Florida Living: Things to Do In Sarasota
Sarasota Florida is located on the Gulf Coast just about an hour south of Tampa. Considering the variety of things to do in Sarasota Florida there's no wonder why this spot has become so popular with young families, second home owners, and snow-birds alike. Sarasota provides everything from shopping, to fantastic restaurants, to exceptional golf, not to mention, the most gorgeous beaches in the United States.
Sarasota, although a mid-sized city, is known as the cultural center of West Florida. Having been the winter headquarters for the "Greatest Show on Earth" for several years, Sarasota has never lost that "circus town" feel. Even today, the effect of John Ringling can be seen and felt throughout the town. In fact, Sarasota is even home to the Ringling School of Art & Design. The city also has a metropolitan flavor unique to cities of its size and to cities in Florida. In downtown Sarasota you can go to the Friday night gallery walks, catch the music every month at "Downtown After Five" or spend a Saturday morning at the Sarasota Farmers Market .
However, it is the location on the Gulf of Mexico that truly gives Sarasota it's charm. There are 6 barrier islands and over 35 miles of beaches within the county. The pure white crystal sand beaches of the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key appeals to vacationers from all over the world. At Siesta Key,you can snorkel for sea sponges on Crescent Beach, or journey just a little farther south and sort through gentle surf to collect shark teeth on Venice Beach.
Sarasota is also ideal for boating fanatics. Sarasota Bay is a 56-mile long coastal lagoon comprised of one large bay segment (Big Sarasota Bay) and many smaller bays including Palma Sola Bay in the north and a series of three contiguous bays to the south. Sarasota Bay is perfect for fishing, water skiing, or just relaxing on your boat in the beautiful sunny Sarasota weather.
As you can see there are several things to do in Sarasota Florida. Whether you are searching for a place to sit back and relax or a place to go out for a little excitement, Sarasota Florida really has everything you need.
Sarasota, although a mid-sized city, is known as the cultural center of West Florida. Having been the winter headquarters for the "Greatest Show on Earth" for several years, Sarasota has never lost that "circus town" feel. Even today, the effect of John Ringling can be seen and felt throughout the town. In fact, Sarasota is even home to the Ringling School of Art & Design. The city also has a metropolitan flavor unique to cities of its size and to cities in Florida. In downtown Sarasota you can go to the Friday night gallery walks, catch the music every month at "Downtown After Five" or spend a Saturday morning at the Sarasota Farmers Market .
However, it is the location on the Gulf of Mexico that truly gives Sarasota it's charm. There are 6 barrier islands and over 35 miles of beaches within the county. The pure white crystal sand beaches of the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Longboat Key appeals to vacationers from all over the world. At Siesta Key,you can snorkel for sea sponges on Crescent Beach, or journey just a little farther south and sort through gentle surf to collect shark teeth on Venice Beach.
Sarasota is also ideal for boating fanatics. Sarasota Bay is a 56-mile long coastal lagoon comprised of one large bay segment (Big Sarasota Bay) and many smaller bays including Palma Sola Bay in the north and a series of three contiguous bays to the south. Sarasota Bay is perfect for fishing, water skiing, or just relaxing on your boat in the beautiful sunny Sarasota weather.
As you can see there are several things to do in Sarasota Florida. Whether you are searching for a place to sit back and relax or a place to go out for a little excitement, Sarasota Florida really has everything you need.