Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Next up, let me introduce the vast Ringling Museum: an Italian fantasy ground and world class museum founded by another of the regions wealthy philanthropists. LOCATION Main Street DATES 9-10 February 2019, A visitor admiring artwork at the Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts (Photo: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts), Step back into the past on a Historic Trolley Tour. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. Hosted by the Historical Society of Sarasota County, guests will board a traditional tram (known in the US as a 'trolley') before embarking on a fascinating tour of downtown Sarasota. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! The 1950s. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai, Hawaii (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Destin, Florida (2023 Guide). Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. Tampa. If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. by Paul Joseph|Published December 17, 2018, A Comparison of Bus Services from Dallas to Houston, 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Indianapolis and Indiana this Spring, 7 of the Best Patagonia Down Jackets for Women. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? Then get packing! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. The thrill and excitement of horse racing is unlike anything you've probably seen before, and this local tradition is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. These cookies will be stored in your browser. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. Guests toast the occasion during a Sarasota food tour (Photo: Key Culinary Tours), Watch an armada of boats at the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. Not the 1850s. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. It has no less than 36,000 square feet of concrete and brick, terracotta, stucco, and glazed tiles inspired by the Gothic style of the Venetian palazzos the circus king and queen admired during the years they spent in Europe. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! 1. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. The organization rehabilitates and releases thousands of injured birds each year. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. The Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. This article explores the best things to do in Sarasota during your trip so you dont miss out on top attractions that draw in millions of visitors to this tropical oasis each year! Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Robin Hood Rentals 12. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. The museum covers the history of life in the region with prehistoric fossils from the very earliest land creatures to the native Paleo-Indian cultures. Escape rooms. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! Want to hear something crazy? Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a more than 10-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Paulleon / Shutterstock The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is situated on City Island, in a little spot called Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Florida. Considered one of the best bike trails in the Sarasota trail system, bikers head to Legacy Trail to take its paved route over land and bridges while reveling in the scenery. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. No matter if you are a car aficionado or not, you must stop at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and admire these masterpieces of engineering Stroll around shiny classic cars and eye up those cars youve only seen in movies. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. From The Ringling to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 52 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. 1. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. The city has some great clubs and caters to all tastes of music and dancing. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to five small theatres spread across downtown Sarasota to promote a one-of-a-kind, professional experience. 3. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. From its historical museums, sprawling parks, exceptional art galleries, scenic beaches, and appealing tropical weather, a trip to Sarasota can cater to all types of likes and interests. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. As you climb the stairs to the second floor of this historical building, be prepared to be hit by the intimacy of their bedrooms and the servants quarters. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. The centers living museum offers a chance for visitors to learn through educational displays with live birds that were previously patients deemed unfit to return to the wild. For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Vegetarian and vegan food are at their best in Lila, which specializes in noodle bowls, while Made is famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich filled with bacon, spicy sauce, and cheese. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Enjoy, have a great time and if you bump into me on the street at one of our great Sarasota events, please stop and say hello. Or a cold-blooded snake? Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. Expect to see over 100 years of motoring history represented by the likes of Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Ferrari and Edsel to name a few. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? 1. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! Its far better than the one you get at the store. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). When: Every Wednesday 6-9pm Where: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch UTC Night Market The UTC Night Market offers live music, food trucks, local food vendors, outdoor drinking, outdoor dancing, kids games, cornhole, building blocks for kids, handmade goods, jewelry, local art and more. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. Payne Park 9. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. Spend a day strolling through art galleries and museums, hunting for shark teeth, picking up local goods at the farmer's market or perfecting your golf game. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. As the curtain lifts and Bizet or Puccini begins, you will think only What a great place to spend the night! The acoustics are phenomenal. With a stay at this mid-range hotel, guests are given appealing accommodations, including complimentary continental breakfast, access to the palm-tree-lined outdoor pool, and free WiFi. You can see small mountains of shells as you are just starting to explore the park, which were thrown aside by the Manasota people right after consuming them. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Sarasota is all about show business, and at any moment of the year, you will find a show or a performance to attend in the city. FLORIDA SARASOTA. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Sarasota - Manatee. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. A sanctuary to big cats and other exotic animal species, the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary is dedicated to the animals that call it home. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. Here, visitors will find around 100 rare and vintage cars of every type, some of which were once under the ownership of distinguished figures from the worlds of sport, culture and entertainment. Award-winning Duvals Fresh Local Seafood serves only the best of local fish and ingredients, it is one of the fancier seafood eateries in town and its popularity means that you should book to avoid disappointment. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. It is held only on Saturday mornings from 8 to 13 and tends to get crowded, so be there early if you want to take your time strolling around the stands. 1. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. By the way, you should really taste the honey. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Contents 1. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. All you can see from here used to be their land. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida 1) Taste Some Amish Delicacies In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. Or fox yoga. The most popular viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park and City Island. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Head to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island if youre after a day of picnicking and grilling or try Cortez Beach for a more underdeveloped feel and tall trees lining up the long stretch of sand. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. in Sarasota. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. The sand is still white, the water clear. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! It does not store any personal data. I love this city and you loved this article about it. 28. One of the things to do in Sarasota that you cannot miss is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. A 600-acre community park, Nathan Benderson Park is renowned for its world-class rowing and recreational facility along with its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course. As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! The Asian art collection focuses on sculptures and ceramics before leading to a Japanese tea house (chashitsu)and the 66 acres of gardens that overlook Sarasota Bay. Opened only recently in 2014, The Mall has luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and Macys among a host of other popular brands. Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. The Ringling. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, map Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for kids We've always loved checking out botanical gardens and even more now that I'm obsessed with plants. 2. The centre for most of them is the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a huge building overseeing Sarasota Bay and illuminating the area at night. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. 1. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. Then, catch a show at the Asolo Repertory Theater, founded by some of the 20th-century theaters most influential people, Robert Whitehead and George Wood. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride or a leisurely sail around the local beauty spots and beaches. 6. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. All rights reserved. And thats not just folklore. LOCATION 539 South Orange Avenue HOURS Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun, Goods on display at The Womens Exchange in Sarasota (Photo: The Womens Exchage), Attend an artistic extravaganza at the Festival of the Arts. Known as Molly the Mollusk, the vast cephalopod was inadvertently caught off the coast of New Zealand in 1999 and was soon donated to the Sarasota facility for permanent display, where it quickly became one of its centrepiece attractions among visitors. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. This one is fun for all the family. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Finally, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of bird that call the local ecosystem home. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. Housed within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a colossal 27-foot long corpse of a giant squid that grabs the attention of everyone who sees it. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans.