Who says you can’t have everything? Sarasota offers a wide variety of activities for everyone and accommodates a variety of lifestyles. With its warm climate you can stay active all year round whether you want to go out and play a round of golf, go hiking at Myakka, take a walk on the beach, or ride your motorcycle through the beautiful Florida countryside.
The warm white sands of our beaches will draw you in and the warm water of the Gulf is calling to you. Our beaches are a great attraction for every age. You can find great beaches all along the coast at Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido, Longboat Key, and many places in between. The beach at Siesta Key is one of the most popular and draws a wide variety of people to sun, play in the water, walk or run the beach, play volleyball, or sit and admire the spectacular sunsets!
For the history and art lovers Sarasota offers a diverse collection of museums, including the Ringling Museum, and art galleries. A visit to Historic Spanish Point is a must! Theatre lovers will find much to occupy their time with the great collection of Broadway shows, performances and artists brought to perform at the Van Wezel, the A solo Theatre, and the Golden Apple Theatre. Don’t forget the Sarasota Film Festival known for its debut of independent films. The FloridaWest Coast Symphony offers performances September through May. The Sarasota Opera and Ballet will also delight.
Nature lovers will find all they need in this beautiful Paradise. Take a trip to Mykka State Park and enjoy watching the alligators, hiking the trails, or kayaking down the river. Take a trip to Mote Marine where you can see all kinds of sea life from Manatees to turtles and manta rays or visit the bird sanctuary right next door. A trip to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens will have you walking amidst the flamingos and viewing all kinds of Florida Big Cat Lover? Take a short trip up to Tampa and visit The Big Cat Sanctuary-a reserve of rescued tigers, lions, and other large cats. More into plants? Visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Fishing? Plenty of that to go around-charter a boat for the gulf fishing or throw your pole in somewhere and relax.
Golf Anyone? Need I say more? Over 70 courses can be found throughout the Manatee County and Sarasota County area. Be sure to visit Waterlefe, the home of the 2002, 2004, and 2006 U.S. Open qualifying tournaments.
Not a golfer? More of a shopper? Not a problem. We have a diverse amount of stores to satisfy anyone’s shopping requirements. Visit the unique stores and boutiques on St. Armand’s Circle, in Siesta Villageor along in downtown . Visit one of the large malls if your looking for more of a mainstream retailer such as Dillards or Macys. Not satisfied yet? Take a 20 minute trip to the Outlet Stores in Ellenton.
Stonewood Grill, Flemings, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Patrick’s, Marina Jacks, Hemingway’s, Mattison’s Grill, The Melting Pot; the list of fine restaurants goes on and on with a taste for everyone. Nightlife abounds in Downtown Sarasota-visit The Jazz Club or The Gator Club. Down on Siesta Key hit The Beach House, The Daiquiri Deck, or Gilligans. Gulf Gate offers a row full of different varieties of bars from The Sarasota Brewing Company to Hurricane Mike’s- choose a favorite or visit them all.
Snow and cold weather? Nope, sorry none of that stuff allowed here. Please see websites that discuss most of the other 49 states particularly those in the Midwest, NorthEast, and North West. Still want it all? Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is your gateway to any other destination you may want to visit and Tampa International is about 50 minutes away. So you can live in the warm sunshine and when you feel like playing in the snow take a vacation knowing that the sunshine is waiting for you when you come home.
What more could you really want? Come find your slice of paradise and live your Florida lifestyle!! |