By Isabel Prontes
Sarasota is a city on Florida's southwestern coast. It is a popular tourist destination because of its blend of the arts, nature, culture and beautiful
beaches that are full of recreational activities. For those planning to visit this tranquil Florida city, there is no shortage of things to see and do.
Siesta Key
The Siesta Key area of Sarasota has two wonderful beaches, Siesta beach and Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach is excellent for picnicking and relaxing, and Siesta Beach is great for swimming and recreational activities. Some of the recreational activities to partake in at Siesta Beach include playing ball (on the beach's ball field) and enjoying a game of volleyball. Both of these beaches have fine, soft, bright white sand, which is very indicative of a Sarasota beach. You can relax and sunbathe on the beach, while reveling in nature as well.
G. WHIZ
G. WHIZ is an interactive science museum in Sarasota that is fun for children and adults alike. This hands-on museum has a mix of both permanent and temporary exhibits. "Habitat" displays Madagascar hissing cockroaches, snakes and box turtles. The ExploraZone is the home to displays such as Plasma Ball, Speaking Tubes, Simple Magnets (which allow visitors to make their own buildings and bridges) and the Gyro Spinner, which will spin you around in a circle. There is also a Wave Zone, Body Zone and Tech Zone.
The Blivas Science & Technology Center, 1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236; (941) 309-4949
Sarasota Garden Club
The Sarasota Garden Club spans over an acre of immaculately groomed grounds. It features a blend of both local and tropical plants. Some of the most notable parts of the garden are the tropical hibiscus garden, the bromeliad garden and the butterfly garden. The garden club also puts on several educational programs, promoting topics such as floral design, landscaping, ecology and horticulture. The main garden is called the "Falling Water Patio Garden." This is a serene and beautiful place to explore and stroll.
1131 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236; (941) 955-0875
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions, having opened in 1940. This massive zoological garden is full of tropical vegetation, long hiking trails, and reptile and bird shows that are put on everyday. For small children, there is a "kiddie jungle" that has tiger swings, a wooden train, slides, a tree house, a haunted tree and more. There is also a place where visitors can feed and interact with their colorful roaming American flamingos.
3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234; (941) 355-5305
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is ideal for outdoorsy individuals, as it is a haven for walking, hiking and even paddling. If you want to go canoeing or kayaking, the park has a current that is generally light to moderate. While in the water, you probably will even see a few alligators. It's also a place to go cycling or bird watching (just don't forget to bring your binoculars). If you don't have a bicycle, you can rent one from the Myakka Outpost Concession stand.
Nine miles east of I-75; 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241; (941) 361-6511
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
