Attractions & Tours

Here are five places away from the beach in Sarasota County with a little bit for the parents, a little bit for the children, and a whole lot of happy for everyone.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 

For Adults

Sarasota County offers some of Florida's best fishing thanks to the healthy estuary supporting a healthy ecosystem. Learn more about fishing in the area below .

The Florida Gulf Coast is a paradise for fish. Freshwater streams and rivers flow from Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte County into a bay protected by the barrier islands. It’s a perfect-sized estuary teeming with a diverse wildlife ecosystem of birds, fish and mammals.

Sarasota County is a growing destination for professional, amateur and recreational sports. Enjoy year-round, sunny skies, world-class facilities and a wide array of amenities. 

Famous for our sandy-white beaches, spectacular weather and a community rich in art and culture, that's not all Sarasota has to offer. If you're a traveling sports team, coach, competing athlete or event planner, our county has just about every sports venue under the sun in addition. 

There is plenty of family fun to be had in Sarasota County. Enjoy a list of 11 activities featuring wildlife, physical activities and natural entertainment.

As any parent will tell you, on a vacation with children, it's clear who's running the show. Sure, you're the adult "making the decisions," but let's be honest: if the kids aren't happy, nobody's happy. That's why it's important to have a full arsenal of kid-friendly activities at your disposal.

Looking for some family fun in the sun? You’ve come to the right place.

There are lots of family-friendly ways to explore and enjoy Sarasota County. Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or teens in your traveling party, Sarasota County offers all kinds of options for the young (and young at heart).

Here are 10 kid-approved activities to add to your vacation itinerary:

Longboat Key is the quiet neighbor to the hustle and bustle of Lido Key and St. Armand’s Circle. But don’t ignore it - there are plenty of things to be done in this beautiful strip along the Gulf.

Interested in traveling more environmentally? Explore the natural wonders of Sarasota County like a true adventurer

Mindful travelers are more privy than ever to the importance of responsible travel—looking to offset their carbon footprint while still fulfilling their wanderlust to new destinations.

The captain spotted the school of tarpon swimming parallel to the beach, 100 yards from shore.

"Wait until I give the signal to cast," he told the angler. "You may only get one chance."

The large, thick-bodied fish, often referred to as "the silver king of game fish," run south along local beaches every spring. But for some reason, the tarpon linger a little longer in the shallow waters off this barrier island.