| check-in time: 2:30 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am. up to 2 kids age 5 and under stay free with an adult. a 2-minute walk from the beach, this informal motel on a gulf coast barrier island is 9 miles from the de soto national memorial. parking is complimentary. the casual studios with beach-inspired decor offer complimentary wi-fi and tvs, as well as either kitchenettes or full kitchens. the 1-bedroom apartments, suites and a cottage add separate living/dining rooms, and some have private terraces
Tampa International Airport 1 hr 7
Manatee Public Beach (8 min)
Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more. Coquina Beach (5 min)
Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe. Robinson Preserve (19 min)
Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms. Bean Point (18 min) DeSoto National Memorial Park (17 min)
Nod to the famed explorer's landing site with living-history camp, exhibits, shore & nature trails. Sunshine Skyway Bridge (37 min) Sarasota Bay (23 min)
Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (22 min)
Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge (1 hr 2)
Former military base is now an endangered wildlife preserve accessible only by water. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (24 min)
State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (24 min)
Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Sarasota Jungle Gardens (27 min)
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Bean Point Beach (18 min)
Peaceful locale known for its wide sandy beach, tranquil waters & stunning sunset views. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (23 min)
A planetarium, aquarium & history museum under 1 roof with dioramas & films. Ca' d'Zan (26 min)
Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. | 
