Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ranked among the best in the nation in a recent USA TODAY poll.

Vacation begins at the airport. That’s why Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was voted the best resort airport by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. 

With less than 20 gates and a number of bars, restaurants and shops, it’s no surprise SRQ was a top choice among those searching for the pristine beaches, incredible sunsets and the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

If travelers need a pre-security snack or drink, Dunkin’ is there for service, or if they’re looking for something a bit stronger, Suncoast Trading & Bar. After security, vacationers can choose from Beach Market Cafe, Dunkin’ Express, Jimmy Johns, Tap & Pour, Liquid Provisions, Salt & Tide and Starbucks.  Check out the full list of winners here: The 2025 traveler’s guide to the best airports and airport amenities in the US

What makes Sarasota airport special?

Travelers can also shop. The airport offers Gulf Coast Travelmart, where they can buy snacks, drinks, the local Sarasota Herald-Tribune newspaper, books or Florida apparel. CNBC Sarasota Bradenton, located after the security checkpoint, carries a similar selection of goods to meet the needs of every traveler. SRQ also has a PGA Tour Shop, if any visitors need a last-minute golf setup or a random beach necessity.

SRQ’s origins date back to the 1930s, with commercial services beginning as early as the 1940s. It wasn’t until 1961 that Eastern Airlines began commercial services out of SRQ.  

The airport got its “international” badge in 1992 when United States Customs Service granted it “Port of Entry” status. Today, the airport has one seasonal flight to Toronto, Canada – it’s only international destination, according to its website. 

The airport has 69 nonstop destinations connected to the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and Texas through budget airlines like Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and Avelo Airlines. The airport also runs flights with major carriers like Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines and Air Canada.  

SRQ also offers nine rental car companies, making the transition from the airport to the beach easy and smooth. President and CEO Rick Piccolo tried to make the area convenient and easy to get in and out of so visitors can enjoy Sarasota’s amenities, he said.

“We are very pleased that people think the airport – because they voted on it – is wonderful,” Piccolo said. “We do our best to make it as clean, wonderful and beautiful as the area is.”

Piccolo is predicting SRQ will bring in around 4.5 million passengers in 2025, with more growth coming in the future as the airports expands. He thinks growth will be an outcome of the airport generating billions of dollars of economic benefits for the local community, as well as thousands of jobs, he said.

Tampa International Airport also awarded

A little further up the road, Tampa International Airport won quite a few awards of its own through the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.  

Those awards include best airport for art, with Tampa’s iconic giant flamingo statue; best airport for dining, with Bavaro’s Pizza and Napoletana & Pastaria coming in at seventh for best grab-and-go food and Cigar City Brewing named No.5 for best airport sit down restaurant.  

Tampa also took home the trophy for the best large airport, beating out two home state competitors: Orlando International Airport at No. 4 and Miami International Airport at No. 9.  

Ella Thompson covers growth and development for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Contact her atethompson@gannett.com. Support local journalism by subscribing today.  

Full Article Link