Guide To Sarasota Florida – A Great Vacation Destination
Looking for a great family vacation or a romantic getaway in Florida? Sarasota has a lot to offer, no matter what type of trip you are looking for. From sandy beaches to botanical gardens, guided tours, or dinner for two, Sarasota has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan an amazing trip to Sarasota.
Where Is Sarasota?
Sarasota is on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Located by the water there are many keys, two of the main tourist keys being Siesta Key, and Lido Key. Both keys have a lot to offer. Siesta Key has beautiful white sand beaches.
This To Do In Sarasota
Head To Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach offers a food stand, restrooms, an outdoor shower, and volleyball. It also offers a wonderful strip with shopping, dining, and great nightlife. After dark Siesta Village is the place to be. Lido’s beach is great for shell searching. On the way to the beach stop in St. Armanda’s Circle for a little shopping and dining as well.
Learn About Marine Life At Mote Marine
Mote Marine is a great place to learn about marine life. They even have an interactive pond where you can pet a stingray! Marvel at the resident manatees on site and watch the very informative show about these sea behemoths.
Mote Marine| 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236| (941) 388-4441
Wander Selby Botanical Gardens
Head over to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for a beautiful day! Selby Gardens is just a gorgeous place to be. They have a huge orchid display which you walk through as you enter the gardens. The minute you get out of your car, there is beauty surrounding you.
All plants displayed throughout the gardens are marked with their scientific name, and some plants even have a little history noted as well. Selby Gardens offers a few small dining spots, a walk through the Selby house, a butterfly garden, and kids learning center too, (which is where you will find some very exotic poisonous frogs…beautiful!) Selby also has a gift shop, and live plants for sale.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is located right on the Gulf of Mexico, so the view in some spots is magnificent. Sit on a bench or walk out on one of the piers and enjoy the beauty!
Selby Botanical Gardens| 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236| (941) 366-5731
Stroll Island Park
Island Park has a great walking path and is surrounded by the bay. The park also features a play area for the kids, the fountains are turned on during the hot summer months so the children can play and cool off!
Island Park also has a wonderful rotating art display for about six months at a time. The display has changed from year to year but consistently displays big sculptural art pieces. Island Park also welcomes dogs, if they are leashed.
Island Park| 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236| (941) 263-6386
Spend An Afternoon At Jungle Garden
Jungle Gardens is another great spot to spend an afternoon. The walk through the gardens is gorgeous, and there’s a lot to see. Jungle Gardens not only offers a beautiful display of plants, but they have animals as well! They have a daily show such as a bird show and a reptile show too. It’s a wonderful place for the kids to learn as much as it is a beautiful experience for the adults. Bring your camera, there are plenty of photo opportunities here too!
Jungle Garden| 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234| (941) 355-5305
Enjoy The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is another must-see destination during your visit to Sarasota. John and Mable Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus fame, had a wonderful art collection that is on display at the museum. There are also many galleries filled with wonderful pieces. The family home has also been recently restored and is now open to the public.
You may take a guided tour through the mansion or walk through on your own. The Ringling Museum also has beautiful grounds. Mable Ringling loved roses and there is a gorgeous rose garden to enjoy. There are also those famous Banyan trees on the grounds as well.
There is a separate building which houses a display of miniatures. The display features circus life’ and has moving pieces and lights. It is a stunning display, very impressive! Ringling Museum is a beautiful place to learn a little circus history!
The Ringling Museum| 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243| (941) 359-5700
Take In A Live Show
Sarasota is known for its artsy vibe. The city offers concerts and dinner shows as well. Head over to Van Wezel for a live show featuring many different big-name acts. If you happen to be in Sarasota during the summer months, they offer a free concert on the last Friday of every month. The concerts take place outside by the water, with booths selling food and drinks, it’s a fun time for all!
Van Wezel| 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236| (941) 263-6799
Robarts Arena is another place where they hold various activities. From the annual county fair to Pet Expos, concerts, and home shows, there’s usually something going on at Robarts Arena.
Robarts Arena| 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237| (941) 365-0818
You can also head over to McCurdy’s Comedy Theater for an evening filled with laughter. McCurdy’s is a smaller comedy club, but they offer big-name entertainment as well!
McCurdy’s Comedy Theater| 1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236| (941) 925-3869
Getting To Sarasota
If you are planning a trip to Sarasota, the town has its own airport. Most of the major airlines fly into The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport too. It is a fairly small nice, cozy airport, making it easier to navigate.
Where To Stay In Sarasota
Sarasota also has a wide variety of hotels to choose from, including the Ritz Carlton. If you are into shopping, the town offers many unique shops, a ton of thrift stores, and two malls. There is also a huge outlet mall a couple of towns over in Ellenton as well.
When To Visit Sarasota
The weather is pleasant between October and April, which locals call the season, but there is plenty to do year-round.
Whether you are looking for a good place to take the entire family or a nice romantic getaway, Sarasota is an excellent choice. There is something for everyone, and the town’s location is only forty-five minutes from Tampa and two hours from Orlando. Walk the beaches, rent a boat, eat, drink, shop, and explore! It’s all here in Sarasota!
