Cultural Coast

A haven for arts and culture, this Gulf Coast destination is full of performing arts venues, galleries and museums and has 13 stages within a one-mile radius of its main city, Sarasota. But what you’ll be most amazed by is its depth—from the circus arts to architecture to a look into whimsical art, expect the unexpected. Of course, this being a coastal area, you’ll also find some fantastic beaches here. 

Watch big cats play or join the circus—you can do them both, and much more, in Sarasota. ©Visit Sarasota

Orlando magazine’s dedicated editorial team is taking the guesswork out of your next coastal trip! Check out these important facts:

☀ BOUNDED BY: Manatee County to the north; it meets Charlotte County to the south in Englewood. 

⚑ COUNTIES: Sarasota.

⚐ MAJOR CITIES/AREAS: Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key.

♜ HIGHLIGHTS: Circus arts, natural wonders, recreation, the beach. 

☸ HIDDEN GEMS: Celery Fields (a 400-acre wetland home to 200 species of birds and a flat site that’s conducive to walking), Big Cat Habitat (home to 350 animals of more than 60 species), Pinecraft Amish Village (pies at Yoder’s are a must). 

☺ OVERALL VIBE: Artistic, cultured and relaxed.

Siesta Key Beach ©Visit Sarasota

Sarasota

With its lively artist communities, stunning natural wonders and variety of beachfront experiences, Sarasota is both refined and relaxed. Whether you want to get dressed up for dinner or come directly from the beach, you’ll be embraced by its fun-loving crowds. 

The heritage of Sarasota’s circus arts began in 1927, when John Ringling moved the winter quarters of his Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from Connecticut to Sarasota. With it came trapeze artists, lion tamers, tightrope walkers and clowns; in 1967, the circus launched a clown college. Step right up to learn all about this and more at The Ringling, John and his wife Mabel’s former home, now a museum. The 66-acre campus has everything from a circus museum to an Asian arts center, with Mediterranean Revival architecture and plenty of outdoor spaces. 

Should you wish to experience the circus firsthand, the Circus Arts Conservatory offers a variety of classes such as aerial skills, flexibility and contortion, hula hoop and trampoline fitness. Run away and join the circus, if only for a few hours!

Just as important as Sarasota’s arts scene is its natural experiences, and a visit to the Myakka River State Park is not to be missed. Developed in the ‘30s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it contains 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands fed by the Myakka River, Florida’s first-designated wild and scenic river. Explore the diverse ecosystems on bike, take a boat tour or stroll along the canopy walkway for dramatic views from 25 feet or 74 feet above ground (on the taller tower).

Of course, a trip to Sarasota isn’t complete with a visit to Siesta Key Beach, with soft, white sand that feels like baby powder. Quartz from the Appalachian Mountains has been deposited on the coastline for centuries, physical abrasion causing it to become smooth over time. The sand is silky and cool to the touch, even in summertime. 

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