Shirley's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Rd
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront DrBayfront Park and Marina
Great area surrounded by classic sculptures to walk around with boutique shops and restaurants, located a short walk from Lido Beach.
297 locals recommend
Saint Armands Circle
Saint Armands CircleGreat area surrounded by classic sculptures to walk around with boutique shops and restaurants, located a short walk from Lido Beach.
The Ringling preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museum, and the Historic Asolo Theater. The Museum is free on Mondays
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdThe Ringling preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan mansion, Bayfront Gardens, an Art Library, the Circus Museum, and the Historic Asolo Theater. The Museum is free on Mondays
Ca d'Zan
5401 Bay Shore RdCa' d'Zan Mansion
Siesta Beach
Voted #1 beach by TripAdvisor- 99% white powdery soft quartz sand and clear warm Gulf waters.
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
Voted #1 beach by TripAdvisor- 99% white powdery soft quartz sand and clear warm Gulf waters.
Things to do
Animal sanctuary for large cats and rescues of many other species. It is located just east of route 75 in Sarasota County. A rare chance to see liger (offspring of male lion and female tiger), wallaby, lemurs, sloths and more can be seen here. There are also bears, primates, birds and a petting zoo. Open: 12-4pm Wed-Sun.
158 locals recommend
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer BlvdAnimal sanctuary for large cats and rescues of many other species. It is located just east of route 75 in Sarasota County. A rare chance to see liger (offspring of male lion and female tiger), wallaby, lemurs, sloths and more can be seen here. There are also bears, primates, birds and a petting zoo. Open: 12-4pm Wed-Sun.
Saturday mornings 7am -1pm in downtown Sarasota. Plenty of restaurants too.
136 locals recommend
Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon AvenueSaturday mornings 7am -1pm in downtown Sarasota. Plenty of restaurants too.
Payne Park Playground
Iconic circus themed playground with a skatepark.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyThe Market at Lakewood Ranch
1561 Lakefront Drive
Trolley Pickup / Turnaround
Bird Key Park
761 FL-789Jumpin Fun Inflata Park
7321 Trade CtNeighborhoods
Bus station. The bay runner
University Town Center
UTC mall
The Fish Hole Miniature Golf
115 Bridge StCity advice
What to pack
Sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and sandals are a must.
Plan for sunny days!
Don't miss
The Siesta Key International Sand Sculpture Competition
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpture event -November 15-18, 2024
Don't miss
Special Events
Savor Sarasota 2024 / restaurant week- June 1-14 2024.
Don't miss
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting
International Sand Sculpting Competition- November 15-18, 2024