Sarasota

Went there in October 2001 for 4 nights after getting some recommendations from this website that one should combine a Disney vacation with a couple of days at the Gulf coast to admire the white beaches and the sunsets. This was super advice which we followed and will cherish forever. Here are a couple of things I can share with you: It was not easy finding accommodation at the ‘whitest’ beaches along this coast. For the whitest check www.topbeaches.com/drbeach/florida_golfcoast/beach_florida_golfcoast.htm. Most of these beaches are in nature resorts which do not have any accommodations. At other ‘white’ beaches there were no hotels ...  Read the complete review

Sarasota is one of those places in Florida that almost everyone has heard of but rarely visits. This makes it very tourist-friendly but somehow it isn't overrun with hordes of sun-worshippers and theme-park-exhausted people. Sarasota is not far from Orlando and the theme parks, between an hour to an hour and a half drive depending on your speed and traffic. It is on the Gulf Coast, a bit further south from Clearwater (which means that you can watch wonderful sunsets while you are here) and well worth the drive. Once you arrive in Sarasota you will want to find the center of activity and that will be near the marina. Sarasota proper has quite a few ...  Read the complete review

The city of Sarasota and the surrounding area are known as the cultural centre of Florida. A must see is the Ringling Museum of Art and Circus. I am not normally keen on museum visits but this was different and seemed to have something for everyone. The main house is built to resemble a Venetian palace and is most impressive. Outside the gardens are equally lovely. We had a snack in a café in the gardens and it was worth paying a bit extra for the location. If you tire of ‘culture’ Sarasota has some wonderful fine sandy beaches. The shopping is also superb. They have the obligatory American mall (with wonderful dolphin topiary and all the ...  Read the complete review