3 Days in Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
Sarasota
Sarasota is on the south western coast of Florida & east of Gulf of Mexico. It's an hour drive south of Tampa. The city features one of the best sand beaches in the world, world's largest circus model (my favourite), water sports activities and unique wildlife & dinning experiences.
So, let's cut to the chase and find out what you can do if you have got 3 days to spend in Sarasota, Florida.
DAY 1:MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS & THE RINGLING
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
Located in the heart of Sarasota, these gardens offer a peaceful & relaxed atmosphere. If you appreciate nature and art of gardening, you will enjoy your time here. Although, these gardens are not the biggest and best of the gardens like Butchart Gardens (Victoria) for example, they are unique in their own way.
You are likely to see a few lizards here and there and birds. If you get lucky, you might see a garden snake as well.
THE RINGLING
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The Ringling is just a 10 minute drive north of the Marie Selby gardens. There are 4 main attractions on this estate, which are as follows in order of appearance:
Tibbals Learning Centre
Original Circus Museum
Ca’ d’Zan (Separate ticket required)
Museum of Art
A bit of a history. John Ringling was one of the five brothers who owned and operated one of the biggest circus shows in the world 100 years ago. He got rich and settled here at the Ringling estate.
The estate is quite big, so when you are at the Ringling and if you don't have time to visit all the buildings, Tibbals Learning Centre should be at the top of your list. This building features the world's largest miniature circus called Howard Bros. Circus, modelled after the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It was built by Howard Tibbals over the period of 50 years.
Circus shows used to be the biggest form of entertainment 100 years ago, because there were no televisions, movies or other forms of entertainments that we have today. Schools and factories would close to allow everyone time to enjoy these shows. It required movement of hundreds of performers, builders, animals, tents, food supplies on a massive scale. This logistical complexity and the whole atmosphere around it, is shown with great accuracy and attention to detail in the circus model displayed here. It is breathtaking. You will be wowed when you actually get to see this and you will feel like being part of the circus show.
At the Tibbals Learning Centre, you will also experience elaborate and colourful displays of different costumes and characters.
A short walk from the Tibbals Learning Centre will take you to the Original Circus Museum. Ringling memorabilia was used to open the Circus Museum. The museum showcases the original objects that were used during different circus acts. For example, the Cannon used for Human Cannon Ball act.
You will also see John and his wife Mable Ringling's private 79 feet long railroad car, which they used during their travels around the country. Below you see one of the section of the railroad car, which was made into a bedroom, used by Mable. The bedroom has the berth, folding washstand, concealed toilet, fan and mirror.
Another attraction at the Ringling estate is the Ca’ d’Zan. This is a gothic style venetian mansion, which was dreamt by John's wife Mable. Entry to this mansion requires a separate ticket.
DAY 2: MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK, LIDO KEY BEACH & ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK
For wildlife explorers, this park is a must see. It is 25-30 minutes drive south east of Sarasota downtown.
Here you will see lots of alligators, that's for sure. The park offers 1-2 hrs long boat tours on one of the world's two largest airboats. It is informative and gives you chance to see the alligators from up close. Bring your binoculars if you have one.
You can also expect to see bobcat, deer, turtle, snake, otter, turkey and other wild birds.
Other than the wildlife, the park features a unique canopy walkway and the 76 feet tower, which offers a unique perspective of the forest atop the tower.
LIDO KEY BEACH
10 minutes drive west of Sarasota downtown, will take you to lido key beach. Sit, relax and enjoy the views of Gulf of Mexico in the company of Black Skimmer and few other birds.
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE
St. Armands Circle is just a 15 minute walk from Lido beach. It features a large roundabout (hence circle in the name), . The area around the circle is divided into 4 quadrants. In each quadrant you will find variety of restaurants, coffee, ice-cream and clothing stores. Enjoy the hustle-bustle and window shopping. Finish the day at a restaurant of your choice.
DAY 3: PARASAILING & SIESTA KEY BEACH
PARASAILING
Sarasota offers many opportunities of fun water sports activities. Parasailing is one of them. It's not scary, trust me and you should do it. You not only enjoy the thrilling activity, but also get to see the area from a different perspective. You will need 2-3 hours for this activity.
The waters appear clear from the top and don't be surprised if you see fishes, turtles or other wildlife from above.
A view from 1200 ft, when the line was all the way out.
SIESTA KEY BEACH
20 minute drive south of Sarasota downtown will take you to Siesta beach. This beach is regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. The sand is very fine and white. It's fun to walk on the beach during summer. The sand acts as a natural air-conditioner and you can't help but sink your feet and enjoy the coolth. I would say it was like coolth of your feet, juxtaposed against the warmth of the sun.
Natural air-conditioning for the feet
I hope you enjoyed reading. Thank you.