Sarasota

Sarasota is located in the Southwestern region of the Gulf Coast. Sarasota is bordered by the lovely Gulf of Mexico, but it is also connected to the beautiful barrier islands Longboat Key and Siesta Key. Sarasota was, and still is, the playground for the rich – prices here can easily tip the scales. Sarasota (and by further extension, Naples) is home to multimillionaires, and the entire city is elegant, safe, clean, and very pleasing to the eye.

All of these features contribute to the reason why Pridefest is hosted here every year (visit our “Pridefests” article for more information). Beyond Pridefest and the Sarasota Film Celebration, there is still much to do in Sarasota. Golf is a popular sport in this section of Florida, so Golf courses and resorts are open year round. The beaches are gorgeous (as is typical in Florida), and the water activities provide endless entertainment. You can beach-go on the mainland Florida, or head out to one of the nearby barrier islands. The Siesta Key barrier island is a popular favorite.

The Ca d’Zan is an American architectural wonder – created by John Ringling (who made his wealth from the circus), this vacation home boasts thirty one rooms, countless works of art, and a courtyard enclosed by the ocean on one side, and the 91 columns supporting this mansion on the other. Tours are given daily, and this house attracts a large number of tourists every year. Upon visiting the Venetian inspired Ca d’Zan, it is hard to fathom that this edifice of grandeur was only occupied a couple months a year! When the Ringlings passed away, they donated this estate to Florida, which is now home to Florida’s official state art museum. The works on display in here are world class and merit a visit.

Sarasota does not offer one of a kind, unique only to this region shopping. However, the St. Armands Circle is an outdoor mall that houses hundreds of fine retail and specialty shops; furthermore, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars are all to be found in this unique shopping district. However you wish to spend your vacation, Sarasota offers plenty of activities to fill your date book.

Florida Tourist Guide