| 2 miles from mote marine laboratory. beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary, as is parking. the laid-back studio units offer free wi-fi, and kitchenettes with microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. the 1- to 3-bedroom units add full kitchens and pull-out sofas. some units have private sundecks or screened-in patios. check-in time: 4:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. set on the beach overlooking the gulf of mexico, this low-key condo hotel is 8. other perks include a heated beachfront pool, a 6-hole putting green and shuffleboard courts, plus bbqs and laundry facilities
Tampa International Airport 1 hr 14
Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (27 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Ca' d'Zan (29 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (29 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (27 min)
State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Coquina Beach (5 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (13 min)
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Sarasota Classic Car Museum (26 min)
Venerable site showing 90+ classic, exotic & muscle cars, plus antique music boxes & phonographs. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (20 min)
Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. Lido Key Beach (17 min)
Sandy beach featuring a concession stand, gift shop & picnic tables, plus a swimming pool. Sarasota Bay (14 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Manatee Public Beach (15 min)
Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. Saint Armands Key (15 min)
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this Sarasota Bay island offers a large roundabout & park. Lido Key (17 min)
This barrier island connected to the mainland via a causeway features beaches, a park & nightlife. DeSoto National Memorial Park (24 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (25 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. | 
