Tampa International Airport 1 hr 7
Sarasota Beach (16 min) Expanse of white sand known for beach bars & clear waters, with swimming, kayaking & surf breaks. Ca' d'Zan (14 min) Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Bayfront Park (14 min) Waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar & dramatic views of the bay & city. Lido Key Beach (11 min) Sandy beach featuring a concession stand, gift shop & picnic tables, plus a swimming pool. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (12 min) Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Saint Armands Key (10 min) Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this Sarasota Bay island offers a large roundabout & park. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (9 min) Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Siesta Beach (16 min) Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (5 min) Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary (17 min) Animal sanctuary home to big cats & other wild species offering animal encounters & seasonal hours. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (12 min) Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Lido Key (11 min) This barrier island connected to the mainland via a causeway features beaches, a park & nightlife. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (11 min) State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Sarasota Bay (13 min) Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Siesta Key Beach (15 min) Fine white quartz sand that stays cool plus a playground, tennis courts & year-round lifeguards. |