Sarasota Vacation Information

Boasting a natural beauty and a hard-to-match cultural scene, Sarasota could be considered “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Actually, it probably has been called that countless times. This coastal location situated south of Tampa Bay and bordered by a barrier island became the winter home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in the late 1920s after John Ringling and wife Mable became fascinated by the area after visiting.

While the soft sands looking out over the sparkling clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a large part of the draw of a beach vacation to Sarasota, the Ringlings started a trend. Today, it is believed that this charming community that has big-city characteristics with a small-town feel features more cultural amenities than any other U.S. city in its size class.

Today, family vacations are enriched by attractions such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a downtown theater district showcasing the visual and performing arts as well as fascinating fish and sea life at the Mote Aquarium.

Sarasota is flanked by three barrier islands just minutes from downtown, each with exceptionally wide expanses of sugar-white sand. There are certainly no shortages of pristine spots for sunbathing on a beach blanket or constructing massive sand castles. The beaches are clean, non-smoking and glass-container-free, and are consistently rated among the best beaches in the U.S.

With water being a large geographical piece of the Sarasota puzzle, there is an endless supply of water sports and activities in, on and above the water. Looking for more of a retreat rather than expedition? Well, relax with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand as you enjoy the cool breezes blowing in from the Gulf – these breezes actually help a great deal to keep the temperature rather mild, even at the height of summer.

The seamless blending of the human aesthetic with the natural is in evidence everywhere, from the tropical landscaping of its affluent residential enclaves to its grid of streets named after succulent fruits. From its beaches to its boulevards, Sarasota is a destination that will stay with you long after you return to the circus that is real world. But like the Ringlings, once bitten you are bound to return.