Tampa International Airport 1 hr 6
Sarasota Bay (13 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Sarasota Beach (16 min)
Expanse of white sand known for beach bars & clear waters, with swimming, kayaking & surf breaks. Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary (16 min)
Animal sanctuary home to big cats & other wild species offering animal encounters & seasonal hours. Siesta Key Beach (15 min)
Fine white quartz sand that stays cool plus a playground, tennis courts & year-round lifeguards. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (4 min)
Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. 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. Siesta Beach (15 min) Sarasota Jungle Gardens (9 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (11 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Saint Armands Key (10 min)
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this Sarasota Bay island offers a large roundabout & park. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (12 min)
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Ca' d'Zan (13 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Bayfront Park (15 min)
Waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar & dramatic views of the bay & city. Lido Key Beach (12 min)
Sandy beach featuring a concession stand, gift shop & picnic tables, plus a swimming pool. Lido Key (11 min)
This barrier island connected to the mainland via a causeway features beaches, a park & nightlife. | 
