Must Do Sarasota Visitor Guide Winter/Spring 2018
Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Sarasota Winter/Spring 2018 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.
Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Sarasota Winter/Spring 2018 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.
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TOURS<br />
top<br />
Experience the<br />
10<br />
MARY CAROL FITZGERALD<br />
Find Your<br />
Perfect Adventure<br />
Check It Out<br />
Explore 5,000 Years of History<br />
Tour this 30-acre waterfront archaeological,<br />
historical, and environmental museum located<br />
on Little <strong>Sarasota</strong> Bay. Explore prehistoric<br />
Indian mounds, pioneer-era buildings, colorful<br />
butterfly and historic gardens, nature trails,<br />
and unique archaeological exhibits.<br />
Historic Spanish Point<br />
337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey<br />
941.966.5214 • HistoricSpanishPoint.org<br />
Coupon<br />
A perfect way to kick-off your visit is to get a broad overview of the region and<br />
all its intriguing points of interest. From mangrove tunnels to the warm turquoise<br />
waters of the Gulf, Southwest Florida’s breathtaking landscape offers an up-close<br />
opportunity for an enchanting encounter with exotic birds and marine life including<br />
manatees and bottlenose dolphins.<br />
The bottlenose dolphin is one of the area’s most popular residents and <strong>Sarasota</strong>’s<br />
150 identifiable resident dolphins have been observed and studied for more<br />
than 40 years! <strong>Do</strong>lphins often swim and play alongside sightseeing tours and an<br />
encounter with these fun-loving and smart creatures is sure to be one of the<br />
highlights of your visit.<br />
Hop on an airboat or immerse yourself in a museum, whether you choose a<br />
private or group setting the area offers exhilarating, educational, and exciting<br />
tours for adults and kids of all ages.<br />
26 WINTER | SPRING <strong>2018</strong> <strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>.com<br />
<strong>Do</strong>lphin Watch & Sunset Tours<br />
1536 Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key<br />
941.921.3030 • SiestaKeyWatersports.com<br />
The entire family will enjoy seeing dolphins<br />
and other wildlife in their natural environment<br />
or a scenic tour to watch a memorable<br />
Gulf sunset. Each eco-tour or sunset trip<br />
is personalized to guarantee a good time.<br />
Tours depart daily from Siesta Key<br />
Watersports approximately one hour<br />
before sunset. Private custom charters<br />
are also available.<br />
Historic Venice Train Depot<br />
303 E. Venice Avenue, Venice<br />
941.412.0151 • VeniceAreaHistoricalSociety.org<br />
Learn about the Venice Train Depot from<br />
panel displays that illustrate key events<br />
in Venice’s history and the history of the<br />
Train Depot. Free docent-led tours of the<br />
Depot and surrounding campus including<br />
a restored caboose are offered year-round<br />
on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and<br />
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from<br />
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br />
Island Style Watersports<br />
Kayak & Paddleboard Tours<br />
2433 N. Tamiami Trail, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.954.1009 • IslandStyleSports.com<br />
Enjoy Florida’s wildlife and natural<br />
beauty on a guided tour through the exotic<br />
mangrove tunnels of South Lido. Native<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong>n, Laurel Kaiser’s 23 years of<br />
experience guarantees a fantastic outing.<br />
<strong>Guide</strong>s provide a customized tour catering<br />
to the interests and abilities of each group.<br />
Watch for manatee, dolphin, a variety of<br />
birds, and more. Daily sunset tours and<br />
private tours are also available.<br />
Key Culinary Tours<br />
941.893.4664 • KeyCulinaryTours.com<br />
Taste a variety of delicious cuisines from area<br />
restaurants during one of their 3-hour walking<br />
culinary tours. Entertaining guides also<br />
share insight of the area’s unique history<br />
and cultural influences. Tours are offered<br />
in St. Armands Circle, downtown <strong>Sarasota</strong>,<br />
Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. Custom<br />
tours are also available. Reservations are<br />
required. See website for tour schedule.<br />
Key Sailing<br />
Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.346.7245 • SiestaKeySailing.com<br />
Enjoy peaceful relaxation or create your<br />
own private sailing adventure aboard the<br />
comfortably appointed 41’ Key Breeze.<br />
U.S.C.G. Master Capt. Tim and his wife Jan<br />
offer affordable and personalized private or<br />
small group sightseeing, sunset, and family<br />
charters. Personalized snacks, soft drinks,<br />
and chocolates included with each charter.<br />
Also offers sailing lessons. Reservations<br />
are required.<br />
Marina Jack II Cruises<br />
2 Marina Plaza, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.365.4232 • MarinaJacks.com<br />
Relax aboard the luxurious Marina Jack II<br />
for a narrated sightseeing, lunch, or sunset<br />
dinner cruise. Full bar and every seat offers<br />
a view of the water. With a family-friendly<br />
atmosphere, it is the perfect way to see<br />
marine wildlife such as dolphins. Offers<br />
discounts for children under the age of<br />
nine. Reservations are recommended.<br />
Myakka Wildlife Tours<br />
13208 State Road 72, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.365.0100 • MyakkaWildlifeTours.com<br />
Ride one of the world’s largest airboats<br />
and enjoy a narrated, leisurely one-hour<br />
tour. Discover what makes the Myakka<br />
unique among America’s freshwater lakes.<br />
Learn the history of Myakka State Park’s<br />
Native Americans, local settlers, native<br />
habitats, plants, and wildlife including<br />
birds and alligators. Grab lunch or a<br />
souvenir at Myakka Outpost café and<br />
gift shop. Open daily.<br />
Peace River Charters<br />
4192 SW Adventure Way, Arcadia<br />
863.444.0693 • PeaceRiverCharters.com<br />
Experience the nature and beauty of Old<br />
Florida with native Floridian, U.S.C.G.<br />
Capt. Zac and his guides. Learn about<br />
the history of the Peace River and observe<br />
native wildlife such as deer, alligators, wild<br />
boar, turkey, and more on a scenic and<br />
exciting airboat, swamp buggy tour, or<br />
serene horseback trail ride. Tours are safe,<br />
enjoyable, and fun for the entire family.<br />
Reservations are required.<br />
The Ringling Cà d’Zan<br />
5401 Bay Shore Road, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.359.5700 • Ringling.org<br />
This 36,000 square-foot <strong>Sarasota</strong> Bayfront<br />
mansion was home to John and Mable<br />
Ringling. The five-story mansion features<br />
56 rooms filled with art and original<br />
furnishings, which reflects the splendor<br />
and romance of Italy. Self-guided tours<br />
are offered each day and are included<br />
with Museum admission. <strong>Guide</strong>d<br />
and group tours are also available.<br />
Located on the grounds of The Ringling.<br />
Open daily.<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong> Bay Explorers<br />
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.388.4200 • <strong>Sarasota</strong>BayExplorers.com<br />
Observe and learn about the area’s resident<br />
dolphins, manatees, native birds, and more<br />
on a guided Sea Life Encounter cruise in<br />
conjunction with Mote Marine Aquarium.<br />
Kids will love the hands-on observation of<br />
marine life. U.S. Coast Guard certified and<br />
covered boats. Restrooms, drinks, and snacks<br />
available. Reservations are recommended.<br />
MYAKKA WILDLIFE<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong>’s Largest Attraction ~ 37,000 Acre Wildlife Park!<br />
TOURS<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong>’s Largest Attraction ~ 37,000 Acre Wildlife Park!<br />
One-hour tours aboard the World’s Largest Passenger<br />
One-hour<br />
Airboat the<br />
tours<br />
Myakka<br />
aboard<br />
Maiden.<br />
the World’s<br />
Informative<br />
Largest<br />
narration<br />
Passenger<br />
on<br />
Airboat the birds, the plants, Myakka animals Maiden. and Informative gators living narration in the wild. on<br />
the birds, plants, animals and gators living in the wild.<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Schedule:<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Dec. 16 Schedule: - May 31<br />
Myakka River State Park<br />
4 Trips Daily Dec. ~ 10:00, 16 - May 11:30, 31 1:00, 2:30<br />
14 miles east of US 41<br />
4 Trips Daily ~ 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, 2:30<br />
3 Tram Trips Daily: 11:30, 1:00, 2:30<br />
on State Road 72<br />
Summer Schedule:<br />
(I-75 Exit 205 - 9 Miles East)<br />
Summer June 1 - Schedule: Dec. 15<br />
For information call:<br />
3 Trips Daily June ~ 110:00, - Dec. 11:30, 15 1:00<br />
3 Trips Daily ~ 10:00, 11:30, 1:00<br />
941-365-0100<br />
www.MyakkaWildlifeTours.com<br />
Open 7 Days a Week!<br />
JENNIFER BRINKMAN
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