There's more to see than just the beaches!
Because
Sarasota is so centrally located, and the Tropical Shores Resort is
only 15 minutes from Interstate 75, access to many interesting sites
is very easy. We recommend limiting your driving time to about two
hours so that you will have plenty of time to enjoy your adventures.
Everyone is
familiar with the many and varied theme parks in Orlando—from
the internationally known Disney
World, to the excitement of making movies at MGM or Universal
Studios, to gawking in wonder at the amazingly talented whales
at Sea World.
And, closer to home, Busch
Gardens in Tampa combines thrilling amusement rides with world-class
roller coasters, a wildlife safari park and beautiful gardens to enjoy
all at one venue and for one price.
However, there
is another more natural and more timeless side of Florida to be explored,
and many destinations can be visited in one day. Myakka
River State Park is a short ride directly east of the hotel. Once
you are there, exploring the forest for wildlife, climbing the canopy
to observe the many birds who make their nests there, or enjoying
a marvelous airboat ride while the well-versed guide describes the
environment and points out all the alligators that live in the Myakka
River, it’s very easy to forget that you are in the 21st century.
Further north
in Tampa is the excellent Lowry
Park Zoo—family friendly and compact enough to visit all
the sites in one day. Seeing an exotic Komodo dragon or a peaceful
Florida manatee, or a magnificent Persian leopard for the first time
will leave you with unforgettable memories of these unique animals.
Another daytrip
about two hours north is one that offers swimming with manatees in Crystal
River and/or visiting the fabulous Homosassa
Springs Wildlife Park. In summer, the manatees congregate in Crystal
River and you can rent wetsuits and equipment to swim and be up close
and personal with our gentle Florida sea cows in a very safe environment.
This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Wildlife Park
is famous and unique because all of its species are native to Florida,
except Lulu the resident rhino (but that’s another story). Walk
along the paths and observe flamingos, manatees eating endless Romaine
lettuce, American eagles, barn owls and a stunning array of colorful
birds.
Driving south
from Sarasota will also offer you ample choices of daytrips. Boca
Grande provides a change from the busy beaches of Siesta Key.
Pay your toll, and drive over the bridge onto a quiet, laid-back island
that offers beautiful, uncrowded beaches, safe biking paths, tarpon
fishing and an unhurried lifestyle.
We hope that
your Florida adventures will give you lasting memories of a wonderful
vacation and we look forward to seeing you next year. |
|
| |
Click for more information
|
|
|
