place to live or visit. Stick around to the end because I will mention a place that is
not technically in Sarasota, but close by and an absolute must see! So in no particular
order, let’s get started. 1 Siesta Key beach
Siesta Key is arguably the most famous beach we have on the West coast of Florida, perhaps
in all of Florida. It consistently gets voted as one of the top beaches in the US. For example,
in 2020 it was voted as the number 1 beach in the US by Trip Advisor’s Travel awards
and Dr. Beach placed it in number 1 position in 2017. The white powder-like sand on Siesta
Key beach is made out of 99 percent quartz making it cool and comfortable to walk on
even on extremely hot SUMMER days. The beach is also relatively deep providing a nice playground
for people to enjoy. 2 North Lido beach – less trafficked
While Siesta Key is the most famous beach in Sarasota, North Lido Beach is probably
the least frequented beach while still providing a picturesque setting and enjoyable experience.
If you have the chance, go for a beach walk in the evening to see the sunset. You will
be amongst just a few at the beach which makes this a great private and romantic escape.
3 St. Armands Circle In walking distance from North Lido beach
and over the Ringling bridge is St. Armands Circle. This area is popular with both locals
and tourists who come here for dining and shopping. St. Armands Circle has over 130
boutique stores, restaurants and other establishment all located in a circular area as the name
implies. It’s fun to walk the area, explore the stores and stop for some food, ice cream,
drinks to end the day. Two of my favorite eateries are Shore and Columbia Restaurant.
So check them out if you are in the area! 4 Westin 19th Floor Roof deck
Downtown Sarasota has grown so much over the last few years especially. It is a visually
stunning city. For 360-degree views of downtown Sarasota, head over to the Westin 19th Floor
roof deck. The Westin roof deck offers one of the highest views of the entire downtown
area and Sarasota Bay. It is also a great place for food and drinks with friends and
family. 5 Bayfront park
The bayfront park is to downtown Sarasota what Central Park is to Manhattan, just in
a much smaller scale. It offers an escape into nature from urban living. I just love
it there. Locals come here to take in the views of Sarasota Bay or the city skyline,
walk their dogs or relax in hammocks. You can jog or walk on the paved pathway, do yoga
on the lawn, or bring your kids to the playground that has a water feature. There is also a
fun tiki hut called O’Learys right by the water with plenty of outside seating for drinks
and food. 6 Myakka state park
Just a few miles East of highway 75 in Sarasota is one of the largest Florida state parks
called Myakka State Park. The park includes about 37,000 acres of wetlands, praeries and
a river. One of the most popular activities at the park is the Alligator Tour Boat Ride
which will take you up the river for an opportunity to see alligators in the water or lounging
on the river bed. There is also a tram ride through the prairie. Visitors come here for
camping, bird and wildlife watching, hiking and canoeing. If you love nature, you are
going to want to visit Myakka State Park. 7 The Ringling
Most of us have heard or even been to a Ringling circus. The Ringling in Sarasota looks to
educate and honor the legacy of John & Mable Ringling, who were some of the founders of
the Ringling circus. Take a whole day to venture the grounds of the Ringling and get to know
the roots of Sarasota that started off as a circus town. The Ringling includes the Museum
of Art, Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens and the Ca' d'Zan mansion. The Ca' d'Zan, which
is set in a beautiful waterfront area, offers priceless views of Sarasota Bay and was home
of John and Mable Ringling’s Venetian gothic inspired Mansion.
8 Mote Aquarium Visit the Mote Aquarium during sunny or rainy
weather. There is always something to learn at the aquarium with more than 100 marine
species available to see. Watch sharks, sea turtles, manatees and so much more.
This is exciting because a new Mote Marine
Laboratory and Aquarium is being built by the Nathan Benderson Park which is more accessible
and will have a much larger footprint. It is slated to open early in 2023.
9 Selby Gardens. Visit the downtown Selby Gardens campus which
is located on 15-acres of bayfront bliss.
The area is a wonderful place to see rare tropical plants, learn about them,
enjoy nature and experience spectacular views of Sarasota bay.Where Selby Gardens is
located is just gorgeous.
epifeits ferns and bromiliads. 10 Legacy Trail
Lastly, the legacy trail is the most popular trail in the area and a must visit for people
wanting to bike through natural elements with an opportunity to see wildlife. It currently
is about 12.5-miles long and runs from Palmer Ranch in Sarasota to Venice Florida. Eventually
the trail will extend into downtown Sarasota but for now the most scenic rides can be found
along the Oscar Scherer State Park and waterviews closer towards Venice.
Bonus
Casey Key
Not technically in the city of Sarasota but close by, the narrow island of Casey Key is
an 8-mile barrier island off the coast of West Florida. This island is a hidden gem
because the beaches are private to those that live on the island. However, a car or bike
ride through Casey Key’s windy road is well worth your time as the island is one of the
most scenic areas with beautiful views to the gulf and waterfront mansions. A fun fact
for you, Stephen King, the writer, lives on the island, but don’t even try to find his
home as it is well guarded. For more information on Sarasota, watch this
needs. I am here to help. Thank you for watching today…take care.