Just south of the Tampa Bay area along Florida’s renowned Gulf Coast, Sarasota overflows with a buzzing art scene, beach culture, outdoor recreation and top-notch golf courses. Sarasota serves up state parks, botanical gardens and numerous performing arts venues.

Things to do

Once home to the Ringling family of circus fame, Sarasota is honoured to have The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art with its extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance art and Cypriot antiquities. You’ll also find old circus costumes, memorabilia, wagons and a fascinating miniature circus. You can also tour Ca' d'Zan, a Venetian Gothic palace where the Ringlings once lived.

Get in a game of golf at renowned public courses, such as Tatum Ridge Golf Links and The Bobby Jones Golf Club, both located on Fruitville Road. Relax with a day of shelling and body boarding at Lido Key Beach, and walk the short distance to St. Armand’s Circle for dining and shopping.

Traveling with the family? The little ones will love exploring the Butterfly Garden and Children’s Rainforest Garden at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. They can cross swinging rope bridges and visit the koi pond at Epiphyte Garden. Head over to Mote Laboratory & Aquarium for interactive exhibits, dozens of marine animals and an enormous shark tank.

A full day of outdoor activities awaits at Myakka River State Park, covered in diverse ecosystems, such as wetlands, prairies, hammocks and coastal plains. You can go canoeing and fishing in the river and lakes or take an exhilarating airboat tour.

Getting around

Buses, taxis, ride-share services and bike rentals offer transportation throughout Sarasota. For exploring the extended region and state park, you can pick up a rental car downtown or at Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport, about a 10-minute drive from the city centre.