Sarasota's great selection of hotels and restaurants has placed the city among the best in Florida for a family vacation.

The index study released by FloridaRentals.com today, June 7, ranks Orlando as the top destination for family fun, thanks to its 67 water and amusement parks. Tampa placed second, followed by Sarasota. The study notes that Sarasota has an average 8.17 out of 10 hotel rating and that there are 678 restaurants for tourists to enjoy while visiting.

FloridaRentals.com lists the average price of a seven-night stay in Sarasota as $1,878.97, which is lower than other Sunshine State cities like Miami and Clearwater, ranked No. 4 and 5, respectively.

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Sarasota ranked third the best Florida city for a family vacation

“It is interesting to see Sarasota topping Miami in the rankings. Despite Miami’s huge selection of 578 tours and 3,537 restaurants, the average cost and star ratings of its hotels rank it below Sarasota," a spokesperson for FloridaRentals.com said in a statement. “Sarasota’s hotels have great ratings, as well as its beautiful beaches and boat hire, perfect for families looking for a vacation filled with sunshine and waves."

The spokesperson also said, “Florida is made for outdoor adventures, theme parks and of course it's great weather all year long. With tons of destinations to check out, it is important to head to a place which is ideal for you and your family, especially if you have travelled from afar."

10 best cities in Florida for a family vacation, according to FloridaRentals.com

1. Orlando

2. Tampa

3. Sarasota

4. Miami

5. Clearwater

6. Panama City

7. Melbourne

8. Fort Pierce

9. Pensacola

10. Kissimmee

FloridaRentals.com noted that its methodology included: "Taking 400 Florida-based towns and cities, the index ranks each destination against 20 factors, receiving a score out of 100."

Factors measured are: "Average price of one week stay, average hotel rating, number of restaurants, boats and water sports attractions, water and amusement parks, zoos and aquariums, fun and games attractions and outdoor activities, concerts and shows, gift and speciality shops, visitor centers, shopping malls, tours, beaches, boat hire, scuba and snorkeling attractions, game and entertainment centers, bars and clubs, water and amusement parks, zoos and aquariums."

Sources cited are: census.gov, tripadvisor.com, and booking.com.

Sarasota named one of Top 10 best places to live in the U.S., No. 1 in Florida

Last month, Sarasota ranked at No. 1 on U.S. News & World Report's list of best places to live in Florida and No. 5 in the country. In addition, U.S. News has the Sarasota metro area ranked as No. 2 for fastest growing places, No. 7 for safest places to live, and No. 11 for best places to retire.

Read the story: Why Sarasota, Bradenton area is best place to live in Florida and all of U.S.

Siesta Beach in Sarasota makes Top 5 in U.S., ranked among Top 15 in world by Tripadvisor

In February, Sarasota County's most popular beach was again been ranked among the best in the country and world by a national website. Tripadvisor announced its Best of the Best Beaches for 2023 lists as part of its annual Travelers' Choice Awards.

Siesta Beach on Siesta Key ranked No. 2 among the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. The famed Sarasota County beach just missed the Top 10 on Tripadvisor's list of Top 10 Beaches in the World, placing No. 11 for 2023.

Read the story: Siesta Beach in Sarasota makes Top 5 in U.S., ranked among Top 15 in world by Tripadvisor

Renee Baio, wife of Scott, buys home in Bradenton, says: 'Living our best life in Florida'

Also, last month, the star of “Happy Days” and “Charles in Charge” was added to the long list of celebrities who live in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Renee Baio, the wife of Scott Baio, bought a home in Bradenton, according to Manatee County property records. In a phone interview with the Herald-Tribune, she said they are living in the condo until their house nearby is completed.

Read the story: Renee Baio, wife of Scott, buys home in Bradenton, says: 'Living our best life in Florida'

Who lives here? Most famous celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Bradenton area

Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.​​​​​​

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota ranked among best Florida cities for family vacation