20 Attractions to Explore Near Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, is a world-renowned museum with the largest collection of Baroque art in America. Spanning over 68 acres, it features five different buildings that highlight a full range of artwork from the 16th century to present day. From Italian grand masters such as Rembrandt and Monet to contemporary pieces from Jackson Pollock, the museum is sure to impress any visitor looking for an educational yet enjoyable experience.

A cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hillsborough County Completed in 1987, this bridge stands across a four-mile span of Tampa Bay and is a beautiful sighting at sunrise or sunset. A cable-stayed bridge with several concrete piers, it also boasts a unique curved shape with fans for extra support, making it a creative engineering masterpiece as well as an eye-catching structure.

Located on Egmont Key, at the mouth of Tampa Bay, it can only be reached by boat or ferry. The Egmont Key Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish–American War era fort, are located in the park. The entire 328 acres (133 ha) island is actually part of Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

Egmont Key Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Hillsborough County. Its construction was completed in 1858 and it has been under National Park Service protection since in 1998. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 71 feet tall and provides a unique ambiance to the beaches of the area, where locals and tourists explore its ruins for a glimpse into the past. Even after its decommissioning in 1958, this Lighthouse continues to serve as an iconic symbol of Hillsborough.

Fort De Soto Park is the perfect location for a variety of outdoor activities. Not only does the park provide picnicking areas and playgrounds, but it also has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Visitors to the 1,136-acre coastal paradise can relax along seven miles of white sand beaches or explore the shores by swimming or fishing from two large piers. Traveling further inland reveals freshwater ponds and salt marshes filled with birds and other local wildlife.

Fort De Soto Park is a tropical paradise to explore with numerous attractions. Spanning over 1,050 acres, the park offers miles of picturesque shoreline perfect for swimming around the artificial islands and fishing off the piers. Visitors can also go kayaking or canoeing around the estuaries. Other great activities include camping, canoe races, bird watching tours and history discovery runs.

North Beach at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida is a destination for beach lovers from around the world. This unique beach offers a range of activities that are perfect for both families and solo travelers. The most popular activity is swimming in the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors also enjoy sunbathing on the powder-soft white sand, fishing off the pier, or exploring nearby trails and kayaking through mangrove tunnels.

This is a popular fishing spot for anglers of all ages. With 4,000 feet of elevated pier stretching over Tampa Bay, visitors can expect to be able to take dramatic photos of sunrises and sunsets in addition to catching some fish as they explore the area. The waters here are rich in snook, tarpon, mackerel, redfish and other species. Amenities at the park include picnic tables and restrooms but no motorized boats or swimming are allowed.

Blind Pass Beach is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a sunny retreat with plenty to do. Not only does the beach offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, but it's also the ideal place to go fishing or explore nature by taking a walk along the shore. Visitors can also cool off at the observation deck and search for unique shells that have been washed up onto the beach. For those who prefer activities on land, there are countless biking and hiking trails as well as picnic areas.

Maximo Park, is definitely a great place to spend some time outdoors. Located close to the Gulf of Mexico and other attractions such as John's Pass. In Maximo Park one can take in stunning views of Tampa Bay while enjoying all sorts of activities such as fishing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the beach. With plenty of picnic tables, grills, covered cabanas, and nearby restrooms there are endless ways for visitors to make their stay even more enjoyable.

Pass-a-Grille Beach is the ultimate beach destination. Located at the far south end of St. Pete Beach, this serene and picturesque spot has something for each and every beachgoer. The crystal blue waters, gentle waves, and soft white sands combine to make this 8-mile gulf-side paradise perfect for swimming, sunning, shelling, and simply taking a romantic stroll. For those wanting to dip their toes in other activities, the nearby shops offer all kinds of souvenirs, crafts and more.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a great spot for nature lovers to explore and relax. This 259-acre urban oasis offers picnic sites, boardwalk trails and various wildlife such as birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can experience close encounters with local animals at the Wildlife Encounter Area or take a leisurely stroll around the lake while admiring butterflies and dragonflies. There are also educational activities like ranger guided tours that focus on the preserve’s biodiversity.

Englewood Beach is a well-maintained destination that offers pristine white coastline, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, bird watching, and snorkeling. The beach is also home to some unique wildlife such as Loggerhead sea turtles, which may be observed laying eggs in spring and summer months. If a more relaxed day is desired, visitors can simply lounge along the beach and bask in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Art museum dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. It houses the largest collection of Dalí's works outside Europe.

The Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater is a modern, state-of-the-art entertainment venue located in Pinellas County, Florida. Providing world class entertainment and unparalleled views of Tampa Bay, the theater hosts a variety of live performances from Broadway to rock concerts. With its excellent acoustics, theatrical lighting, meticulously designed seating and attentive staff, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience no matter what the event.

St. Pete Pier™, is an iconic waterfront destination offering locals and visitors alike some of the best attractions the area has to offer. A 26-acre public waterfront complex, complete with restaurants, fishing, boat charters and cruises, retail establishments and plenty of activities for children. At St. Pete Pier™ you can treat yourself to echelons of culinary experiences ranging from casual outdoor dining to mouthwatering seafood -all with a vista overlooking Tampa Bay.

Demens Landing Park, stretches along the Bayou Grande on the Gulf of Mexico and provides breathtaking views of colorful sunsets and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Outdoors enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, including fishing, kayaking, exploring nature trails, birdwatching or taking part in one of many events hosted throughout the year. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the pier or rent a boat to get better access to all the area has to offer.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, is a stunning attraction that caters to art lovers and nature-lovers alike. From Native American cultures to present-day western art and extraordinary wildlife exhibits, this museum offers the most comprehensive collection of Western and wildlife art in the southeastern United States. With seven galleries displaying more than 10,000 artifacts from some of America’s greatest artists and sculptors, there’s something for every visitor to explore.

A landmark pleasure pier extending into Tampa Bay. The last iteration of the pier was named the Inverted Pyramid Pier. It featured a five-story inverted pyramid-shaped building.