Selby Botanical Gardens
Located on the bay in Sarasota, guests can see more than 20,000 plants and greenery on 9.5 acres. The gardens features exhibitions, greenhouses and special areas that showcase tropical plants, bamboo, cactus and koi and butterflies. At various times of the year, it also houses special exhibits. The gardens also offers school tours for students, lectures, information sessions about caring for plants and special classes and events throughout the year.
Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 366-5731
selby.org
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Families looking for a wild adventure may find that visiting the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is just the place. In the jungle, guests will see reptiles like crocodiles and various snakes, birds like owls, prairie dogs and flamingos, many of which have been rescued or donated to the gardens. The gardens feature tall palm trees, native Florida plants and grasses and other colorful and rare plants. The gardens also can be used for weddings, birthday parties and other special events.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 355-1112
sarasotajunglegardens.com
John & Mable Ringling Museum
On rainy days or when some are looking for a little quiet time inside, the John & Mable Ringling Museum will offer an historic getaway. Many guests can spend all day looking through hundreds of collections of paintings, sculptures and other art and antiques in the museum of art. At the circus museum, which is popular among families, guests can see circus art, costumes and memorabilia from the Ringling Bros' circus. The museum also boasts gardens, a mansion, a museum store and nearby dining.
John & Mable Ringling Museum
5401 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 359-5700
ringling.org
Sarasota Bay Explorers
For an adventurous day, Gulf Coast guests can become one with Sarasota's nature. At Sarasota Bay Explorers, guests can take a sea life encounter cruise to explore dolphins, crabs and other fish. They also can take a guided kayak tour to explore tunnels, forests and other exotic areas or participate in a nature safari, which takes guests on an eco-tour to find live shells, crabs and other sea creatures. Private tours also are available.
Sarasota Bay Explorers
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 388-4200
sarasotabayexplorers.com
