| it's 6 miles from ellenton premium outlets and 10 miles from lake manatee state park. down-to-earth rooms provide free wi-fi, desks and flat-screen tvs, as well as microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. there's also a seasonal outdoor pool, a hot tub and a coin-operated laundry. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. less than a mile from interstate 75, this modest hotel alongside a lake is surrounded by fast-food eateries. complimentary amenities include parking, and hot breakfast served in a relaxed dining room. upgraded rooms add whirlpool tubs
Tampa International Airport 50 min
Ca' d'Zan (27 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. DeSoto National Memorial Park (24 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Bayfront Park (28 min)
Waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar & dramatic views of the bay & city. 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. Florida Railroad Museum (19 min)
Transport history told in interactive exhibits & a 13-mile weekend ride, plus locomotive rentals. Sarasota Bay (36 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (13 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (26 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (28 min)
Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (25 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary (20 min)
Animal sanctuary home to big cats & other wild species offering animal encounters & seasonal hours. Mixon Fruit Farms (10 min)
Citrus grove with a play park, alligator encounters & a store serving orange flavored ice cream. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park (10 min)
Florida's only surviving plantation home, circa 1840, set on lush grounds & open for guided tours. Riverwalk (13 min)
Picturesque riverside park for strolling & enjoying the sights, with a playground & benches. Sarasota Classic Car Museum (24 min)
Venerable site showing 90+ classic, exotic & muscle cars, plus antique music boxes & phonographs. | 
