Visit our beautiful beach while you are here! Siesta Key is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. It’s known for its sandy beaches. Siesta Beach, near the shops and cafes of Siesta Key Village, has shallow waters, a playground and tennis courts. Crescent Beach offers access to Point of Rocks, limestone outcroppings that surround tidal pools and coral reefs.

Shop at St Armands Circle before you visit the beach.

With over 100 stores, St. Armands Circle is an unforgettable destination for visitors worldwide. From trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to candlelight feasts, you’ll find it all on St. Armands Circle.

Visit the Mote Marine aquarium! Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit, marine research organization based on City Island in Sarasota, Florida.

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It's known for its broad beaches, like Manatee Beach Park. In the small resort city of Anna Maria, Pine Avenue is lined with shops, galleries and eateries. Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum features a restored 1920 cottage. Nearby, the wooden City Pier dates from 1911. In Bradenton Beach City, Bridge Street Market sells food, art and jewelry.

Kayak through our beautiful mangroves. We recommend bringing: flip flops/water shoes, sunglasses (polarized are best for viewing marine life), a hat, sunscreen, drinking water, fruit or other snacks, a Ziploc bag or dry box/bag to hold your camera or phone.

Visit the art museum, gardens, and circus museum at Ringling. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida. It was established in 1927 as the legacy of Mable Burton Ringling and John Ringling for the people of Florida.

Visit the comic and game store where Emma and Glen met!

Visit the animals at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a tourist attraction located in Sarasota, Florida, United States since 1939. The gardens contain over 10 acres of botanical plantings along with bird and animal shows.

Visit the Selby Botanical gardens. This is one of Glen's favorite spots. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre botanical garden located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. The Gardens are located on the grounds of the former home of Marie and William Selby.

Check out some dolphins and manatees on a boat tour of Siesta Key.

Visit big cat habitat to see over 300 animals. Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center is a diverse zoological park located just minutes from historic downtown Sarasota and the pristine beaches! Sitting on 20+ acres we welcome over 50k guests to visit, encounter, experience, and fall in love with over 350 animals spanning more than 60 different species.

Try out our local adventure course. Emma loves rock climbing and rope courses. You can zipline and climb high up in the trees here. There are 5 courses that increase in difficulty as you move on. Will you be a summit survivor?

Explore St Petersburg 45mins north. Emma went to college at USFSP. They recently built a gorgeous pier with restaurants built in. While you are there you can also check out Emma's rock climbing gym and miles of restaurants and shops to walk to and explore.

Catch a game at the Orioles spring stadium. Emma grew up in Baltimore. Go O's!!

Vertical ventures rock climbing gym is 45 minutes from Sarasota. Emma has been rock climbing at Vertical Ventures for 8 years. Right next to the gym, central & 1st street have miles of shops, bars, and activities to check out.

Looking for thrills? If you are renting a vehicle you can take a short trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa. It is an hour drive from Sarasota.

Everyone wants to know how far Disney World is. It is a two hour drive from Sarasota. If you aren't interested in paying for tickets to Disney you might also like Disney Springs. It is a free area with shops and themed restaurants.

Universal Studios is 2 hours from Sarasota, Florida.