Discover Sarasota’s
Must-See Attractions..
Dive into a handpicked selection of photos capturing Sarasota’s cultural landmarks and natural splendor near our vacation rentals.
Explore Sarasota’s Premier Attractions Near Our Rentals
Uncover the vibrant cultural landmarks, botanical gardens, and family-friendly destinations that make Sarasota a top vacation spot, all just steps from our luxury rentals.
Discover Sarasota’s Premier Attractions
Uncover the must-visit sites around our luxury vacation homes, from art museums to lush gardens.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Selby Gardens sits on Sarasota Bay in downtown Sarasota, about 15 minutes from Lido Key and St. Armands. It is best known for its orchids, bromeliads and other air plants, displayed in a conservatory and along shaded bayfront paths with banyan trees and koi ponds.
Selby also runs a second campus at Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, about 30 minutes south, with native Florida landscapes and thousands of years of local history. Allow two to three hours at the downtown gardens, and go early on warm days.
The Ringling Museum of Art
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is Florida’s state art museum, a pink Italian Renaissance-style palace built by circus owner John Ringling in the 1920s. Highlights include the Rubens galleries, a courtyard of classical sculpture and James Turrell’s skyspace.
The Ringling grounds also include Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ Venetian Gothic mansion on the bay, gardens and the historic Asolo Theater. It is about 10 minutes from St. Armands and 15 to 20 minutes from Longboat Key; plan at least half a day.
Ringling Circus Museum
On the same Ringling campus, the Circus Museum tells the story of the American circus that wintered in Sarasota for decades. Kids love the parade wagons, costumes and the enormous miniature circus model, and the Tibbals Learning Center holds the circus archives. General admission covers the art museum, the Circus Museum and the grounds; check the Ringling website for Ca’ d’Zan tour options.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
A family favorite for generations, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a 10-acre tropical garden north of downtown with winding jungle paths, flamingos you can see up close, birds of prey, reptiles and daily animal shows. It is about 20 minutes from Lido Key and an easy morning outing with children.
Discover a Sarasota Gem
Visit McCurdy’s Comedy Theater while you are in town. Les and Pam bring in some big acts! This makes for a great evening activity.
Most of these attractions are 10 to 20 minutes from our Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands vacation rentals. Ask us for local tips when you book.