Make a Day of It - Itineraries for our Visitors

Only have a day or two and want to make sure you don't miss the best of Sarasota? Try one

of these pre-made itineraries!

* Forget Theme Parks! Experience True, Old Florida

* Art & Beauty

* Seas & Shopping

* The Kids are Bored

* Right Time, Right Place - Dont Miss these Weekly/Monthly Events

Experience Natural Florida

Start your day early at Myakka State Park (13 miles east of 75 on S.R. 72, Clark Road) . Upon entrance to the park, sign up for an airboat ride through old Florida mangrove forests and alligator communities. Learn about Florida ecology and nature while experiencing great wildlife viewing. Don't miss the suspension bridge to see it all from above.

Take 72 West back into Sarasota, all the way to Siesta Key. Make a left to travel down to south Siesta Key. As you approach the end of the Key, Turtles Restaurant will be on your left. It's a great time to stop for lunch while looking out over the Bay. The bisque is a local favorite, as are the coconut shrimp. After lunch, walk across the street to Turtle Beach. Unlike Siesta Key Beach to the north, Turtle Beach has a small parking lot and a short beach. There is a playground for kids to run off some energy, as well as shade and bird viewing.

Take Midnight Pass Road back north to Siesta Key Public Beach. This world famous white sand beach is expansive, gleaming white, and gives you plenty of room to spread out. Try parking at the North end of the lot, and walking even further north when you get on the beach. This will take you to fewer crowds and relative quiet to enjoy the swimming. * Note: If you have children, you may want to stay closer to the pavilion - restrooms, refreshments, a playground and lifeguards make it more kid friendly, if more crowded.

If you are adventurous (or have alot of energy!) , grab your sandals and a t-shirt and walk north to Beach Access 5 or 7, which lead you to Siesta Key Village. It is about a 1 mile walk. The Village is casual and will allow you to eat in most restaurants even if you still have sand between your toes. Outdoor dining is available at Siesta Key Oyster Bar, The Daquiri Deck, Napolis and Gilligans, all within a few hundred yards of the beach, and all offering casual fare. Walk just a bit north up the strip for some of the best ice cream in Sarasota. Back to the beach, hopefully in time to walk back to your car while watching the sun go down. Keep your eyes on the surf as dolphins often play at dusk. * Note - If you do not want to walk to the Village, simply drive north to the Village. Parking is ample, if not on the road, look for free municipal parking signs.

Art & Beauty

Start your day at Selby Botanical Gardens on Mound Street, just southeast of Bayfront. Spend a few hours browsing through greenhouses filled with exotic orchids, stroll through Bayfront pathways with Florida old growth, or relax in the butterfly garden. Even those who think they won't enjoy an experience at the Gardens are surprised and inspired, and children love running through acres of huge trees and flowers. Historical buildings, art exhibits and educational experiences abound at the Gardens, which are located on some of the most scenic bayfront acreage in Sarasota.

Walk about a half mile towards the Bay, and wander the walking trail at Island Park. (Bayfront Park) For the kids, there are snacks at O'Leary's , fountains to play in, and a new state of the art playground. For the adults, benches suspended under Banyan trees, and a bayside tiki bar . Live acoustic music drifts across the water, and jetski or paddle boat rentals are available. Walk along the Marina to view boats coming and going.

For a late lunch, walk across Bayfront Drive to Main Street. Choices close by include Two Senoritas Mexican, First Watch (Sandwiches and Salads), Cafe Epicure (Sandwiches and Salads), as well as pizzerias. These are all located not far from Palm Avenue - stroll south from Main Street to window shop through all the galleries. At the end of Palm, make your way back to Selby Gardens right across the street.

Note: If walking is not an option, there is ample parking at Bayfront Park, as well as along Main Street and Palm Avenue.

Seas & Shopping

Drive across the John Ringling Causeway towards Bird & St. Armand's Keys. Pull over to the roadside park on the second causeway, as the the park off the first causeway will send you back into town. Talk to local fishermen and watch boats cruising past, and if tide is low you can wade as far out as a quarter mile.

Continue to St. Armand's Circle, but only for breakfast at Circle Deli Diner, famous for their blueberry pancakes. Back into the car and over to Mote Marine on Longboat Key, where you will spend your morning. A fantastic destination for young or old, Mote Marine is a research laboratory, a marine rescue operation and an aquarium all in one. Experience dolphins and manatees up close and personal, learn about the rescued marine life and conservation. Interactive shows, a shark aquarium and a really cool tidal pool touch tank keep the young (and young at heart) enthralled. You can eat lunch at the cafe when done, but I recommend going back to St. Armand's Circle. For lunch, try ChaCha Coconuts if you have little ones or a smaller budget; head for Tommy Bahamas, Columbia , Hemingways or 15 South for more upscale choices.

Kilwins Fudge & Candy Shop is a great place to stare through the window and watch them make the homemade fudge. If you are lucky, they will offer you samples right off the table; if not, go inside to sample free candy. Don't leave without some fudge or ice cream! Next door is the Wyland Gallery, where the artist famous for his "Whaling Walls" exhibits gorgeous marine art and promotes ocean conservation through his art. This is a great, cool spot for kids to explore as well.

Depending on your level of shopping prowess, you could spend hours on the Circle. Everything from swimsuits to unique jewelry and handmade clothing is available, and the Circle is definitely the place to shop in Sarasota. When you've had enough, walk the extension to Lido Key to experience a gorgeous beach, much more quiet than the beaches to the south. Drive south along Ben Franklin Drive to the Lido Beach Resort, to enjoy a cocktail overlooking Lido Beach.

The Kids are Bored!

Downtown - Take the kids to GWiz , the Gulf Coast Wonder & Imagination Zone. This is a terrific hands-on kids museum that keeps them having so much fun, they don't know its educational. Favorite exhibits include the super strong magnets and shadow wall. Kids can run, jump, pull, create and even stare at snakes, butterflies and other creepy crawlies.

Bring a picnic if possible and grab a bite on the grounds, or across the street on the grass next to the Bay. Then head to the Hyatt pool, located across from GWiz. Incredibly, this upscale resort allows anyone to use their pool, and the kids will love the waterfalls and grotto.

For a completely different change of pace (if its not too hot - little one's may wilt on a hot day with these activities) - try Smugglers Cove Miniature Golf at 3815 North Tamiami Trail (just south of the airport) where they can feed gators and run up and down the mountainous mini golf course. It's nearly impossible to get out of there without buying an ice cream, but thats part of the fun! Head just south on Tamiami Trail to Jungle Gardens, where you'll find an oasis - tropical birds live in a jungle paradise; more than 5000 varieties of plants; wild jungle trails, formal gardens, flamingos, swans, peacocks, and pelicans roam free. It's great family fun, and offers much opportunity for shade as well.