Rachel & Justin
Things To Do
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Split between the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus and the 15-acre site in downtown Sarasota, the Selby Gardens was founded by women to celebrate, showcase and study the area’s tropical plants and archeological history. Head to the downtown site to immerse yourself in an array of orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Visitors at this multifaceted facility can see more than 100 marine species, including sea turtles, sharks and manatees while peering in on some of the world’s top research. Check out the open water Shark Zone, ogle the otters, and hop on a boat for an eco tour of the area.
Kayaking Mangrove Tunnels
Imagine gliding underneath archways of mangroves, fiddler crabs and fish just inches away from your kayak–and it’s so quiet you feel like you can hear every Florida creature. This is what it’s like to partake in one of Sarasota’s top adventures, offered in kayaks or on stand-up paddleboards in Lido Key.
Siesta Beach
Coastal expert “Dr. Beach” has named this little piece of paradise the top beach in America for several years, and for good reason: the quartz-crystal sand remains cool beneath your feet–even in the tropical heat. There are also plenty of kids’ playgrounds, nearby eateries, free parking spots, and a newly renovated Sarasota School of Architecture. Check out the spots made famous by MTV, and stick around on Sunday evenings for the entertaining drum circles.
PopStroke
Mini-golf gets an upgrade when Tiger Woods and his team design two 18-hole courses with all the high-end features of a traditional golf course: bunkers, lush fairways and synthetic turfs. Discover this brand-new venue at University Town Center.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Whether you’re into Alfa Romeos or more of a Ferrari fan, you’ll find more than 75 amazing vehicles at this shrine to the automobile. Self-guided tours are a great way to linger and peruse the one-of-a-kind classics before swinging by the gift shop to pick up miniature mementos.
Myakka River State Park
Flowing 58 square miles through one of the oldest preserved patches of Florida wilderness, the Myakka River is home to alligators, osprey, turtles and limpkins. Hop on a bike, or lace up your hiking shoes to explore this fascinating piece of the Sunshine State’s wildest side.