Tampa International Airport 1 hr 7
Sarasota Bay (24 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (22 min)
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Robinson Preserve (19 min)
Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (26 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Bean Point (17 min) Fort De Soto Park (57 min)
Beaches, camping, trails & a historic fort in a vast park spread over multiple connected islands. DeSoto National Memorial Park (17 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Bean Point Beach (16 min)
Peaceful locale known for its wide sandy beach, tranquil waters & stunning sunset views. Coquina Beach (5 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Manatee Public Beach (7 min)
Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (22 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Sunshine Skyway Bridge (36 min) 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. Ca' d'Zan (26 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge (1 hr 2)
Former military base is now an endangered wildlife preserve accessible only by water. | 
