Since our grandchildren live out of town, we always enjoy taking them to these Sarasota places during their visit.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
The grandkids always like to visit the sea turtles and manatees.
reviewed on: February 02 2012
We took our grandchildren (ages 14, 10 and 6) to the Mote Marine Lab one sunny afternoon. They got to see two dolphin interact with the volunteer staff, the sea turtles weighed and fed, and the manatees swimming right near the glass walls. There are educational displays in the aquarium, a shark tank and a place to feed the rays. It's a working rehab and research facility rather than an entertainment attraction. We had a great time and learned a lot about the local habitat.
5118 Ocean Boulevard
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
The white sand beaches are great for a picnic at sunset.
reviewed on: August 09 2009
"Siesta Key Beach voted #1"
Siesta Key Beach, voted the #1 beach in the USA again in 2012, is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. It is a very wide beach, lots of lifeguard stations, great for walking, sandcastle building and great shelling.
On Sunday evenings before sundown there is one of the areas largest drum circles...a definite must see.
5050 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Great place to get some ice cream.
reviewed on: February 02 2012
The Village on Siesta Key is a small collection of unique beach type stores, ice cream shops, restaurants and bars. There's not a lot for kiddos to see but the nearby beaches are world class! There are a few outdoor/indoor restaurant/bars with big screen tvs showing sporting events. Bikers like to visit the area as well. It can get noisy but it's a good mix of friendly folks.
5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida
Comment:
The beaches are fabulous!
1001 Boulevard of the Arts
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
This hands on science museum has lots of interesting special events.
1565 First Street
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
With so much to see and do, you'll be busy all the time!
1602 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Get there early to get a good seat...remember to bring a picnic lunch!
5500 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
This is popular with our grandsons.
1500 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Take a relaxing stroller ride along this bayfront path to the shady playground.
reviewed on: August 09 2009
"Sarasota Bay Walk and Fountains "
This lovely paved bay walkway is tree lined and circles around the marina area and sarasota bay. There is a nice water fountain area for the kids and benches for the parents. There is also a bayfront cafe and bar with live music. At certain times of the year the Season of Sculpture has large sculptures on display. Currently a very large "Surrender" sculpture is on display. It is a reminder of the sailor kissing the nurse at the end of wwII.
3701 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Bring your camera and stroll at your leisure.
3000 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota County Fairgrounds Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
This is a fun way to spend a day outdoors!
2700 Twelfth Street
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Taking the grandsons to a spring training game here is a blast!
John Ringling Boulevard and Boulevard of Presidents
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Love to wander here with my granddaughter!
reviewed on: February 02 2012
"Shopping and restaurants"
St. Armands Circle is well known for the unique shops and restaurants. However, lots of the special, quirky shops have closed and been replaced with chain type stores. There are a few tasty ice cream shops and good restaurants for all budgets and tastes. Live music can be heard and the sidewalks are good for strollers. The streets around the circle can be busy and crossing the intersections has to be done carefully. Parking is free but sometimes challenging during the peak travel seasons and on holidays.
777 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Check the concert schedule for the latest shows.
Bayfront Drive, downtown Sarasota.
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
There are playgrounds and casual places to eat at the park.
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
The grounds of the museum are lovely especially in the early spring.
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Located at the Ringling Museum, this is a fun place to explore.
13208 State Road 72
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Just outside of Sarasota, this park has plenty of great walking trails.
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, Florida
Comment:
Located at the Ringling Museum, it's a great place to watch the birds on Sarasota Bay.