Sarasota is known as Florida's Cultural Coast and is home to a professional symphony orchestra, ballet and opera. In addition, more than 10 theatres and 30 art galleries are located in Sarasota. Main Street in downtown Sarasota boasts dozens of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. There are many special events throughout the year in Downtown Sarasota including live music, art festivals, motorcycle shows and parades.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Located on a 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established in 1927 as the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936) and his wife, Mable (1875 to 1929). Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, the Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The Ringling Circus Museum is found on the same estate.

Mote Marine Aquarium

Sarasota's Mote Aquarium is actually an open-to-the-public research facility. A visit here is an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with stingrays, sea horses, manatees, and the occasional shark. The facility also offers visitors the Mote Café and the Aquarium Gift Shop.

Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone

This is a hands-on discovery centre for young and old kids. You can dig for fossils, play with lasers, and get up close and personal with the slimiest members of the reptile kingdom at this centre. G.W.I.Z is located in the Blivas Science and Technology Centre.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a must-see for horticulturists and garden enthusiasts. At the bay side botanical garden, you'll find more than 20 individual gardens, complete with waterfalls and terraced walkways. Special areas include the Butterfly Garden, Koi Pond, Cycad Garden, and Baywalk. Marie Selby Gardens is the only garden to specialize in air plants and is, perhaps, most famous for its collection of 6,000-plus orchids. A museum and plant shop are available as well.

Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary

This is slowly becoming one of the Sarasota area's biggest attractions. Set on a waterfront compound in Ken Thompson Park, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary is a permanent home for injured pelicans, egrets, owls, hawks, and gulls, and it is a great place to get some pretty unique pictures. The park also has a covered boardwalk area for those guests who visit during rainy weather.

Sarasota Bay Explorers

Docked at the famous Mote Aquarium, the Sarasota Bay Explorers offer pontoon cruises around the bay area. The trips, which usually take about an hour and a half, are guided by a marine biologist and are as fun as they are informative. Sarasota Bay Explorers also offers guided kayak trips.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

This ten-acre park is one of Sarasota's best and most-visited attractions. While walking along paths lined with palm trees and tropical plant life, visitors inevitably will happen upon a flamingo, peacock, or egret. However, it is the alligators, leopards, and snakes that leave the lasting memories for most. The Flamingo Café and a gift shop are located here as well.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum

Founded in 1952, America's third oldest automobile museum provides an informative glimpse at the cultural impact of this wonderful machine. Exhibits include numerous audiovisual displays, fascinating artefacts, and more than a hundred vehicles. And if that's not enough, there's also an extensive collection of antique musical instruments, games, cameras, and Santa Clauses. Guided tours are available.

Last updated:   January 31, 2012 21:51