Welcome to the Beautiful Gulf Coast

There is an abundance of things to see and do in Sarasota and Manatee Areas. Below is just a small handful of activities for you and/or your family to enjoy. Click on the links to the right to visit their websites. --->

NATURE AND SCIENCE

  Mote Marine Science Aquarium
Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, it includes a 135,000 gallon outdoor tank for sharks and other marine species. Touch

stingrays, learn about sea turtles, see the interactive multimedia, "Shark Attack," and take Eco boat tours. Call 941.388.4441 for more information.

  Sarasota's Jungle Gardens
With acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails, this is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Showcasing exotic plants and animals from around the world, Jungle Gardens features daily bird and reptile shows and a petting zoo. Call 941.355.5305 for more information.
  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5 acre tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. See a living collection of more than 20,000 colorful plants, collected mostly in the wild, on more than 150 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests. Call 941.366.5731 for more information.
  Myakka River State Park
A 28,000 acre park with wildlife and nature tours by canoe, boat, air boat, train, or alog the treetops in a walkway that reaches as high as 74' high. For campsight reservations call 800.326.3521 for more information.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

  Asolo Theater Company
A professional theater company that performs at the Asolo and in the 500-seat Mertz Theater. Call 800.361.8388 for more

information.

  Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
A purple, seashell-shaped building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This unique performing arts hall presents Broadway musicals, national and international performers, world renowned symphony orchestras and classical, modern and ethnic dance. Some of the entertainers have included Luciano Pavarotti, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Dylan, The Boston Pops, The Chicago Symphony, Willie Nelson, and The Temptations. Call 941.953.3368 for more information.
  Player's Theater
A 70-year-old community theater featuring musical theater, concerts, and other programs. Call 941.365.2494 for more information.
  Sarasota Opera House
Over 40 years of grand performances of Strauss, Verdi, Bizet, and many others. Call 941.366.8450 for more information.
  Sarasota Public Library
The Sarasota County Library System offers equal access to information, fosters lifelong learning and inspires community engagement. Call 941.861.1180 for more information.
  G. Wiz (The Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone)
G.WIZ strives to make science relevant, technology understandable, and learning an interactive adventure for people of all ages. Call 941.365.6404 for more information.