March

Take a trip through time with Visit Sarasota County as your guide: Explore the area’s  pre-recorded history and learn about sites of interest, meet the men and women who transformed a rugged fishing village into a world-class leisure destination, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Sarasota, Florida.

Prehistoric Sarasota

Trying to find a place in Sarasota that works for both your kids and your appetite? Check out these adult- and kid-friendly restaurants that will make vacation dining fun and easy. 

Going out to eat with little ones does not necessarily need to be all hot dogs, chicken fingers and French fries. Sarasota boasts plenty of dining establishments with the best of both worlds—offering something wonderful for both parents and children.

Take a walking tour of Gillespie Park and the Rosemary District that highlights architecture and history of the area.

This walking tour spans approximately 3 miles from start to finish through the historic neighborhood of Gillespie Park and the Rosemary District, located to the immediate north of downtown Sarasota.

Whether novice or expert, there are numerous paddle boarding opportunities in Sarasota County. This leisure activity is a great way to exercise and see Sarasota County’s beautiful coast.

Whether standing up, lying down or kneeling on a board, finding one’s groove in the sport of coastal paddle boarding is an individualistic experience. Lovers of this form of leisure appreciate fresh air, saltwater and wildlife.

Sarasota County is a beautiful place, ripe with things to enjoy such as arts and culture, fine restaurants and romantic beaches. With a mix of residents from all over the country and the world, Sarasota County is a open and diverse atmosphere. It is an excellent place for the LGBT traveler to experience the beauty of an arts destination, chill vibe of community boasting some of the best beaches in the world, and much more. 

From the scientist to the artist, the comedian to the adventurer, Sarasota has something for kids of all ages and interests.

In every city, there are those tucked-away tidbits of awesomeness that the locals know to do. Perhaps not the most obvious or Trip Advisor-advertised, but the places and activities the people who live there learn about as the years pass. For those who don’t have years to spend learning them, here you go - 20 great local Mom-approved hidden gems for kids in Sarasota.

Location

On Florida's west coast between Tampa to the north and Ft.

In between the cities of Sarasota and Venice is a collection of communities worthy of stopping for a visit. Dine, stay, and relax at Osprey, Nokomis and the exclusive Casey Key.

A drive down U.S. 41 yields a bevy of eateries and retail options throughout the cities of Osprey and Nokomis. And the exclusive Casey Key has extravagant celebrity homes and privates stretches of shoreline. After the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, a beach walk and a drum circle are the perfect preludes to curling up in oceanside hotel suites.

Sarasota's vibrant circus history springs to life at The Ringling, the official State Art Museum of Florida. 

The Ringling is not only home to the decadent and historic art collection of Ringling Circus founder John Ringling and his wife, Mable, but also a touchstone for delving deep into the captivating world of the circus.