Top 10 fun things to do in the Sarasota - Lakewood Ranch area
1. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 #941-359-5700 Website
This treat for the senses includes the amazing Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida, with 21 galleries of internationally known European, American and Asian art; the Venetian-Gothic Cà d?Zan mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay, winter home of John and Mable Ringling; the historic 66-acre grounds and gardens, two Circus Museums including the Tibbals Learning Center and the Historic Asolo Theater.
2.Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-366-5731 Website
Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids, bromeliads and tropical plants in this 9.5-acre oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Gifts, plants and books at the Garden Shop and the Banyan Treasures store in the historic Selby House. Café on premises, poison dart frog exhibit, free-range butterfly garden and ever-changing botanical art and photography exhibits. Group rates for 20 or more. Allow two hours viewing time.
3.Mote Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., City Island Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-388-4441 #800-691-MOTE Website
Explore the secrets of the sea from the smallest critters to top predators. Both entertaining and educational, this unique attraction showcases Florida's fascinating marine life and the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. Viewable, working laboratories offer a rare glimpse of marine science as it's unfolding. Exhibits include a shark habitat, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits, stingray touch pool and interactive HD theater. Open 365 days a year 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
4.G.WIZ - The Hands-On Science Museum
1001 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-309-4949 Website
Discover the cool side of science with 85 hands-on exhibits the whole family can explore together.
5.LeBarge Tropical Cruises
Highway 41 at Marina Plaza (downtown)Sarasota, FL 34236 #941-366-6116 Website
Enjoy a narrated Sightseeing Cruise combining Sarasota?s abundant wildlife, a bit of history and spectacular shoreline homes or a Dolphin Watch cruise narrated by a marine biologist. Sunset Cruise featuring live entertainment, dancing and a fabulous gulf sunset. Two full cash bars and a light menu available. Reservations recommended.
6.Red Barn Flea Market
1707 First St. E.Bradenton, FL 34208 #941-747-3794 #800-274-FLEA Website
One of Florida's most popular and progressive flea markets. Now with 80,000+ sq ft of air conditioning. 600+ unique retail shops and flea market-style booths. Enjoy family fun, bargain hunting, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, fresh produce, souvenir shopping and a great variety of delicious foods. Watch our Web site for exciting events; our Birthday Bash and antique appraiser in the summer. Free roaming peacocks live in oak filled site. Free admission, parking.
7.Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234 #941-355-5305 #877-861-6547 Website
Have you ever seen a cockatoo ride a bicycle atop a high wire? The area's only zoological garden, this wild jungle is a natural paradise with more than 75 species of animals, birds, reptiles and thousands of exotic and native plants. Within ten acres of winding jungle trails and interactive show arenas, visitors can pose with a parrot, hand feed a flamingo and come face-to-face with alligators and crocodiles. Stop off at the Flamingo Cafe for refreshments and hit the trails again.
8.Circus Sarasota
8251 - 15th St. E. Sarasota, FL 34243 #941-355-9335 Website
Known as the "Circus Capital of the World," Sarasota is home to an amazing one-ring, five-star international circus. The Sarasota Herald Tribune calls the show "impressive - sends your mind soaring!" Join the thousands of people who have witnessed the magic of Circus Sarasota. International circus stars will amaze and astound you. Affordable family entertainment at its best.
9.St. Armands Circle
300 Madison Drive, Suite #201 St. Armands Circle, FL 34236 Web Site
St. Armands Circle is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. There are more than 150 stores located on this renowed Key and you can spend the day exploring the shops and relaxing in the restaurants. St. Armands Circle is located on St. Armands Key - just south of Longboat Key and west of Sarasota.
10.Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce 5118 Ocean Boulevard Siesta Key, FL 34242 #866-831-7778
There's always something to do at Siesta Key Beach, and it's within easy walking distance of the many shops and restaurants in Siesta Village. Come to enjoy the day or evening, and be sure to stop by the “Drum Circle” on Sunday evening, a theatrical feast for the eyes and ears as sunset falls on another perfect Siesta Key day.
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