Sarasota Florida: Travel Guide and Vacation Rental Accommodations

Sarasota Florida

Sarasota lies on the sparkling Gulf Coast of Florida, just south of Tampa. Undeniably, the array of enticing white sand beaches are the must-see attractions in the city. There are also parks, gardens, and nature reserves for outdoor lovers. And Sarasota has a variety of natural science aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums, which make it an incredible city to visit. 

From downtown Sarasota go west across the John Ringling Bridge, and you’ll be in another part of paradise. Beautiful sparkling waters, marvelous nature surrounding you, and Lido Key Beach approaching. Why is Sarasota such a special and truly unique destination? Because of the combination of the natural beauty with the shopping and dining around St. Armands Circle plus the architecture, entertainment, and educational experiences..

If you are setting your sights on Sarasota Florida for your next vacation, we have made a list of fun activities, accommodations, and things to do in the city.

 

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Things To Do in Sarasota Florida

Lido Key

Lido Key is among the most incredible attractions in Sarasota. Stunning sunsets, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches await you in this place. You can also stay the night at the best resorts and vacation rentals in Lido Key. Do not forget to try the mouth-watering seafood served by local cooks in the area! 

Lido Key Beach or Lido Beach is one of the best beaches in the Sarasota area. The sand and water are perfect for a beach vacation. This beach is also less crowded than Siesta and just as good. In addition, it is close to St. Armand's Circle for great shopping and restaurant experiences.

Beach, hike, bird watch, kayak, canoe, and picnic with your family and friends at South Lido Park. The park is located on the north side of South Lido Beach with a nature trail, canoe or kayak launch, fishing pier, restrooms, and picnic areas. Let the beauty of nature give you peace and calm your spirit.

 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Have you seen pink flamingos? If not, you should see them at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Not only that you can peel your eyes on them and be amazed, but you can also feed and take pictures of these elegant birds. 

There are also other bird species at this family attraction. It is also home to lemurs, alligators, snakes, lizards, and small mammals. The rainforest and large trees are also stunning sights at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

 

Ca’ d’Zan Mansion

This mansion was the winter vacation house of John and Mable Ringling, the owners of the famous circus in Florida. This opulent building is one of the most visited attractions in Sarasota. It is 36,000 square feet of space, five stories in height, and has 56 rooms. They say that visiting The Ca’ d’Zan Mansion gives you a nostalgic vibe of the Roaring Twenties era.

 

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

John and Mable Ringling were not only circus entrepreneurs, but they were also avid art collectors. The couple commissioned the Museum of Art in 1925 as a memorial to the founders of Florida and a gift to the locals. 

The diverse art collection inside the museum includes works by old masters from the medieval to the baroque era. It also houses contemporary masterpieces and regularly exhibits works of local artists.

 

The Legacy Trail

If you want to take a walk, skate, or see wildlife, you can visit the Legacy Trail on your vacation to Sarasota, Florida. This trail stretches for 12 miles long from the old Seaboard Airline Railroad up to Sarasota. 

Just one hour away from Legacy Trail is the Robinson Preserve, where you can go biking through routes going past waterfront habitats, mud flats, and mangroves.

 

St. Armands Circle

The perfect place for a day trip! Relax on the beach, shop, pamper, dine, and call it a day. Most stores are open by 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and by noon on Sundays. Stores stay open until 8pm or 9pm. Shops, restaurants, galleries, salons, and more. With great restaurants and over 100 stores, St. Armands Circle is a memorable destination for all.

 

 

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

This facility in Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota is dedicated to marine environment and estuary research, and it houses over 100 marine species (some are native to Florida, while others are from across the world). 

You can find sharks, sea horses, turtles, jellyfish, rays, manatees, otters, eels, and other marine animals. Kids and adults can join in educational programs offered by the facility.

 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

A must-visit attraction situated on South Palm Avenue, this botanical facility has a diverse collection of more than 20,00 plants (6,000 of which are of different species). The rich flora thrive in habitats, such as bamboo lands, mangroves, and succulent areas. 

 

Central Sarasota Farmers Market

Saturday is the time to visit the Central Sarasota Farmers Market. You can buy fruits, vegetables, and ingredients that are locally grown and produced here. Locals also sell art and crafts at the Central Sarasota Farmers Market.

 

Myakka River State Park

This state park spans the areas of Manatee County and Sarasota City. Covering over 37,000 acres of land, the Myakka River State Park is among the largest and oldest parks in Florida. It is also one of the most scenic and relaxing spots in Sarasota. 

You can fish and kayak on one of the two lakes in the Myakka River State Park. There is also a treetop canopy, a boardwalk, and a hiking trail.

 

Sarasota Classic Car Museum

Car enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity of visiting this second-oldest classic car museum in America. It displays vintage and exotic automobiles, such as a Rolls Royce collection by John and Mable Ringling and a 1965 Mercedes Benz by John Lennon. There are also Rivolta, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari cars on display in the museum. 

 

Conclusion

If you visit Sarasota, make the most out of your stay by doing the fun activities mentioned on this list. The city is full of good vibes and wonderful attractions. Your vacation in Sarasota will be a memorable one because the city is just amazing!

Map of Sarasota Florida

Additional Sarasota Area Articles

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