It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Sarasota, Florida, with us.
On the grounds of the former home of Marie and William Selby is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre preserve spanning collections of more than 20,000 living plants. The gardens are also home to an herbarium, butterfly garden, fragrance garden, edible garden and koi pond. The interactive Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden lets kids better appreciate rainforest plants. © Erin Westgate | Dreamstime.com
Just several miles from Sarasota is Lake Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s largest and oldest parks. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including rare Florida birds like the roseate spoonbill, as well as fish, reptiles and mammals. The park is also home to a massive sinkhole partly encompassed by the Lower Myakka Lake. Extensive hiking trails, campgrounds and scenic drives can also be found here. © Delmas Lehman | Dreamstime.com
A less-intense Gulf-side city compared to Tampa and St. Petersburg, Sarasota embraces a more laidback atmosphere. The city sits on the lagoon on the water and draws visitors for a plethora of events and festivals, including the Sarasota Film Festival, Ringling International Arts Festival, Sarasota Chalk Festival, operas and ballets, and more. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
You’ll find the official art museum of Florida at the Ringling Museum, spanning 21 galleries covering European paintings, Asian and American art, contemporary pieces, and a collection of Cypriot antiquities. You’ll also uncover a glass pavilion with studio glass art, as well as a conservation lab and historic Asolo Theater. © Lisa Mckown | Dreamstime.com
Sarasota boasts many piers. Currently closed for reparations, Hart’s Landing Pier is Sarasota’s historic bait and tackle spot, a popular fishing location in Sarasota Bay. Over by the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, Tony Saprito Pier is ideal for sunset views and fishing over Sarasota Bay. © Delmas Lehman | Dreamstime.com
While most other beaches in the region are made of up pulverized coral, Siesta Beach’s sand is special; sand is 99 percent quartz and, on the sunniest days, is so reflective it feels cool when walking on it barefoot. The beach is popular among locals and visitors with its expansive and wide stretches and even walking mats for accessibility. © Alkan2011 | Dreamstime.com
Can’t get enough of the sun, sand and sea? Sarasota Beach is another well-known spot, featuring white sands, clear and calm waters, and beach bars. Water sport enthusiasts can also enjoy kayaking and surfing. © Shannon Neal | Dreamstime.com
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 14, 2026Bahia Principe Launches Happiness Sale
Families and multigen travelers looking to get a trip on the books this autumn can take advantage of the new Bahia Principe Happiness Sale, offering savings up to 50 percent at Bahia Principe properties. Available to book until Sept. 17, this offer complements free stays for the travelers’ first child at properties in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Cruises
Sep 11, 2026Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bahamas Waterpark Officially Opens
Family travelers onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship to the line’s private Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, can now experience all-new Great Tides Waterpark. The waterpark debut marks one of the largest enhancements to the island in the company’s history.
Hotels
Sep 9, 202613 Resorts to Consider for Your Babymoon
Expecting a bundle of joy and looking for a perfect spot for a babymoon? Consider these options:
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 7, 2026This Caribbean Hotel Unveils Festive Experiences for the 2026 Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us and there’s no better way to get families in a festive spirit than a nature-led holiday program set in the Caribbean.
ShareThis