Known as ‘a city where urban amenities meet small-town living’, Sarasota offers a range of delights, including perfect beaches, upmarket shopping, fine cuisine and excellent museums and galleries. You’ll also find Florida's signature water sports and outdoor activities, the serenity of aquariums and botanical gardens and the excitement of friendly street festivals and other events.
John Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, made his mark on Sarasota with the stunning Venetian-style mansion on Sarasota Bay, named Cŕ d’Zan (house of John), as well as the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, one of America’s most famous art museums.
Powdery white sand beaches and fresh, clear waters, along with sophisticated attractions, make Sarasota the gem of Florida's Gulf coast. Siesta Beach is one of the finest in the area. For more beaches, wander the four barrier islands: Longboat, St Armands, Siesta Key and Lido Beach.
Favourite family attractions include: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Pelican Man Sanctuary, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Jungle Gardens. Sarasota is famous as a hub for arts and culture, and world class facilities include: the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Asolo Theatre, Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Film Society, Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota Concert Band and Florida Studio Theatre.
Tampa is a 45-minute drive north of Sarasota. Among the many attractions here are the Busch Gardens theme park and zoo, as well as a large aquarium and IMAX theatre. Venice, to the south, is the shark tooth capital of the world; while nearby Myakka State National Park is an excellent place to hike and camp, or take an airboat ride.
If you’re travelling by car, Interstate 75 has several exits for Sarasota. Amtrak trains stop in Lakeland, Jacksonville, Orlando, Sebring, Tampa, Miami and Winterhaven, as well as many other towns in the state. Greyhound provides bus service between Florida cities and to points outside the state and is conveniently located in the centre of the city. Sarasota/Bradenton Airport (SRQ) is located between two towns (Sarasota and Bradenton) and is the closest airport to Sarasota (15 minutes from the city centre). Most international flights are serviced through Tampa International.
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