If you're like other visitors to the Sarasota area, you'll most likely want to stay near the beaches on the barrier islands. Here, you'll find a mix of inns, small motels, and luxury resorts. Since Sarasota underwent a renaissance of sorts in recent years, many more vacationing families are choosing to stay near or in town.

Holiday Inn

Reservations: Toll-free 888-465-4329

www.holidayinn.com

This 146-room classy high-rise sits at the northern end of Longboat Key and features regular accommodations, kitchen suites, and special family suites with a separate room within a room just for the kids, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool, exercise room, sailboat rentals, café, and beach bar.

Outrigger Beach Resort

Reservations: Toll-free 800-749-3131

At the quieter end of Fort Myers Beach, this 144-room family resort offers traditional and efficiency rooms with kitchens, a fenced-in-pool and bar, water sports, putting green, shuffleboard, café, and live entertainment on weekends.

Radisson Lido Beach Resort

Reservations: Toll-free 800-333-3333

Located next to Lido Key's main public beach, this 116-room resort offers rooms with or without kitchens, a beachside pool and bar, plus a variety of water sports.

House and Condo Rentals

If you'd rather have your family stay in a vacation home, you'll find a wide selection not only in Sarasota, but also on the barrier islands offshore, as well as in Fort Myers and Naples. Contact Resort Quest Vacation Home Network (Toll-free 800-475-2892, www.resortquestswfl.com/flausa).