| freebies include parking, and continental breakfast served in an informal dining area. this relaxed budget hotel is at the intersection of i-75 and highway 301. it's a mile from both gamble plantation historic state park and shopping at ellenton premium outlets. there's an outdoor pool, as well as a business center and a coin-operated laundry. unfussy rooms with colorful accents offer free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs and sitting areas, as well as minifridges and microwaves; upgraded rooms add coffeemakers. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. kids stay at no charge with an adult. pets are welcome at no extra cost (1 per room)
Tampa International Airport 47 min
Sarasota Jungle Gardens (28 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Sarasota Classic Car Museum (26 min)
Venerable site showing 90+ classic, exotic & muscle cars, plus antique music boxes & phonographs. Sunshine Skyway Bridge (16 min) Manatee Public Beach (26 min)
Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. Ca' d'Zan (29 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (27 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Florida Railroad Museum (14 min)
Transport history told in interactive exhibits & a 13-mile weekend ride, plus locomotive rentals. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (26 min)
State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Robinson Preserve (25 min)
Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms. Riverwalk (11 min)
Picturesque riverside park for strolling & enjoying the sights, with a playground & benches. Coquina Beach (33 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (11 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Mixon Fruit Farms (17 min)
Citrus grove with a play park, alligator encounters & a store serving orange flavored ice cream. DeSoto National Memorial Park (23 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park (3 min)
Florida's only surviving plantation home, circa 1840, set on lush grounds & open for guided tours. | 
