$4 Rental Cars in Sarasota, FL

Find the best car rental deals in Sarasota, Florida

Florida is a driving state, where getting anywhere efficiently requires a car, and many places are actually impossible to reach without one. To see Sarasota at its best, and if you want to explore the coast more widely and do some beach hopping – and what visitor to the Sunshine State doesn’t? – renting a car is an absolute must. Orbitz can help you find the best deal.

You’ll find a good range of car rental companies to choose from in Sarasota and the surrounding cities, as well as at the nearby airports. Reserve your car in advance and you can collect the keys as soon as you arrive.

Sarasota and beyond: Three destinations by car

One of Sarasota’s great charms is its beautiful location on the coast. Here are three spots nearby to discover by car.

Siesta Key

Head out to the barrier island of Siesta Key, known for its gorgeous sandy beaches. Just a short drive outside Sarasota, Siesta Key has bright blue, shallow waters with access to coral reefs and tidal pools. You can rent a boat, play tennis at one of many nearby courts, or walk along the limestone outcroppings. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in Siesta Key Village as well.

Journey time: Around 15 minutes

Distance: Approximately 7 miles

Everglades National Park

For a unique experience, visit Everglades National Park, a 1.5-million-acre wetland preserve unlike anything else in the United States. Be wowed by the coastal mangrove forests and sawgrass marshes, and keep an eye out for alligators, pelicans, and hundreds of other animal species like the endangered leatherback turtle or the manatee. Hike, bike, paddle in a canoe, or take a guided tour.

Journey time: Around 3 hours

Distance: Approximately 200 miles

Fort Meyers

For a bit of history mixed with beaches, drive to Fort Meyers, home to the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. You can tour both estates, which are filled with historic artefacts. If fishing is more your thing, Lakes Park has a fish-filled freshwater lake, and for other water activities, Manatee Park has kayak rentals and opportunities to view manatees in a close-up setting.

Journey time: Around 1.25 hours

Distance: Approximately 75 miles