Sarasota County is a beautiful subtropical destination and cultural hot spot located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, 50 miles south of Tampa. Visitors can explore Sarasota’s 35 miles of white-sand beaches, one of Florida’s oldest and largest State Parks; Myakka River and a dynamic mix of theatre, dance and art events in downtown Sarasota.

Sarasota has a lovely year round climate with on average 249 days of sunshine and highs of 33°C in the summer. Perfect weather for taking a trip to Siesta Key; awarded the ‘best beach in the US’ in 2011 by beach expert Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr Beach).

As well as boasting stunning beaches and outdoor activities, Sarasota has been labelled as the ‘Cultural Coast’ of Florida. There is the Sarasota Opera, two symphonies, the Sarasota Ballet and architecture tours.

The perfect location for lovers of both art and culture is The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; the centre stone of Sarasota’s art scene and circus heritage. John and Mable Ringling brought the circus to Sarasota in 1927 and created a legacy that continues to this day. The estate houses their personal collection of Baroque masters, such as Reubens, the Ca d’Zan 1920’s Venetian Gothic mansion and the Circus Museum.

Top 10 Must Do’s

1. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the centre stone of Sarasota’s art scene and circus heritage. The estate comprises of an impressive art collection, the Ca d’Zan 1920’s Venetian Gothic mansion and the Circus Museum.

2. Farmers Market Sarasota on Main Street and Lemon Avenue is a must see to take in Sarasota’s local produce, plants, prepared food and artisans.

3. Architecture tours are available to explore the minimalist and modern architecture in Sarasota, such as the Sarasota School of Architecture designed from 1940 to 1970.

4. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Take a stroll in the beautiful gardens and see native Florida plants.

5. Sarasota Opera welcomes visitors in ornate 1920’s surroundings with superb acoustics. Well known for its productions of both familiar and lesser known works it is the ideal for opera aficionados or first timers.

6. The Gulf Coast’s professional ballet company thrives under the direction of Iain Webb and each season features classics and debuts modern works.

7. Siesta Key Beach was awarded the ‘best beach in the US’ in 2011 by beach expert Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr Beach). Siesta Key is famous for its icing-sugar white sand made of 99% quartz, perfect for forming sculptures and creating masterpieces.

8. Airboat Tour in Myakka State Park: To get a true feel for Florida away from the beaches head inland to Myakka State Park and get up close and personal with Florida’s alligators during an Airboat Tour on Upper Myakka Lake.

9. Kayak through the mangrove tunnels of Lido Key and spot dolphins, manatees and other native Florida wildlife.

10. Mote Aquarium: At Mote, visitors can explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life.