Things to Do While in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota Polo River State Park Siesta Key Scherer State Park

Lakewood Ranch. A modern, smart development of Sarasota, Florida, Lakewood Ranch takes stewardship of the planet’s environment very seriously. Since 2005, all new homes and buildings are constructed with “green” products, which means they are energy efficient and environmental friendly. Over 7,000 acres of Lakewood Ranch have also been deemed nature preserves. For more information, visit http://www.lakewoodranch.com

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. This tony country club is more than just a golf course-it’s a community where people can gather with their friends and family in a relaxing, lush atmosphere. The majestic clubhouse is like a beacon once you enter the gates, and the three exquisite golf courses feature challenges in picturesque surroundings. Just minutes away, and less than ten miles from Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch hotel offers its own upscale welcome to visitors. Guests experience spacious, modern accommodations; top-notch, professional service; and access to some of Sarasota, Florida’s finest attractions-including world-class golf. For more information on nearby Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, visit http://www.lakewoodranchgolf.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp

Sarasota Polo at Lakewood Ranch. One of the most regal sports known, polo is a fast-paced partnership between rider and pony that offers challenges in a competitive environment. Sarasota Polo features a wide variety of events throughout the season, like benefits for the Humane Society, while keeping up with polo matches held from December through April. Visit http://sarasotapolo.com/

Ringling Museum of Art. Located on Sarasota Bay in Florida, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has been the keeper of some of the area’s finest artwork since 1927. With collections that range from European, Asian, and American, the Ringling Museum is Florida’s official State Museum of Art. And of course, visitors of all ages won’t want to miss the Circus Museum. Go to http://www.ringling.org/  [Top]

Myakka River State Park. The Myakka River runs through a variety of ecosystems and landscapes, including prairie, wetlands, and woodland for 57 miles. The state park is one of the oldest in Florida and also one of the largest. There’s plenty to do in this park, including hiking, biking, kayaking, picnicking, bird watching, boating, and horse-back riding. For more information, go to http://www.myakkariver.org/

Crowley Museum and Nature Center. The Crowley Museum and Nature Center is a nature preserve focused on the wildlife native to Florida as well as the stories of the states pioneers. Self-guided tours are available, and visitors can spend a day picnicking, hiking the trails, and visiting the museum. For more information, visit www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org  [Top]

Siesta Key. Not far from Sarasota, Florida, Siesta Key offers a tropical paradise on a barrier island of the Gulf of Mexico. This playground for adults and kids alike features white sand beaches with plenty of water play, including boating, kayaking, fishing, and parasailing. If you visit on a Sunday night, join the weekly beach drum circle. There’s also plenty of dining and shopping options, too. Visit http://siestakey.com/

Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Since 1940, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has delighted visitors of all ages with its displays of native and exotic animals and birds. Explore the ten acres of winding jungle trails and get to know more about gators, flamingos, snakes-and even prairie dogs. Children will love the Kiddie Jungle, which includes a haunted house, train, treehouse, and more. Visit www.sarasotajunglegardens.com  [Top]

Oscar Scherer State Park. This State Park focuses on preserving Florida’s pine and scrubby flatwoods, once widespread throughout Sarasota County. The park includes access to swimming on Lake Osprey, 15 miles of trails, kayaking and canoeing on South Creek (rentals are also available), which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer/default.cfm

Little Manatee River State Park. Little Manatee River flows from swamp grounds in Fort Lonesome for 40 miles to Tampa Bay. Picnicking, hiking the parks 6.5 trails, horseback riding, and fishing along the banks of the river are all activities visitors to the park can enjoy. Go to http://www.floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver/

Mote Marine Laboratory. Located in Sarasota, the Mote Marina Laboratory Scientists conduct research within the nearshore enviroment. Their public aquarium helps reach out to visitors to show their marine research as one of the few remaining private marine research operational laboratories in the world. For more information visit: www.mote.org.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  The Selby Gardens is best known for one of the largest living Orchid collections in the world. Their bayfront property allow visitors to enjoy over 20,000 varieties of plant life. Take a stroll through their Tropical Display House and enjoy the jungle like atmosphere of a rainforest. For more information visit,www.selby.org   [Top]