Tourist Attractions in Sarasota - Florida

The City of Sarasota and the neighboring area are identified as the cultural hub of Florida. It is interesting to see wild life sanctuaries, botanical gardens, specialized theatres, art and music, dance with the spectacular background of profusion of sun, water and sand. It is officially accepted that this beach is having the finest and whitest sand. The climate is really enjoyable and it is suitable to visit Sarasota throughout the year. You can also enjoy plenty of water sports in Gulf of Mexico, the Myakka River, Lemon Bay and Inter-coastal Waterway bound the area.

There are many attractions in and around Sarasota such as The Ringling Circus Museum and botanical gardens.

The John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art and the Circus Museum are positioned at the intersection of US 41 and University Parkway just south of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. It is possible to visit the museum everyday between 10AM and 5.30PM, and it will be remain closed in all national holidays. Ca d’zan is the main area of this Venetian Palace, a two story domed ceiling, former winter home of Ringlings are available. You can see the crystal chandelier, the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, and the wall hanging information’s from legends. The Ringling Museum is famous for its world’s most important collections of Baroque paintings from 17th century. You can also view the beautiful view of exclusive and theatrical complex with palm trees, manicured lawns and scene on the bay. They charge nominal entrance fee to visit like $9 for adults, and children’s are eligible for free admission.

Another major attraction is Sarasota classic car Museum. It is open to public all days between 9.30AM to 6.00PM. The admission fee is $8.50 for adults, and children’s below four years are admitted free. This is the third oldest car museum in United States. You can see three cars, previously owned by Ringling family here.

It is possible to see all the varieties of flora and fauna in this city. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the major botanical garden, which is located on the peninsula at Sarasota’s downtown seafront on south Palm Avenue. You can visit this garden daily from 10Am to 5PM. The admission fees are nominal such as $8 for adults and $4 for children’s between the ages 6 and 11, the admission is free for children’s under the age 6.

This garden is famous for its live collection of more than 6,000 orchids, and it is also a home for 20,000 colorful plants, with seven greenhouses. The grounds are a unique example of eclectic Southern Colonial architecture, housing the Gardens' Museum are the added attractions.

You can also visit the major Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary, situated at 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway. It is a famous rehabilitated sanctuary for rescued and injured birds. You can see many native Florida birds and migratory birds from all over the world. You can visit this park daily. It is also a wonderful wildlife retreat. There is no admission fee to visit this sanctuary, you can donate as you wish for the welfare of birds. Apart from this you can also visit Shark Research Center, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, with more than 200 species of fishes.