Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and native wildlife. World-renowned educator and behaviorist Kay Rosaire and her son Clayton present training demonstrations with their rescued big cats in an educational forum.
Circus Sarasota
Founded in Sarasota, Florida in 1997, Circus Sarasota is committed to broadening the artistic contribution of circus, while raising the level and perception of the American Circus to that of the other fine arts. Circus Sarasota is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 performing arts educational organization.
Crowley Museum and Nature Center
The Pioneer area at CMNC consists of a museum of pioneer history, pioneer cabin, blacksmith shop, working sugar cane mill and, one of our major achievements, the restored Tatum House. The office and gift shop are also located in this area.
Florida Railroad Museum
The Museum operates weekend excursions year-round from the Train Station in Parrish, Florida. Special weekend events are scheduled throughout the year featuring themed train rides. The caboose is always available to charter for small birthday parties or charter the entire train during the week for large corporate events.
Gulf Coast Wonder and Imagination Zone (GWIZ)
Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone - began as the Gulf Coast World of Science (GCWS) in December 1990. In October 1991, the GCWS opened to the public with only 1,000 square feet and just ten hands-on exhibits. GCWS was soon granted membership in the Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) and ten months later GCWS expanded to 6,000 feet.
Historic Spanish Point
Historic Spanish Point was deeded to Gulf Coast Heritage Association, Inc. by the Palmer family in 1980. As part of its mission, GCHA identified key visions to which it is committed, foremost of which, is the preservation of Historic Spanish Point, a 30-acre environmental, archaeological, and historic site.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Orginally built for John and Mable Ringling, the Ringling Museum currently consists of an Art Museum, Ringling Mansion (or Ca d'Zan), Circus Museums, theatre, and beautifully manicured gardens. The property is located on the shores of Sarasota Bay and the views are breathtaking. Enjoy a picnic near the water or take a stroll in the rose garden at this beautiful destination in lovely Sarasota, Florida.
Marie Selby Boatanical Gardens
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida is a not-for-profit institution fostering understanding and appreciation of tropical plants, especially epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), through programs of research, conservation, education and display. Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids.
Mote Marine Labratory and Aquarium
Explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, shark, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits and over 100 other species of marine life. Viewable working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory.
Myakka River State Park
One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the oldest continuously operating attractions in the State of Florida. Open to the public in December of 1940, the “Gardens” has retained its old Florida charm and very little has changed over the past sixty-eight years. A visit to the Gardens will bring back the memories of Florida days gone by.
Siesta Key Public Beach
Siesta key is one of the foremost destinations in Sarasota County. You will find a convenient and well-stocked concession stand, volley ball nets, tennis courts, picnic area, children's park, barbeque area and miles of some of the softest and whitest quartz sand in the world. In fact, Siesta Key Beach is consistently voted one of the top 10 beaches in the United States. In fact, this year
it was #3 on the list by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman. Also known as "Dr. Beach", Dr. Leatherman is one of the foremost experts on beaches in the United States! You simply can not imagine how this sand feels between your toes - you're just going to have to try it!
Sarasota's Plentiful Beaches
Sarasota and Manatee Counties boast approximately 35 miles of shoreline between them. Casey Key, Venice Beach, up through Siesta Key, Lido Key, and south Longboat Key all have beaches within Sarasota County. Drive a few miles north and find yourself on the beaches of north Longboat Key near Whitney Beach and "Beer-Can Island". A little further north into Manatee County you will find the beaches of Anna Maria Island, such as; Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach.
South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and Parker Aquarium
South Florida Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The museum interprets the region from the Pleistocene to the present. Highlights include fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest mammals and marine species and the Montague Tallant collection of prehistoric and early post-contact archeological artifacts. Recently opened is the Environmental Wing focusing on Florida’s ecology and bio-diversity in the Pine Uplands and Riverine Galleries.
The Bishop Planetarium, featuring one of the most advanced all-digital projection systems in the world, presents astronomy programs the whole family will enjoy.
The Parker Manatee Aquarium, part of Florida’s manatee rehabilitation network, is home to the oldest known living manatee.