Take a Day Trip to Sarasota During Your AMI Vacation

On your next trip to Anna Maria Island, there’s plenty to see and do. You can enjoy the soft sands of the beach, explore the historical sites of the island, go on a kayak tour through the water, or any number of other activities.

But while you’re in town, it’s worth making the quick 40-minute drive to Sarasota and seeing the attractions there, too!

When you’re thinking about booking one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, consider these fun attractions you’ll get to see on a day trip to Sarasota.

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of Sarasota’s most gorgeous attractions, full of stunning plants and beautiful flowers around every corner. They have a number of permanent collections as well as rotating exhibits that show off the most gorgeous native and foreign plant species. As you stroll through the Gardens, you can truly leave your worries behind and simply connect with nature. Be sure to ask one of the employees to tell you the history of the property and learn about the fascinating life of Marie Selby!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

If you have kids, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the ultimate attraction, as it labels itself “Sarasota’s favorite family attraction!” This activity is great for those interested in animals and makes an excellent destination when you want to take a break from the beach. Here, kids and adults alike will love visiting with all kinds of creatures, like alligators, turtles, snakes, birds of prey, and even flamingos that roam around the attraction! You can walk around and watch the animals or attend a show with an animal expert who can tell you all about the magnificent creatures they have at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

Plan Your Next Vacation

This list is by no means all-inclusive, and there are countless other attractions you can discover during your day in Sarasota. You may even want to come back for more adventures the next day! When you’re done exploring, you can head back to our Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool for a relaxing evening with your family.

Ca d’Zan Mansion

The Ca d’Zan Mansion is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture that used to be the home of circus mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. The home was built between 1924 and 1926 and cost $1.5 million at the time; it was fully restored by 2002 at a cost of more than $15 million! Today, visitors can roam the property and stand in awe of the 36,000 square foot house! The home is just as opulent inside as it is outside, and there’s something truly stunning waiting for you around every turn.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Speaking of the Ringling family, you also don’t want to miss a trip to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. You can find artwork from around the world; the museum houses some pieces that Mable collected over her lifetime, and other pieces on display were collected by John during his time overseas with the circus. The impact of the Ringling’s is still felt all over Sarasota to this day, so be sure to stop and learn more about them and pay tribute to their incredible legacy.

No matter how big or small your group is, A Paradise Rentals has the ideal vacation home for you! Contact us today to let our knowledgeable staff help you. find the best vacation rental for your group.