There are some things that are constant and
comfortable, and some that are only found
somewhere new. Sarasota feels like home, but
with a few twists that make this city unique.
Every spring, the Sarasota Film Festival,
voted one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals
in the World by MovieMaker magazine, brings
indie movies and celebrities to town for showings,
interviews and parties.
The iconic Ringling Bridge provides the ideal
backdrop for activities on, below, and around it.
Run, bike or walk over Sarasota Bay for a stunning
view of the water and skyline. Underneath,
catch a grouper along Hart’s Landing Pier or
hang out with the kids on the playground.
Avian fans rejoice! Sarasota is a birder’s paradise.
Get a glimpse of the rare scrub jay at Oscar
Scherer State Park. A trek to Sarasota Jungle
Gardens presents a unique chance to feed flamingos,
and also to witness Frosty the cockatoo
ride his unicycle. Save Our Seabirds rehabilitates
our feathered friends. Look up to catch roseate
spoonbills, osprey, wood storks, pelicans, eagles,
sandhill crane and a whole flock more.
The Warm Mineral Springs in North Port
may or may not be the original Fountain of
Youth. Take a dip and find out for yourself.
Sarasota provides anglers the opportunity to
go fishing in numerous environments. Inshore
boats and kayaks cast out for snook and redfish
along the mangroves of the bays and creeks.
Gulf fishing provides the opportunity for grouper,
cobia, tarpon and snapper. Fresh water at
Myakka River State Park and various marshes
offer up bass and panfish amid some of Florida’s
most stunning natural backdrops.
The circus is in Sarasota’s history—it runs
through its veins. Visit the Circus Museum at
The Ringling for a new perspective on all that
goes into these events, both past and present. Be
sure to check out the Tibbals Learning Center
for a 44,000-piece miniature circus.
Between the wild mountain lions and bobcats
and the liger at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf
Coast Sanctuary, Sarasota abounds with fascinating
felines to take your breath away.
A day at St. Armands Circle manages to feel
European, tropical, laid-back, luxurious, large
and quaint simultaneously. Explore the 138 merchants
located around the Circus Ring of Fame.
Circus Museum at The Ringling
Venice Beach provides mile after mile of
beaches sprinkled with fossilized shark teeth. It
truly is the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
As Florida’s state marine mammal, manatees
hold a special place in our hearts. Visit
Mote Marine to meet Hugh and Buffet, or
head north to Parker Manatee Aquarium in
The South Florida Museum to visit the rescue
manatees before they are returned to the wild.
Sarasota County has many tiki bars waiting
with their cool drinks, soothing tunes and tropical
vibes. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, accessible
on the Sarasota Bayfront, is pet-friendly and
close to downtown Sarasota.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Between the elite rowing events at Nathan
Benderson Park, Baltimore Orioles spring
training at Ed Smith Stadium, and PGA/
LPGA-staffed golf courses, or free Sunday
games at the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood
Ranch, there is no shortage of sports to satisfy
your athletic desires.
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