A one-day visit to Gulf Coast beach town Sarasota is better than none at all, and while there are so many fun activities to do in summer, it's also a top Florida destination to consider when the weather elsewhere gets chilly. Famed for its pristine beaches, Sarasota is just 60 miles south of Tampa and is home to several major cultural sights, including the Ringling Museum, founded by one of the owners of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, also known as “the greatest show on earth.”

Sarasota's beaches are prized for their shallow, warm waters and for their soft, white sands. Siesta Key Beach, in particular, is celebrated for its nearly 100 percent pure quartz crystal sand. That means each grain of sand is of nearly identical size and its basic chemical composition of silicon dioxide is the same as a crystal glass ground to a powder. It's smooth underfoot and pretty to look at, thanks to millions of years of erosion that left only the quartz crystal sand landside while less hardy grains were washed into the sea.

With a beach like that, setting aside some time on the oceanfront must be part of any trip to Sarasota.

Related: Florida Might Be Known For Its Beaches, But These Botanical Gardens Are Just As Serene

Enjoy The Beach And Have A Water Adventure

Visitors can plan for a half-day outdoor adventure with a combination of beach time and water-based activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, or booking a charter fishing adventure.

Local companies in Sarasota specializing in water-based experiences include Dolphin Paddlesports, where tourists can rent paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and kayaks and take a kayak lesson if they're new to the sport.

Another operator, CB's Saltwater Outfitters, rents boats, jet skis, and pontoons and takes visitors on exhilarating parasailing rides. Located near the town's Stickney Point Bridge, the company also invites visitors to try their hand at fishing, with a variety of charters available.

Travelers who'd rather stay beachside have a wide choice of sunbathing and swimming spots since the Gulf Coast is home to many scenic beaches.

  • Longboat Key is the northernmost and longest island along Sarasota’s coast, boasting 12 miles of shoreline. During the summer season, Longboat Key is a popular beach for turtles to nest and lay their eggs. Enjoy relaxing views of the Gulf Coast of Mexico, smaller crowds, and a laid-back vibe at this relaxing destination.
  • Lido Key is located between Longboat and Siesta Key and actually has three beaches, North Lido, Lido, and South Lido.
  • Siesta Key, widely regarded as one of the top beaches on the Gulf Coast, is an eight-mile-long island with two bridges to the mainland. Along with the famous Siesta Beach, the key also includes Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach and is known as a fun family destination.
  • At Casey Key, home to Nokomis Beach, visitors can make use of picnic areas, food stands, and other features of the 18-acre beachfront park. It's also a big attraction for families due to its lifeguard staff.

Ringling Museum Is A Must-See In Sarasota

Travelers to Sarasota can plan an afternoon of cultural activities with visits to the Ringling Museum, considered one of the best museums in Florida, and Sarasota Jungle Gardens. The museum, at 5401 Bay Shore Road, is open daily and the adult admission fee is $25; for children $5.

Founded by John Ringling, one of the brothers who created the iconic circus bearing the family name, the museum exhibits not only circus items but antiquities, European and American art, and a vast array of decorative arts. Some of the circus collection features the costumes worn by performers, colorful parade wagons, and even a cannon that shot performers across the big top, according to the museum.

John Ringling's former home also is located on the museum site, but the opulent, Venetian Gothic-style estate is not included in museum admission.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens, at 3701 Bay Shore Drive, is a 10-acre tropical landscape home to 200 native and exotic animals. Admission is $22 for adults and $15 for children up to age 12. Best known for its free-roaming flamingos, the gardens also have alligators, including an alligator feeding pool, giant tortoises, swans, pelicans, parrots, and many birds of prey, lemurs, African porcupines, deer, and more.

Visitors can hand feed flamingos for a fun interactive experience, and there's also a petting zoo for youngsters.

Check Out These Dining Options In Sarasota

When dinnertime rolls around, there are many eateries to choose from in Sarasota, from beachfront cafes to chain restaurants and unique, locally-owned venues.

Gecko's Grill & Pub

  • Address: 1900 Hillview Street, Sarasota
  • Cost: $$
  • Why eat here: Find American pub food with a gourmet twist and locally sourced produce.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

  • Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
  • Cost: $$$
  • Why eat here: Locals rave about the grouper sandwich house specialty. Indoor and patio dining offer views of Sarasota Bay.

Related: 10 Best Places To Visit In Florida

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

  • Address: 2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota
  • Cost: $$$$
  • Why eat here: Known for high-quality steaks and seafood, this venue also has a reputation for innovative plant-based cuisine.