Tampa International Airport 1 hr 4
Ca' d'Zan (29 min) Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Manatee Public Beach (5 min) Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. Robinson Preserve (16 min) Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms. Bean Point (15 min) Anna Maria Public Beach (4 min) Family-friendly sandy stretch with gentle waves & sunset views, plus cabana rentals & a beach cafe. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (26 min) Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Coquina Beach (8 min) Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Bean Point Beach (14 min) Peaceful locale known for its wide sandy beach, tranquil waters & stunning sunset views. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (20 min) A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Fort De Soto Park (54 min) Beaches, camping, trails & a historic fort in a vast park spread over multiple connected islands. Sunshine Skyway Bridge (34 min) Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge (1 hr) Former military base is now an endangered wildlife preserve accessible only by water. DeSoto National Memorial Park (15 min) Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. 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. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (29 min) Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. |