The 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.