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Located along Florida's Gulf Coast, between Tampa to the North and Fort Meyers to the South, Sarasota is still known to many as the home of the Greatest Show on Earth (thanks to the Ringling Brothers).
A popular tourist destination, Sarasota and the surrounding areas have a unique mix of arts, culture, leisure, and fun. It is an affluent waterside area and the cultural capital of Florida. There are big city amenities yet the region still has a charming small town feel. Lovely stretches of shoreline feature beautiful blue waters and plenty of space to lie in the sun.
Sarasota Downtown
Whether you want to shop, dine, visit art galleries and museums, or lie on the beach and enjoy water sports, Sarasota and the surrounding area have got what you want.
John Ringling was one of the five original owners of the Ringling Bros. Circus. In 1911 he and his wife Mable bought 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota. When John died in 1936 he left the home and all of its contents (including a vast art collection) to the state of Florida. It has since been turned into a museum and is a major Sarasota tourist attraction. The mansion, the museum of art, the circus museum and the grounds are all open to the public. There are also regular performances in the courtyard that visitors can attend. This is a unique must-see destination for visitors of all ages.
Car lovers will want to make a stop at this 60,000 square foot facility that houses more than 100 vintage automobiles. You'll see a Cadillac station wagon (one of only five ever made), the Beatle's Psychedelic Bentley, John Lennon's Mercedes Roadster, Paul McCartney's Mini Cooper and a dragster that belonged to Don Garlits, the father of drag racing. In addition to the extensive auto display, the Museum also has a small antique game arcade, and smaller exhibits such as the antique camera and photograph display.
G. Whiz is an interactive science museum in Sarasota that has something to entertain and teach both children and adults. Along with touring exhibits that vary on a regular basis, this hands-on museum offers permanent exhibits as well. Visitors can play a game of Mindball to see who can move matter with their mind, or explore Habitat, which displays hissing cockroaches, snakes and box turtles. In ExploraZone visitors can learn about sound, light, electricity and magnetism. In Tech Zone visitors learn to use different tools and their imagination to create various things. In Wave Zone visitors can experiment with sound and light waves, and in BodyZone visitors can test their own physical performance. Among the numerous exhibits there's a place to dismantle radios and telephones, a working beehive, and an echo tube. See, learning can be fun!
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions, having opened in 1940. This massive zoological garden is full of tropical vegetation, long hiking trails, and reptile and bird shows that are put on daily. Most of the animals housed here were rescued from adverse or inhumane conditions or donated by owners who could no longer care for them.
The jungle gardens feature 10 acres of tropical vegetation, educational reptile and bird shows, and a "Kiddie Jungle" that features a tree house with tiger swings and a custom wooden train for children to play on (as well as a haunted tree!). There is also a place where visitors can interact with and feed colourful roaming American flamingos. There aren't too many places where you can do that!
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks and is made up of wetlands, prairies, and woodlands. It is totally ideal for outdoorsy individuals as it has tons of areas for walking, hiking and even paddling. If you want to go canoeing or kayaking, the river that runs through it has a current that is generally light to moderate. While in the water, you might cast your eyes on a few alligators. The park is also a great place to go cycling, fishing, paddling or bird watching. Leisurely tram rides are also available. If you want to get in touch with nature, Myakka State Park is a great place to do it.
Kayak by the Myakka river
Looking for a bit of luxury? You'll find it in St. Armands Circle. This European-style shopping destination, know to locals as "our Rodeo Drive" is an island shopping centre removed from the hustle and bustle of the mainland by two bridges hovering over beautiful Sarasota Bay.
St. Armands is a circle of ritzy shops and gourmet restaurants set amidst a lush, tropical paradise. John Ringling originally designed the area to be an upscale retail area where people could unwind and relax. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to see it become a reality, but no doubt he would be pleased with the results. Sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, beautiful statuary, and unique architecture contribute to an atmosphere of warmth, elegance, and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops, and stop to smell the roses. Your visit to St Armands Circle is sure to be a memorable one.
Siesta Key is a barrier island just offshore of Sarasota, directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Blessed with some of the world's most beautiful beaches, mouth-watering restaurants, lovely resorts, great shopping and exciting nightlife, Siesta Key offers a unique holiday spot for travellers from all over.
Siesta Key has two top-notch beaches, Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach. Both have soft, bright white sand, and are great for relaxing and sunbathing on while basking in nature's glory.
Siesta Key also prides itself on its eclectic lifestyle. Artists, musicians, writers, and other creative types flock here, as do outdoor sports enthusiasts. Fishing, bicycling, boating, kayaking, rollerblading, snorkelling, scuba diving, and parasailing are among the popular activities. There are also plenty of places for the classic Florida activities - tennis and golf.
Minutes away from Sarasota and stretching for twelve sunny miles between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, the town of Longboat Key provides a perfect beachfront setting for the best possible Florida holiday.
Although it is commonly known as a private island, Longboat Key is a popular destination for travellers from all over the globe. Whether you want to soak up the tropical sun, play a round of golf, enjoy a game of tennis, relax with cocktails at sunset, have dinner by candlelight or all of the above, Longboat Key is the place to do it. If you are the athletic type, activities on Longboat Key are never-ending. Biking, fishing, water sports of all kinds, and rollerblading are just a few. Tennis and golf enthusiasts are welcome to take advantage of the first-rate Longboat Key Country Clubs. Relax on the beach or go for a swim, and when you're ready for a little city excitement head into Sarasota for some culture and entertainment. In Longboat Key it's easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Just north of Siesta Key lies three-mile Lido Key. The three beaches that make up Lido Key are North Lido Beach, Lido Beach, and South Lido Park. North Lido Beach features 3,000 feet of secluded shoreline, with little parking and no lifeguards or facilities. It doesn't get too busy and is a great place to lie back and relax. The main beach, know simply as Lido Beach has over 3,100 feet of beachfront with amenities such as concessions, a gift shop, playground equipment and lots of parking. South Lido Park is a 100-acre nature preserve with a small beach. It also includes nature trails that include scenic overlooks and boardwalks. Stay in one of the many "Florida casual" hotels or resorts, play on the beach and in the water, and enjoy a relaxing stay in Lido Beach.
Summer in Lido Beach
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