filled with high-end shops where most people can’t afford much of anything. I experienced a first there, I’ve never seen a $20 hamburger before. I think the area was built on parking fees, be prepared to drive around and then pay once you find a spot.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gina
Lake Wales, FL78 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This is always a busy place to visit. If you love a rich taste of shopping and food this is your place to go. It has lots of multiple cultural influences in the tastes and fashions. Kilwin's Fudge is fantastic! You have to grab a bite if you go. They charge for parking in most areas now and have a parking garage if you don’t want to park on the street. Watch for cars when crossing the street!! Lots of traffic and lots of people!! La Macaroon is another place we have to stop at every-time we go since one of us can eat a box of them in a sitting. We don’t normally stay to long walking since In the summer time it’s so hot. Just be sure to wear your sun screen and walking shoes. It is something you have to do if you’ve never been.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Connie W
2 contributions
Mar 2022
BEWARE of aggressive sales people on sidewalk selling skin care products. I was lured into a shop named EARTH with fast talking, compliments etc. served champagne . I fell for the Introstem eye serum and non surgical syringe cream ($500) that will solve “lines and bags”. Had an adverse reaction. Went back to store and was treated like it was all my fault. They will not allow return, give refund or stand behind their product. I am now seeing many reviews stating the same experience. I left the products and walked out. Very sleazy business for Armand Circle.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are disappointed that your visit to St. Armands Circle did not live up to your expectation. Unlike a traditional mall, each building on St. Armands Circle is independently owned, and leased. We would typically suggest reaching out to the business directly, but it sounds like you have already attempted that course of resolution. I will attempt to share your feedback with the manager, and hope they will reach out to you. We hope that the rest of your visit to historic St. Armands Circle was memorable and that you will visit us again soon.
Written June 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

aprilc289
Howell, MI291 contributions
Jan 2020
There are very nice shops and many delicious restaurants. If you are looking for anything for yourself or home you will find it in this area. They have a fabulous art show here also, however, if you are not into crowds this is not your show. The parking is also horrendous during the show, but we drive around long enough to find a spot. It really is a great area to visit.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

craftywriter
San Diego, CA1,408 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Shopping area lots of shops, restaurants, etc. We were there on Thursday evening around 6pm and it was very crowded and it got even worse within the hour. There is paid parking but it fills up quickly. Seems like the place to be seen.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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