subject: Visit Sarasota Florida: Paradise On The Gulf Coast [print this page] Located on the west coast of the Florida, the city of Sarasota is a popular vacation and retirement destination among beach lovers as well as those who enjoy all of the amenities that a large city has to offer. From world-class shopping opportunities, to botanical gardens, museums and galleries, there is something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Sarasota, Florida.
Situated to the north of Fort Myers and to the south of the Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota consists of several barrier islands located between the Gulf of Mexico and the bay. The numerous islands located around the city of Sarasota, including Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Lido Key, are known throughout the world for the quality of their white sand beaches. Thanks to all of the beautiful beaches located within and around the city of Sarasota, visitors have ample opportunity to engage in a variety of water sports. Popular water activities enjoyed by Sarasota visitors include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, boating, waterskiing, fishing, and parasailing. Snorkeling is also a popular activity, particularly at Siesta Key, which is thought to have the best snorkeling opportunities on Florida's west coast.
The outdoor activities don't end at the beach, however, as there are plenty of other activities for Sarasota visitors to enjoy. For those who enjoy golfing, there are literally dozens of golf courses available throughout the Sarasota area. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the United States, is home to lovely gardens as well as exotic reptiles, birds and mammals, including a rare black jaguar. The "Kiddie Jungle" petting zoo within the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a family favorite, as is the opportunity to hand feed the free roaming flamingos found on the Garden grounds.
Sarasota is home to numerous attractions that visitors enjoy visiting, including the internationally recognized Ringling Museum of Art. The museum isn't the only cultural attraction left behind by John Ringling, however, as he also left behind a beautiful venetian style bayfront home as well as hotel after moving to Sarasota in 1910. Shoppers, on the other hand, will enjoy browsing through the more than 100 up-scale specialty stores and boutiques found in St. Armand's Circle, which was also founded by John Ringling.
The Ringling Museum of Art isn't the only museum that Sarasota has to offer. In fact, the city is well known for its numerous museums and other cultural opportunities. While the Ringling Museum of Art houses numerous examples of paintings from the baroque period, the Ringling Museum of Circus is home to the smallest big top circus display in the world. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, which includes John Lennon's Mercedes Roadster within its collection, is also located in this beautiful Florida city. In all, Sarasota boasts 30 art galleries as well as more than a dozen theaters to select from.
Once night falls, there are still several entertainment opportunities available in the city of Sarasota. The Gator Club, which is a two-story bar located in the downtown area, is a popular nightspot. Here, visitors can take in live entertainment, usually in the form of jazz or blues.
There are numerous real estate options for those exploring a permanent move, investment or vacation property. From a beach-front condo to a home in a golfing community, there are options to suit almost every lifestyle and price range.
Simply put, there is no end to the beauty and fun available in the city of Sarasota. Whether you are searching for a place to invest in real estate and retire, a nature lover or you are looking for opportunities to enjoy a variety of cultural attractions topped off by an eclectic nightlife, Sarasota is the place for you!
