Top 5 Sarasota Day Trips: See Some Truly Great Hidden Gems in Florida

Alright, so you’re hanging out in Sarasota, that very beautiful spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast? That’s awesome! It’s pretty cool with those sunny beaches and vibrant artsy feeling, right? But maybe you’re feeling a bit…adventurous? Like you want to see some stuff close by. Stuff that is more or less totally unique and makes a killer day trip? You’re in luck! Seriously, the area surrounding Sarasota is brimming with destinations. They each offer up something completely new and unforgettable. That’s just how it is. Let’s talk some about those places that could make for an absolutely fantastic quick escape from the Sarasota hub. So, too it’s almost time to fire up that GPS!

Siesta Key: Basically the Ideal Beach Getaway

Now, who hasn’t heard of Siesta Key? Possibly the top of most people’s Sarasota bucket list, and arguably it’s worth all the hype, you know? The quartz-crystal sand there? A little bit ridiculously soft. Almost like walking on actual powder. It stays remarkably cool too it’s almost under the blazing Florida sun, as I was saying! Perfect for parking yourself for a sunbathing marathon or, maybe, even just strolling along the coastline collecting seashells that seem very pretty. If chilling is more your style. Seriously, this beach has plenty to do. Swim around a little, build some awesome sandcastles, or maybe get your toes wet while hunting for some sand dollars. Oh, and those sunsets? Very gorgeous. Seriously epic backdrops for all your photos! Just trust me on this one.

Plus, Siesta Key Village, just a short stroll from the beach, has this very quaint and cheerful vibe. That means restaurants. Lots of restaurants where you can load up on yummy seafood and refreshing drinks after spending time swimming around. Little shops with unique treasures can be found all around. Stuff you probably wouldn’t find just anywhere, or very neat beach supplies, is actually pretty accessible to you as a visitor too. Keep it in mind: Weekends tend to get super busy, or even maybe a bit overcrowded, especially in season, as I was saying. Getting there early ensures you snag a prime parking spot or, possibly, at least a good place to sit your cooler down somewhere that is easily visible too. This trip needs a tiny bit of planning, but it will arguably be totally worth it when the day is over! Just so you are aware. Read our full review: Siesta Key Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Siesta Key)

Anna Maria Island: That Relaxed Old Florida Vibe

If you’re thinking that Siesta Key sounds like too much happening and your speed is a bit calmer, don’t freak out! Maybe Anna Maria Island is that relaxed paradise you actually need. So, too it’s almost about an hour north of Sarasota and seems slightly hidden away from a lot of other, slightly bigger touristy things. What makes it distinct? Actually, a little bit of an Old Florida character! Which is really rare these days, or is it something completely new to you? Think: Less high-rise hotels that can sort of blot out the sky and almost no loud flashy neon. This is really one of the big selling points, especially when that old school Florida vacation comes to mind.

Basically, grab the free trolley that cruises along the whole island. See the pristine beaches that just kind of seem perfect, especially for sunset. Stop to shop at little local boutiques. See if there is an irresistible looking café for brunch. Anna Maria Island offers just a bit slower and mellower feeling when compared with a number of those other spots on Florida’s coast. Also, you need to stroll along the City Pier and Rod and Reel Pier to get spectacular views of Tampa Bay or maybe to catch a glimpse of local fishers trying to land something tasty. It’s almost picture perfect. This one day venture actually helps one refresh, recharge, and sort of sample that timeless seaside living from the older days, but the experience can truly be transformative.

Don’t even start about leaving without having had an unforgettable meal near the water. If you are like your trying the grouper sandwich (almost an AMI signature!), some crispy fries and maybe an ice-cold sweet tea while the sun says goodbye too. Perfection, in a little glass. Read our full review: Anna Maria Island Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Anna Maria Island)

Myakka River State Park: Nature That’s as Untouched as it Seems

Time to trade out the sandy feet and start looking into nature, as a matter of fact! Myakka River State Park is like…only a short trip southeast from Sarasota. One of the most impressively amazing state parks anywhere, or a natural world far, far away? A great day of walking around, possibly getting lost for some time or simply becoming fully engaged. Nature and outdoor adventures for people that enjoy just that? Very nice!

You can ride the wild on an airboat tour across Upper Myakka Lake. Then, be on the lookout to see some awesome views of the park that feel completely immersive and cool. Too, this park has an incredibly dense wildlife presence with regular gator sightings to so, too it’s almost flocks of very colorful birds, or everything a wildlife lover could ever sort of dream. Take some picturesque walking or biking around on trails such as the Bird Boardwalk and maybe even the Deep Hole Trail too it’s almost where one could experience these spectacular views by walking around on dry land too. Take along binoculars, lots of water to stay hydrated, as well as perhaps a good camera with plenty of free space to truly experience what’s what too.

Oh, maybe make sure your phone stays charged so you could use your Maps tool, because the wilderness is genuinely so very wild, okay? Enjoy experiencing this park with a small group of adventurers so, too it’s almost someone knows when you could get lost. Also it could definitely add more pleasure than if one trekked on foot solo on this state treasure! Remember, leave the areas exactly as they’re by picking up literally every snack wrapper one brings for this trip, yet be happy because experiences could stick around far more than whatever snacks that one can easily replace, okay? Read our full review: Myakka River State Park Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Myakka River State Park)

St. Armands Circle: Really Great Shopping and Eating Destination

So, if you enjoy walking, great boutiques and very awesome eating places for when you’re ready, oh my gosh, then St. Armands Circle might be your brand. Not like an area out of nature itself or necessarily completely filled with beach-sand adventures too, it’s still kind of close and you’re capable of being down by the seaside. A place to wander around or spend that hard earned bread? In some respects, yeah!

That fancy location gives you amazing retailers which carry so many exclusive objects for souvenirs or stuff for yourself that makes sure one’s friends might ask “Where did you find that?!”, by the way! Plus, so many tasty outdoor bars or amazing foods that I can barely wrap my head around without having some right now. Whether wanting to taste a thing that’s just got to make all those taste-buds happy, or one only seeks caffeine so you get more of one’s daily energy requirements, oh my gosh there’s a location that one could test out too, really! Take lots and be a tiny bit safe!

Seriously, don’t miss the statues dotted round the roundabout of St. Armands Circle for an arty feel, or see so many cars simply cruise by! This really does tend to add that additional part to experience as the very interesting circle always presents moments too. Even, so too it’s almost go there as so many holidays start since people really like so many things in a neat area or are close by the Gulf sands and that location is genuinely very great to easily walk too if one might enjoy that type of exercise before maybe lots and lots of appetizers that seem delicious.

Try doing some walking while maybe window or real shopping. Find an incredibly cool cafe as well as have amazing cuisine when one has walked all that walking that requires great quantities of gas or at the minimum, food! Make one day and simply enjoy every last minute for one, okay? So too it’s almost, also bring lots and enjoy taking images also. Maybe it should become your next desktop computer’s screensaver once at the office, if someone actually enjoys doing those types of tasks any longer! Read our full review: St. Armands Circle Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (St. Armands Circle)

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A Place for Flower Enthusiasts

Have plants? Yes! So, Selby Botanical Gardens can almost act a fantastic thing while needing somewhere which features such a lush or vibrant location while that part of central Sarasota, almost! That garden really does tends not to just to show that natural beauty for Sarasota also one must not dismiss and simply disregard because that shows or really enhances any special occasion. Also perhaps it gives such serenity that some people would look to! Arguably worth going while traveling here while searching and craving so much relaxing while maybe exploring something great, too!

Get near that Conservatory while viewing so many outstanding tropical flower shows and plant types which makes a very remarkable world also! Explore through that mangrove walkways or search for some youngsters for that kids area! Or even if those wants something to discover but a spot where all those plants are near, try heading at some Spanish moss kind which gives something truly beautiful too. Even one enjoys that shoreline you could view some nice location while simply searching across from that bay! I’d almost want so strongly to be enjoying so much things while visiting those gardens just now. One simply tends see it now. Or also what some of its great parts! Great parts? Yes, right!

Almost make some thing from planning out some thing great for experiencing while experiencing each section these plants provide you by! Dress nice to enjoy taking those artistic images. As I was saying, go after doing your trip since this great spot brings peacefulness as well as happiness by! Really give those eyes or all those sensory organs so much new amazing information that this area brings so you too! Or enjoy some relaxing! Really awesome relaxing for sure!. If ever!

Read our full review: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Marie Selby Botanical Gardens)

Read our full review: Top Sarasota Day Trips Full Review and Details