How to Visit Sarasota, Florida
- 1). Sunbathe at one of the beautiful beaches of Sarasota and the barrier islands banked by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other. At Siesta Key, enjoy swimming, picnicking and beach volleyball at Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach. On Lido Key you'll find Lido Beach with covered cabanas and a heated pool and at South Lido Park there's a playground, volleyball court and nature trails. Casey Key has Nokomis Beach with picnic tables, boat ramp and concession pavilion and North Jetty Park which is a good place for surfing and fishing. Restrooms are available at these beach locations.
- 2). Stroll along winding paths and observe Florida flora, fauna and wildlife at two outstanding botanical gardens. Sarasota Jungle Gardens, opened in 1940 and situated on 10 beautiful acres, is one of the oldest attractions in the Sunshine state. Trails wind through the lush gardens where you can observe over 3000 species of plants and flowers. Daily shows and exhibits provide you with an opportunity to learn about the variety of exotic birds, reptiles and mammals that reside at the gardens. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens over 20,000 exotic and native plants and flowers, including a magnificent orchid display, are exhibited. Take a leisurely walk through the nearly 10-acre gardens and visit one of seven greenhouses, explore the banyan grove, observe the butterfly garden, experience the indoor rain forest or tour the historic Selby House.
- 3). Explore the 21 galleries with exhibits of contemporary and Asian art, Art Deco and antiquities which comprises the Ringling Museum of Art located on the 66-acre Ringling estate. At the Circus Museum, also located on the estate, they have an outstanding collection of period pieces including handbills, posters, art and props. The jewel of the estate, Ca d'Zan, was the home to John and Mable Ringling. The mansion is a superb rendering of Mediterranean Revival style architecture and is open for tours. Located near the gatehouse of Ca d/Zan and situated in a new pavilion, the historic Asolo Theater has been fully restored and provides the stage for the performing arts.The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, opened in 1953, has established itself as one of the oldest museums in the world and currently exhibits over 100 exotic automobiles including classic and muscle cars. Also at the museum is the antique gaming arcade where you can play on one of the vintage arcade games.
- 4). Discover the natural wilderness beauty of Myakka River State Park filled with a variety of wildlife and waterfowl. Walking tours or airboat tours are available providing an up-close look at the woods and wetlands. Camp sites and log cabins are available at the campgrounds.At the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, take a guided tour of this beautiful19th century antebellum mansion furnished in period pieces. Bring your lunch and sit at one of the picnic tables located on the grounds of this former sugar plantation.
- 5). Observe sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, sharks and a variety of fish and mollusks at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. With interactive exhibits, touch pools, Immersion Cinema and over 100 marine species to observe the aquarium provides the opportunity to experience the unique habitats of underwater creatures.
- 6). Place a bet on your favorite greyhound at the Sarasota Kennel Club where live racing action takes place December through May. During the off season, simulcast racing from around the country is available.
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