Sarasota-Bradenton Hotel Guide

Often called Florida's Cultural Coast, Sarasota is a sophisticated art community and beach resort ringing Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The offshore islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key offer Sarasota visitors 35 miles of fine white sand beaches.

Since the 1920s when John Ringling brought his artistic tastes to the area, residents have been ardent supporters of cultural diversity. Sarasota is home to numerous professional theaters, a professional symphony, ballet, and opera, as well as more than 30 art galleries and a film society.

The Ringling Museum of Art Complex is a source of pride for locals and a major attraction for tourists. The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, known as the state art museum of Florida, houses one of the world's largest collections of Renaissance and Old Master paintings, plus 17th century tapestries, sculpture, jewelry, and a growing collection of modern works.

The Museum of the Circus contains circus memorabilia from the "big top" and a full-scale recreation of "The Greatest Show on Earth." The complex also includes the 200-seat Asolo Theater, a playhouse for operas, plays, films, and concerts.

Marine lovers will enjoy the Mote Aquarium, where visitors can touch a stingray, check out manatees and sea turtles, visit research labs, and take an eco-tour of Sarasota waterways on a boat with a marine biologist. Mote is the U.S. center for shark research.

Families will have fun at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a 10-acre tropical paradise filled with flamingos, gators, snakes, leopards, peacocks, and exotic birds found on winding nature trails overlooking pristine lakes.

Sarasota lays claim to the state's first golf course. Golf in Florida began here in 1886 when a Scotsman who moved from Glasgow built links soon after arriving. Now there are more than 30 courses within minutes of downtown Sarasota.

Another interesting note is that the city is home to the world-renowned Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria from January through March.

With so much to do, it's comforting to know that Sarasota is a snap to get to and easy to get around. Interstate 75, running north and south, is a quick way to enter the city by car from other parts of the state. For those flying in, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is right off U.S. Highway 41. Highway 41, also called Tamiami Trail (a highway linking Tampa to Miami), runs through the city's cultural district. You can also get to the city by charter or rental boat. Some claim that traveling by boat is faster than driving congested Highway 41.

Hugging the bay, downtown Sarasota is a thriving hub of activity day and night, unlike those of many cities. Downtown is the center of the city's theater and arts district. Main Street, Fruitville Road, Ringling Boulevard and Boulevard of the Arts are some of the major avenues in this area. High-rises, boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants share space with five major theaters and numerous other art venues.

Crossing the Ringling Causeway over Sarasota Bay from downtown will bring you to the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Lido Key. Lido Key's St. Armand Circle, often compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, is a lushly landscaped upscale hot spot for nonstop shopping, gallery hopping, and dining. Longboat Key is considered the most private and upscale island in the Sarasota area. Siesta Key was named "world's finest white-sand beach" by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for its 99 percent pure quartz sand.

Lodging is plentiful in Sarasota. From airport hotels to budget motels and elegant beach resorts, you will easily be able to find a place to meet your needs.

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