| parking is complimentary. other amenities include a heated outdoor pool and bbqs, plus beachfront tiki huts and lounge chairs. set on a private beach next to a trolley stop, this cozy family-run resort is 7 miles from the de soto national memorial and 8 miles from the palma sola botanical park. casual, individually decorated rooms and suites offer flat-screen tvs, dvd players and free wi-fi; many have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and patios or balconies. . upgraded suites add private pools and/or hot tubs
Tampa International Airport 1 hr 4
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (20 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (24 min)
State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Manatee Public Beach (4 min)
Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. Coquina Beach (6 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Fort De Soto Park (54 min)
Beaches, camping, trails & a historic fort in a vast park spread over multiple connected islands. Anna Maria Public Beach (4 min)
Family-friendly sandy stretch with gentle waves & sunset views, plus cabana rentals & a beach cafe. Bean Point Beach (14 min)
Peaceful locale known for its wide sandy beach, tranquil waters & stunning sunset views. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (27 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (25 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Bean Point (15 min) Sunshine Skyway Bridge (33 min) DeSoto National Memorial Park (14 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge (59 min)
Former military base is now an endangered wildlife preserve accessible only by water. Ca' d'Zan (27 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Robinson Preserve (16 min)
Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms. | 
