| some have private balconies with gulf views. amenities include a private beach, a heated outdoor pool, and a barbecue area. check-in time: 4:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. functional rooms come with kitchens, free wifi, flat-screen tvs and dvd players. suites, studios and 1- to 2-bedroom apartments add sofabeds. overlooking the gulf of mexico, this relaxed beach resort is 9 miles from both marie selby botanical gardens and downtown sarasota
Tampa International Airport 1 hr 19
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (16 min)
Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (23 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (22 min)
State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Ca' d'Zan (24 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. Saint Armands Key (10 min)
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this Sarasota Bay island offers a large roundabout & park. Sarasota Classic Car Museum (21 min)
Venerable site showing 90+ classic, exotic & muscle cars, plus antique music boxes & phonographs. DeSoto National Memorial Park (28 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Lido Key (12 min)
This barrier island connected to the mainland via a causeway features beaches, a park & nightlife. Siesta Key Beach (30 min)
Fine white quartz sand that stays cool plus a playground, tennis courts & year-round lifeguards. Coquina Beach (9 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Lido Key Beach (12 min)
Sandy beach featuring a concession stand, gift shop & picnic tables, plus a swimming pool. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (34 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Sarasota Bay (9 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (20 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (8 min)
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. | 
