A few of our favorite things!
Sightseeing
There are several options for touring portions of this estate. You can visit the gardens and tour walk the grounds for no charge. With a paid admission you are able to visit the circus museum displays including an entire circus in miniature which is amazing. The Ca' d'Zan (primary home of John and Mable) is well worth a visit as well.
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdThere are several options for touring portions of this estate. You can visit the gardens and tour walk the grounds for no charge. With a paid admission you are able to visit the circus museum displays including an entire circus in miniature which is amazing. The Ca' d'Zan (primary home of John and Mable) is well worth a visit as well.
Great for kids and adults alike but the kids absolutely love it. It is a small park with lots of interactive experiences so you can take your time feeding the flamingos!
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdGreat for kids and adults alike but the kids absolutely love it. It is a small park with lots of interactive experiences so you can take your time feeding the flamingos!
Great for hiking. They did have airboat rides but last year the river was to low for that. Will just need to check online.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Great for hiking. They did have airboat rides but last year the river was to low for that. Will just need to check online.
So. Lido Nature Park Kayak Launch
190 Taft DrGreat Kayaking in the bay. Excellent guided tours.
A great little aquarium. They are primarily a marine life hospital that does many wonderful things in promoting the ecology of the bay area. My grandkids love the petting areas the best!
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyA great little aquarium. They are primarily a marine life hospital that does many wonderful things in promoting the ecology of the bay area. My grandkids love the petting areas the best!
Food scene
Big Olaf Creamery
5208 Ocean BlvdTasty Ice Cream - what more can I say.
If you are into Amish cooking and pies - this is the place for you! It is literally across the street and there is a great fresh market and bakery as well.
109 locals recommend
Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
3434 Bahia Vista StIf you are into Amish cooking and pies - this is the place for you! It is literally across the street and there is a great fresh market and bakery as well.
Der Dutchman Sarasota
3713 Bahia Vista StAmish cooking and amazing bakery.
Brick's Smoked Meats
1528 State StFor great Texas BBQ - this is the place!
Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtThe atmosphere and food are second to none!
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
5353 S Tamiami TrailGreat dining on the creek!
Beach
Siesta Beach
Beautiful white sand beach.
8.3 miles from our home.
Great beach location. Not quite as busy as Siesta Key.
6 6 miles from our home.
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrGreat beach location. Not quite as busy as Siesta Key.
6 6 miles from our home.