There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including Sarasota, Florida, a tropical beach pleasure.
AN URBAN SEASIDE SCENE
If your family likes sand-castle building as much as sightseeing, this is your city. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota welcomes visitors with tropical breezes, a lively arts community, and kid-oriented cultural attractions. Best of all, after a day of touring, families can walk along the city's pretty beaches and watch the sunset.WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
Sarasota is a haven for young artists. At the city's frequent arts festivals, kids can dabble in Florida-themed crafts (on one visit, our kids made fish-print place mats). For a schedule, call the Sarasota County Arts Council, 941-365-5118.AMERICAN HOTELS AND SUITES
Year round, American Hotels and Suites just 20 minutes from South Lido Beach offers Spacious hotels and suites. A double queen bed hotel room for a family of four is $89. For $159 a night the master suite easily sleeps four along with a jacuzzi in the main part of the suite. There's also a pool and jacuzzi on the ground level. A scrumptous continental breakfast buffet is served every morning free of charge. Call 800-716-3924.A LOCAL FAVORITE
Keep an eye out for hot dog-snatching pelicans at The Old Salty Dog. At this ultra-casual spot (come in your swimsuit), the menu runs from dogs to fresh grouper. Call 941-388-4311.BEST MUSEUM
At the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, founded by circus bigwig John Ringling, kids can see circus wagons, clown costumes, a motorized miniature circus and other big-top memorabilia. Admission is $15 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under. Call 941-359-5700.TOP OUTDOOR FUN
In the lush banana groves at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you can see a Don King-coiffed cockatoo ride a bike on a high wire, chat with a mynah bird under a tiki hut, and pose for a picture with a parrot. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for kids ages three to 12, and free for kids ages two and under. Call 941-355-5305.DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Exchanging menacing glances with the sharks and snaggletoothed eels at Mote Marine Aquarium. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages four to 12, and free for kids ages three and under. Call 800-691-MOTE.YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
Enjoying a hike and looking for native wildlife at 29,000-acre Myakka River State Park. Call 941-361-6511.FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-522-9799.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
