Tampa International Airport 1 hr 5
Lido Key (9 min) This barrier island connected to the mainland via a causeway features beaches, a park & nightlife. Bayfront Park (5 min) Waterfront green space with a promenade, playground, tiki bar & dramatic views of the bay & city. Saint Armands Key (8 min) Connected to the mainland by a causeway, this Sarasota Bay island offers a large roundabout & park. Sarasota Bay (12 min) Named an estuary of national significance, this subtropical, coastal lagoon is popular for kayaking. Sarasota Beach (20 min) Expanse of white sand known for beach bars & clear waters, with swimming, kayaking & surf breaks. Sarasota Classic Car Museum (4 min) Venerable site showing 90+ classic, exotic & muscle cars, plus antique music boxes & phonographs. Siesta Beach (20 min) The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (5 min) State art museum founded by the circus magnate with 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. Lido Key Beach (10 min) Sandy beach featuring a concession stand, gift shop & picnic tables, plus a swimming pool. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus (5 min) Showcase for thousands of tropical plants, plus a conservatory & garden museum, in a historic space. Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling (6 min) Ringling Circus archives, with historical documents, costume drawings & art (by appointment). Siesta Key Beach (19 min) Fine white quartz sand that stays cool plus a playground, tennis courts & year-round lifeguards. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (3 min) Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (10 min) Aquarium with a stingray touch tank & shark tank plus manatees in the nearby mammal center. Ca' d'Zan (8 min) Once home to the Ringlings, this circa-1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice. |