Siesta Beach has been #1 in the U.S. three times since 2015. Known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters and many beachside amenities, Siesta Key is a must-visit island paradise. The island offers something for everyone.
Find some Shark Teeth - Visit the "Sharks Tooth Capital of the World," down in Venice/Englewood. This is a great chance to collect some fossils from Caspersen Beach in Venice to Manasota Beach in Englewood.
The Ringling is one of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Its unusually diverse collections—art, circus, history, architecture, performance, gardens—reflect its unique origin story. At the heart of that story is circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable, and their shared desire to make Sarasota a world-class destination.
Your choices for navigation are kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP). The waters are shallow at times, narrow at times, and the tunnels' construction requires careful maneuvers. The mangrove tunnels are part of the Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach Nature Park. Surrounded by condos and resorts, you'd never expect to find this aquatic labyrinth here. But once you arrive, it's a whole new world.
If you enjoy seeing wildlife...big wildlife then go to the Big Cat Habitat in east Sarasota. This is a sanctuary for rescued exotic cats and other native and exotic wildlife in need of a permanent home. Big Cat Habitat provides education to the public to foster appreciation of the animals and impart the importance of habitat preservation.
At Mote Aquarium you can explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable working labs, and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of the adjoining Mote Marine Laboratory. See more than 100 marine species - most found in Florida waters - including sharks, manatees, sea turtles and fish of all shapes and sizes.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.
Treasure Island beaches are, in a way, neighborhoods, each with a different character and feel. There are three different beach neighborhoods. The first area is mid-island. It is a very wide beach and it is here that you will find most of our gulf-front motels, hotels and condo-hotels. It is a commercial area with many restaurants, shops and conveniences all within a short walking distance. It is along the mid-island stretch of Treasure Island that you'll find our .85 mile Treasure Island Beach Trail, perfect for walking, skateboarding, dog-walking and bicycling. The trail meanders the beach through sea oats dunes between 104th and 119th Avenues, parallel to the shoreline.
Voted Tampa’s Best Family Attraction and 11-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ZooTampa offers unforgettable adventures for all ages. Enjoy an amazing, lush tropical setting with naturalistic habitats that provide up-close connections with animals from around the world.
Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or want rides that are fun for the whole family, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida's best roller coasters & thrill rides. Take on an exhilarating triple-launch coaster, a family spin coaster that’s a new ride every time, epic coaster legends and more.
St. Pete's oldest living museum is a botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, a flock of flamingos, and a colorful array of rehomed tropical birds including macaws, cockatoos, and more.
Imagine Museum features a spectacular collection of contemporary glass art from around the world. Experience the evolution of the studio glass art movement of artists who have turned it into contemporary masterpieces of color, motion, and light.