Jesse & Ngoc
Things To Do
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
A fantastic organization that is part aquarium and part rehabilitation center/laboratory. They just broke ground on a new building, so check their website to make sure if the exhibits you want to see are available.
Siesta Key Beach
Sarasota's most popular and highest rated beach. White sand that feels like baby powder. Nearby, Siesta Key Village has plenty of kitschy shops, bars & restaurants.
Bayfront Park
A cute little park on the water near downtown. Inside the park, O'Leary's is a great tiki bar to grab some cheap eats, and nearby, Marina Jack's is another choice if you're feeling slightly fancier. The famous sculpture, "Unconditional Surrender" is nearby as well.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
An art-complex featuring a classical art collection with surrounding gardens, a Circus museum, and a Venetian Gothic-inspired mansion on the water. A legacy of Circus magnate John Ringling.
Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals
Kayak through the mangroves with or without a guide. Getting on the water is the best way to experience Sarasota, and with a kayak or paddleboard, it's super-easy and affordable. This is just one of many companies that offer this service.
Sarasota Art Museum
A relatively new museum with fresh exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. There is no permanent collection, so things coming through it are always new.
St. Armands Circle
An iconic tourist shopping area with some great restaurants to choose from. Close to Lido Beach, probably the second most popular beach after Siesta Key.
Myakka River State Park
If you want to see Alligators en masse, this is the place. Observe from a safe distance or get in a canoe and paddle around in gator-infested waters. I don't know why I ever did this as a kid, it was terrifying. But it's an option?
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
Farther away than most activities, The Dali in St. Petersburg is worth it if you have the time. It's such a cool museum. It has many originals, with one standout being the GIGantic 'Hallucinogenic Toreador' in their collection.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens with rain-forest, desert, and local biomes. Has a large collection of orchids and rare plants.