Sarasota Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide Online
Sarasota Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide Online It may not be a big-name Florida city like Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg or Orlando, but Sarasota, on Florida's southwest coast, is the place to go for all the conveniences of a big city in a small package. Located about 40 miles south of the Tampa Bay area, Sarasota has a variety of attractions and events that attract the arts-minded tourist who's interested in more than just riding some gussied-up roller coasters. Sarasota is known as the "Circus Town." The city was once the winter quarters of the "Greatest Show on Earth," hence, the moniker.The work and contributions of John Ringling, of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, have made the city a cultural capital. John and his wife Mable built a mansion on Sarasota Bay and set out to collect art by Peter Paul Reubens and other Flemish and Italian masters of the 17th century. That collection today is called the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Ringling's name is also immortalized as an avenue in downtown Sarasota. Downtown Sarasota is in the midst of a building boom, with condos, office buildings and shopping either in place, under construction or planned. In addition, urban renewal projects are working to make a better life for the city's less-fortunate citizens. As befits a cultural capital, it's the small galleries by artists in various media that make the arts scene vibrant. Galleries are scattered throughout the city and surrounding area, and even amateur artists take their crafts seriously. Other Sarasota attractions include the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, the Pelican Man Sanctuary, Selby Gardens and Jungle Gardens. Arts and cultural events are presented at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Asolo Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota Opera House. The city hosts an annual book fair and film festival, too. To the east, Myakka River State Park offers one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and some of the original buildings are still in use. It offers a scenic drive, dirt roads, hiking trails and more. When you've had enough exploring in Sarasota, it's time to hit the beaches. Sarasota features 35 miles of sand and several beautiful keys on the Gulf of Mexico that are well-known to sun-and-fun lovers, including St. Armands Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key (considered by some to have the whitest and finest sand in the world), Casey Key, Venice Beach, Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. Sarasota's weather is mild, especially compared to some other places in the winter. Sarasota is well-connected to the northern parts of West and Central Florida by Interstate 75 and Interstate 275. Traveling south, Interstate 75 offers a reasonably fast ride, but U.S. 41 (the legendary Tamiami Trail of years gone by) is presently used only for local travel due to road construction, congestion and its many traffic lights. State Road 70 provides access to the eastern part of the state. The road is a two-lane divided highway across Florida, and there are several areas now under construction, which can cause delays. Some who visit Sarasota fly to Tampa International Airport and then drive south, but Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has service from Delta Air Lines, mainly to and from Atlanta for connections; ATA Airlines, which is establishing a code-sharing arrangement with Southwest for flights to Chicago-Midway; and AirTran Airways, which offers direct service to and from Baltimore, Chicago-Midway and Atlanta, and has connections to other cities. There is so much to see and do in Sarasota that more than one visit may be required! Sarasota Attractions: Sarasota Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide OnlineThe
Sarasota Trolley travels around downtown Sarasota and a scenic route out to attractions such as St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach, Mote Marine and the Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary on City Island. The Trolley runs Monday - Saturday with both a Main Street route and the scenic route. G Wiz (
Gulf Coast Wonder & Imagination Zone)
1001 Boulevard of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-309-4949 This is a hands-on science and technology center downtown on Sarasota's beautiful bay front. However, it is not simply a museum! It offers an array of interactive, hands-on exhibits, as well as educational programs for the community. It is a place filled with new ideas and experiences, a world where science comes alive.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Ave
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731 Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5 acre tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Selby Gardens is best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. Selby's 11 bay-front acres are an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants, many collected in the wild on nearly 100 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests by the Selby Gardens' research staff. Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-388-2451 Explore the soner of Mote Aquarium, 135,000 gallon shark exhibit, touch pools and much more. Myakka River State Park
13207 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
941-365-0100 Florida's unspoiled wilderness is yours to enjoy aboard Myakka Wildlife Tours special Tram Safari. Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary
1708 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4444 Florida's largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Walking tours are available. Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243
941-358-3180 The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is home to three spectacular attractions. Overlooking the beautiful waters of Sarasota Bay, the 66-acre estate is the legacy of John Ringling. Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34234
941-355-5305 Sarasota Jungle Gardens attractions include: Bird and Reptile Shows, Jungle Animals, Kiddie Jungle, Gardens of Christ, Shell Museum and a Gift Shop. Also, acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails. South Florida Museum
201 10th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-746-4131 The South Florida Museum is dedicated to educating the community and visitors of all ages about the past, present and future of South Florida. Art Center Sarasota 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL
941-365-2032 Arts education programs and exhibitions in the visual arts are the primary functions of Art Center Sarasota. The Exhibition Committee, composed 100 percent of practicing artists, plans an annual program of exhibits that will both meet our members' needs as well as have broad appeal to the general community. Our goal is to increase awareness and appreciation of art in all its forms. Artists featured in our exhibits are from the local community as well as from outside the area. Exhibition jurors are selected for their scope of knowledge and experience in the art world The Lieberman Gallery
1991 Main Street, Suite 244
Sarasota, FL
388-1530
The Lieberman Gallery is a non-profit art "viewing" center dedicated to exhibiting contemporary and challenging works by artists living and working in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Don't miss the monthly artists' receptions, which are known to be fun and informative. Lieberman Gallery hours: 9AM to 9PM daily. Free
Beaches Lido Key Lido Beach Lido Beach is located on Lido Key, one half mile southwest of St. Armand's Circle, on Ben Franklin Drive. South Lido Park is located on Ben Franklin Drive at the southern tip of Lido Key. The park is bordered by four bodies of water; The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou. At a separate facility at the north end of the park, visitors can enjoy a nature trail which includes scenic overlooks and boardwalks.
The southern beach portion of the park offers views of the skyline of downtown Sarasota and the Gulf. It features a picnic area shaded by Australian Pines. Lido Beach also provides special needs visitors help via these free beach "wheelchairs." Be sure to look for one near the main guard tower. Siesta Key Siesta Beach Sarasota's Siesta Key beach is known for having the whitest and finest sand in the world. Click on any of the local beaches in the map or the list on the right for more information. Turtle Beach Turtle Beach has no lifeguards, but there is free parking, picnic tables, playground, showers and restrooms. It's not as popular as Siesta Beach, but the locals know that if you can't find a parking space at Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach will have plenty of space available.
Boaters can launch their boats into the lagoon and park their trailers while they enjoy a day on the water. Palmer Point Beach
Palmer Point Beach begins at the southern tip of Siesta Key and continues onto the north end of Casey Key. The northern part of the beach was the former home of Mote Marine Laboratory. Since the closing of Midnight Pass in 1984, the beach allows uninterrupted walking all the way down Casey Key. The beach is a popular spot for boaters and people who walk there from Turtle Beach seeking some privacy. There are no lifeguards and no facilities.
Longboat Key Longboat Key has no public beach. However, if you are staying at one of the resorts on the Key, you can enjoy soft white sand and shelling. Spring Training 941-954-4464 Ed Smith Stadium Although not in downtown, Ed Smith Stadium is just a short ride from any downtown location.. The minor league Boston Red Sox team plays summer baseball at Ed Smith Stadium as the Sarasota Red Sox. Baseball is a Sarasota tradition dating back to 1924, when the New York Giants arrived. They were followed by the Red Sox and then the White Sox. Now, the Cincinnati Reds take the field annually with games at Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium. Pitchers and catchers report to the City of Sarasota Sports Complex in February. The Reds take on the Devil Rays for their Grapefruit League home opener March 4. Other highlights of the home schedule include visits by the Red Sox, Indians, and Yankees. Sarasota Events: Sarasota Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide OnlineEvents & Entertainment January West Florida Spring Home & Garden Show Held in late January Sarasota Bradenton Int'l Convention Center 941-355-9161 Call for additional information March Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival Held in late March Location: Varies in Sarasota 941-316-9207 Featuring a variety of performances Italian American Music Festival Held in mid March Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 941-953-3368 Call for additional information April Florida Winefest & Auction Held in late April Location: Ritz-Carlton Sarasota 941-952-1109 Call for additional information Exceptional four day celebration that combines wine and food aficionados, premier chefs, vintners and world-class winemakers. May Classic Corvette Show Held in early May Location: St. Armands Circle
941-388-1554 Call for additional information
Stroll through the fantastic cars on display while enjoying the shops and restaurants of St. Armands. June Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Boat Race Held in late June – early July Location: Victory Circle in Van Wezel Parking Lot 941-371-2827 Call for additional information Boat races and festival Craft Festival and Sidewalk Sale Held in mid June Location: Downtown Sarasota 941-388-1554 Call for additional information Popular festival and summer sidewalk sale with live entertainment. Sarasota Music Festival Held in early – mid June Location: Holley Hall and Van Wezel 941-953-4252 Call for additional information Annual music festival July Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Boat Race Held in late June – early July Location: Victory Circle in Van Wezel Parking Lot 941-371-2827 Call for additional information Boat races and festival Fireworks Celebration Held on July 4 Location: Downtown Sarasota 941-954-4102 Call for additional information August Ringling Bridge Run Held in late August Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Center 941-952-9533 Call for additional information Back to School Bash Held in late August Location: Jungle Gardens 941-355 5305 Call for additional information
Annual Back-to-School Bash - be a champion - medals & ribbons to all participants - cash giveaways - free hotdogs & popsicles to all kids. Christmas in August Held in early August Location: Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center 386-860-0092 Call for additional information
Art & Craft Fair with nationwide exhibitors in air conditioned comfort. October Annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Held in mid October Location: Osprey Ave between Hyde Park St and Hillview Ave.
941-954-0609 Call for additional information Over a dozen of Sarasota Fire Houses compete. Food, educational booths. Downtown Sarasota Fall Festival Held in mid October Location: Downtown Sarasota
941-366-5969
Call for additional information Octoberfest Suncoast Held in early October Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds 941-708-3456 Call for additional information Experience the flavor & fun of Germany on Florida's West Coast. Continuous live entertainment, authentic German food, imported beer, children's activities, antique Volkswagen auto show, cooking demonstrations. Oktoberfest – Ringling Museum Held in late October Location: Museum Estate 941-358-3180 Call for additional information Celebrate the culture and heritage of the Ringling family's native country – Germany. This festival is fun for the entire family with a variety of activities for all ages, German food, and German inspired entertainment. Sarasota Folk Music Festival Held in early October Location: Crowley Museum & Nature Center 941-322-1000 Call for additional information
Sarasota Folk Club with 20+ of the area's most celebrated folk and acoustic musicians on 2 stages. St. Armands Art Festival & Annual Fall Sidewalk Festival Held in mid October Location: St. Armands Circle 941-388-1554
Call for additional information Over 170 artists' booths with original works of art. Annual Stone Crab Seafood & Wine Festival Held in late October Location: The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Longboat Key 941-383-6464 Call for additional information Celebrate the start of the stone crab season at this acclaimed culinary event! Don't miss out on the fun and epicurean excitement at the Tasting on the Beach or the Chef's Collaboration Gala.
November Annual Sound Advice Sarasota Blues Festival Held in early November Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds 941-377-3279 Call for additional information Art Fest – Venice Held in early November Location: The Island Avenues in downtown Venice 964-472-3755
Art and craft show Sarasota Reading Festival Held in early November Location: Five Points Park, Downtown Sarasota 941-957-5109 Call for additional information A free event for the whole family featuring great authors, storytellers, booksellers, book signings, free books for kids, food and more! Super Surreal Family Festival Held in mid November Location: Museum Estate 941-358-3180 Call for additional information
The whole family gets into the act when images of fanciful critters, dreamy landscapes, and morphing portraits spark everyone's imagination. Entertainment: Asola Theatre Company 5555 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941-351-8000 Call for performance schedule and additional information The Players Theatre 838 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941-365-2494 Call for performance schedule and additional information Banyon Theatre 636 Indian Beach Lane Sarasota, FL 34234 941-358-5330 Call for performance schedule and additional information The Banyan Theater Company's mission is to produce theater in the summer. This venue showcases outstanding actors performing in plays of high literary merit. Works by playwrights such as G.B. Shaw, Chekhov, Ibsen, Pinter and Stoppard are featured to provide the community with a unique theater experience. Florida Studio Theatre 1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236 941- 366-9000 Call for additional information FST produces world premieres and contemporary works which have been produced on or off-Broadway within the last five years. By focusing on the works of contemporary writers, FST has been able to offer plays to its audiences that are not normally produced by other area theatres. FST is comprised of five main programs: Keating Mainstage, Cabaret, Touring (In the schools), Education and New play development. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-953-3368 Call for performance schedule and additional information Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for generations. Soulspeak – Sarasota Poetry Theatre 535 Columbia Court Sarasota, FL 34236 941-966-3416 Call for reading schedule and additional information Soulspeak/Sarasota Poetry Theatre was founded in 1992 for the purpose of promoting expression through all forms of poetry and making contemporary poetry more accessible to the public. It features both local and nationally known poets, singers and musicians, and presents poetry in the form of highly original collaborations. Sarasota Opera 61 North Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-8450 Call for performance schedule and additional information Sarasota Ballet of Florida 5555 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 941-552-1032 Call for performance schedule and additional information The Ballet has the unique distinction of being voted Sarasota's Best Performing Arts Group for consecutive years and has gained in stature and regional prominence over the course of its long history. Sarasota Facts: Sarasota Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide OnlinePopulation: 52,715 Elevation: 27 feet above sea level Land Area: 14.9 square miles Location: Located on Florida's west coast, on the Gulf of Mexico, between Tampa to the north and Ft. Myers to the south. Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Sarasota, it's 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Sarasota observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October Weather: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Averagetemp.(°F) | 61.8 | 63.2 | 67.4 | 70.9 | 76.6 | 80.7 | 82.0 | 82.2 | 80.9 | 75.2 | 69.3 | 63.7 | | Hightemperature(°F) | 72.6 | 74.0 | 78.0 | 82.2 | 87.7 | 90.5 | 91.5 | 91.4 | 90.0 | 85.4 | 79.9 | 74.4 | | Lowtemperature(°F) | 50.9 | 52.4 | 56.8 | 59.6 | 65.5 | 70.8 | 72.5 | 72.9 | 71.8 | 64.9 | 58.7 | 52.9 | | Precipitation(in) | 2.9 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 2.8 | 7.5 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 7.4 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 2.4 | Climate: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Dayswithprecipitation | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 7 | 5 | 6 | | Windspeed(mph) | 8.6 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.2 | 8.2 | | Morninghumidity(%) | 87 | 86 | 87 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 89 | 88 | 88 | | Afternoonhumidity(%) | 59 | 56 | 54 | 51 | 52 | 60 | 63 | 64 | 63 | 58 | 58 | 59 | | Sunshine(%) | 63 | 65 | 71 | 75 | 75 | 67 | 62 | 61 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 61 | Local Seasons: Sarasota is beautiful at any time of year. The seasons change on Florida's west coast. In the winter, there are a few days when the heat goes on in the house, but outdoors the sun and cloudless blue sky more than compensate for the slight chill in the air. Visitors from the north are accustomed to 70F water temperatures for their summer swimming, and have no hesitation in plunging into the Gulf for a winter swim. The locals smile at these brave tourists and wait for spring and summer to swim in water that reaches the mid-80s. How to Get There By Air Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (code SRQ)
6000 Airport Cir.
Sarasota, FL34243 941-359-2770 SRQ is the closest international airport to the Gulf Islands resort area. Located on the Manatee and Sarasota county line, the airport is three miles to downtown Sarasota and is served by some of the nationally recognized airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers. Tampa International Airport 5503 West Spruce Street
Tampa, Florida 33607 813-870-8794 Located approximate 70 miles north of Sarasota, the airport is served by many of the national and international airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers. Ground Transportation: Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus services are available at the airports. By Car The city is easily accessible via Interstate Highway 75 from both the north and south. By Train Amtrak 1993 Main Street
US 301 and Main the East Bound Side
Sarasota, FL 34231 800-USA-RAIL Call for additional information By Bus Greyhound 575 N Washington Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236 941-955-5735 How to Get Around: With so many sites to see and things to do both in Sarasota as well as throughout the entire area, the best way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Bus transportation (SCAT) is available and quite convenient in reaching downtown attractions and entertainment. National Holidays : New Year's Day: Jan. 1 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan. President's Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb. Memorial Day: last Mon. in May Independence Day: July 4 Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept. Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25 New Year's Eve: Dec. 31 Sarasota Kids Activities: Sarasota Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Sarasota Travel & Tourism, Free Sarasota Travel Guide OnlineG Wiz (
Gulf Coast Wonder & Imagination Zone)
1001 Boulevard of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-309-4949 This is a hands-on science and technology center downtown on Sarasota's beautiful bay front. However, it is not simply a museum! It offers an array of interactive, hands-on exhibits, as well as educational programs for the community. It is a place filled with new ideas and experiences, a world where science comes alive.
Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-388-2451 Explore the sonar of Mote Aquarium, 135,000 gallon shark exhibit, touch pools and much more. Myakka River State Park
13207 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
941-365-0100 Florida's unspoiled wilderness is yours to enjoy aboard Myakka Wildlife Tours special Tram Safari. Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary
1708 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4444 Florida's largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Walking tours are available. Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34234
941-355-5305 Sarasota Jungle Gardens attractions include: Bird and Reptile Shows, Jungle Animals, Kiddie Jungle, Gardens of Christ, Shell Museum and a Gift Shop. Also, acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails. South Florida Museum
201 10th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-746-4131 The South Florida Museum is dedicated to educating the community and visitors of all ages about the past, present and future of South Florida. Beaches Lido Key Lido Beach Lido Beach is located on Lido Key, one half mile southwest of St. Armand's Circle, on Ben Franklin Drive. South Lido Park is located on Ben Franklin Drive at the southern tip of Lido Key. The park is bordered by four bodies of water; The Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, and Brushy Bayou. At a separate facility at the north end of the park, visitors can enjoy a nature trail which includes scenic overlooks and boardwalks.
The southern beach portion of the park offers views of the skyline of downtown Sarasota and the Gulf. It features a picnic area shaded by Australian Pines. Lido Beach also provides special needs visitors help via these free beach "wheelchairs." Be sure to look for one near the main guard tower. Siesta Key Siesta Beach Sarasota's Siesta Key beach is known for having the whitest and finest sand in the world. Click on any of the local beaches in the map or the list on the right for more information. Spring Training 941-954-4464 Ed Smith Stadium Although not in downtown, Ed Smith Stadium is just a short ride from any downtown location.. The minor league Boston Red Sox team plays summer baseball at Ed Smith Stadium as the Sarasota Red Sox. Baseball is a Sarasota tradition dating back to 1924, when the New York Giants arrived. They were followed by the Red Sox and then the White Sox. Now, the Cincinnati Reds take the field annually with games at Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium. Pitchers and catchers report to the City of Sarasota Sports Complex in February. The Reds take on the Devil Rays for their Grapefruit League home opener March 4. Other highlights of the home schedule include visits by the Red Sox, Indians, and Yankees. Boston Travel Guide |Fort Myers Travel Guide |Miami Beach Travel Guide |Zurich Travel Guide |Naples Travel Guide |Wilmington Travel Guide |Nice Travel Guide |Bakersfield Travel Guide |Atlantic City Travel Guide |Bloomington Travel Guide |Houston Travel Guide |Ontario Travel Guide |Punta Cana Travel Guide |Edinburgh Travel Guide |San Jose Travel Guide |Sydney Travel Guide |Buena Vista Travel Guide |Melbourne Travel Guide |Mount Pleasant Travel Guide |Myrtle Beach Travel Guide |Fort Walton Beach Travel Guide |Scottsdale Travel Guide |Phoenix Travel Guide |Dublin Travel Guide |Denver Travel Guide |San Juan Travel Guide |Virginia Beach Travel Guide |Little Rock Travel Guide |Arlington Travel Guide |Puerto La Cruz Travel Guide |
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