Siesta Key Beach (Crescent Beach)
Siesta Key Beach is central Sarasota's gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, an island that combines luxurious amenities with a relaxed vibe that appeals to both visitors and locals. On the east side of this eight-mile long barrier island is Sarasota Bay and Florida's intracoastal waterway. It's a scenic trail for boaters interested in exploring the mangrove forests that dot the area, dropping a line for snook or pompano, or cruising to Sarasota's dockside restaurants and pubs. On the island's west side are Siesta Key's glorious white sand beaches -- Ranked #1 beach in America in 2011 by Dr. Beach -- and the calm waters of the Gulf. Take an early morning walk while dipping your toes in the surf; build sand castles, search for shells and soak up the warm sunshine in the afternoon; then find a comfortable spot in the afternoon/evening to view the postcard-perfect moment when the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky in strokes of red and orange.
The Ringling Museum
Whether you are a circus, art, or history fan, the Ringling has something for everyone in the family. In 1911, John Ringling and his wife, Mable purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida. Today, that investment welcomes visitors from around the globe with fine art, historic mansion, two circus museums and a jewel-box of a theater. Open daily from 10am - 5pm
Thursdays (Art After 5) Museum of Art and Circus Museum open until 8:00 pm
Estate grounds open from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Adults $25, Seniors 65+ $20, Students 18+ w/ID $5, Children 6-17 $5,
Florida Teachers w/ID $10, Active US Military $10, Children under 6 FREE, Members FREE
Thursdays (Art After 5) Museum of Art and Circus Museum open until 8:00 pm
Estate grounds open from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Adults $25, Seniors 65+ $20, Students 18+ w/ID $5, Children 6-17 $5,
Florida Teachers w/ID $10, Active US Military $10, Children under 6 FREE, Members FREE
Ed Smith Stadium - home to the Orioles' spring training
The stadium is the centerpiece of the 53-acre City of Sarasota Sports Complex. 2012 marked the third consecutive Spring Training for the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, and the second in the renovated Ed Smith Stadium. With its modern amenities mixed with historical Florida architecture, Ed Smith Stadium has truly become "Birdland South." Be sure to check out their schedule and catch a game while you are in Sarasota.
Mote Marine Aquarium
At Mote, you can explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life.
Mote Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center and Immersion Cinema.
Adults (over 12): $17, Seniors (over 65): $16 , Youth (4-12): $12
Children (under 4): Admission is free, Mote Members: Free admittance
Mote Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center and Immersion Cinema.
Adults (over 12): $17, Seniors (over 65): $16 , Youth (4-12): $12
Children (under 4): Admission is free, Mote Members: Free admittance
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Nested in 14 acres and amongst 12 buildings in a brick-laid residential section of Sarasota, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an open-air and under-glass museum of thousands of colorful and exotics plants. Many of these plants have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rain forests by Selby Gardens research staff. Well known as a lush, tropical oasis, but few are aware of the diversity of plants that make our Gardens great. Selby Gardens is a rich collection acquired from all over the world, representing more than 35 years of scientific exploration and collection. Step into their conservatory and see hundreds of epiphytes, rare and unusual shrubs and trees, giant ferns, flowering herbs, or catch a glimpse of one of the largest species of bromeliad at nearly eight feet tall. The Gardens maintain a plant collection numbering more than 20,000 accessioned plants. Eight greenhouses include the stunning Conservatory where unusual flora can be seen year round. The Botany Department provides headquarters for the Bromeliad, Gesneriad, and Orchid Research Centers, and the Selby Gardens' Herbarium and Molecular Laboratory. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a respected center for research and education, as well as a famous showplace, delights more than 180,000 visitors each year.
The Gardens are open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM every day except Christmas Day.
Adults $17, Children 6-11 $6, Members Free
The Gardens are open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM every day except Christmas Day.
Adults $17, Children 6-11 $6, Members Free
