Sarasota Florida Vacation Guide

What to know before you to go plan a great trip to the west coast of the Sunshine State.

Where to stay:

The Embassy Suites Sarasota is a perfect nest. We booked a suite that had a nice separation between the pull out sofa bed with its own TV and a master with a door in between. Great location, you can park your own car so you can have easy access to any items left there. Great pool with incredible views. Breakfast is included, and it’s a proper breakfast with an omelette station and good kid options. Room service is available with good options for you and the kids. Rooms do offer refrigerators and they have pack and play/cribs to loan(call ahead to guarantee one). Walking distance to perhaps the most beautiful playground we have ever seen.

Where to play:

You could spend weeks in beautiful Sarasota and not have a dull day. These are our must visits.

The new Bay Park Conservancy is a stunning family friendly public park. You can splash in the waterfront, enjoy the beautiful Ibis playground (please more public spaces take note!) enjoy walking, take in a show at the amphitheater, enjoy a picnic, take a paddle or kayak trip.

Tour the 66-acre estate of John and Mable Ringling – yes that Ringling. The circus was a HUGE deal and so were they. The estate features beautifully maintained grounds that includes the Circus Museum (Kids will LOVE it), Ca’ d’Zan their beautiful and historic home, a fantastic garden with playground, and a most impressive art collection.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an absolute Old Florida most see. Over 10 acres with 200+ local and exotic amimals species calling it home. Don’t miss your change to feed the flamingos!

A Kayak Tour is perfect for a warm day.. The mangroves off Lido Key are one of the most popular kayaking spots in Sarasota for both locals and visitors. It’s no wonder why. . Paddling your kayak through the mangrove tunnels will make you feel like you’re in a scene from a movie.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens just underwent a major facelift. Your kids will delight in the playground and beautiful spaces to explore and run. Their new restaurant offers garden to table options for everyone and is net positive energy. Pretty amazing! Don’t miss the gift shop, we fond all kinds of gifts and. learning toys.

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is rally incredible. Aside from the amazing conservation work they do, it is an engaging experience where kids (and adults) can pet rays, touch starfish, watch otters play and jellyfish glow.