Sarasota is known as the cultural center of Florida. Despite this rather highbrow title it is in fact a great city to visit for all the family. Culture vultures have the Van Weazel theatre with ballet, symphony orchestras and plays. Gourmets have a plethora of some of America's best restaurants. Fans of gardens and horticulture have the famous Marie Selby Gardens. Ca D'Zan is the historic waterfront home of the famous Ringling Circus family, now open to the public and the adjacent Ringling Museum of Art houses some of Rubens extremely huge "cartoons" among other priceless works of art.

If you love animals try Sarasota Jungle Gardens with its parrots, snakes and exotic species. Fans of cars will find the classic car center enthralling. Love the movies? there are plenty of theaters with diverse films to please everyone.

From Anna Maria Island you can drive down to Sarasota through the islands of Longboat Key and Lido Key, then take another bridge over to the mainland right into the heart of the city. Alternatively you can take the Manatee bridge over to Bradenton and follow the highway down to Sarasota.