top 10 Tours

One of the area's most popular residents are bottlenose dolphins. Some of the most playful and intelligent creatures on the planet, dolphins can often be seen swimming on the area's many sightseeing tours. Bottlenose dolphins can also be spotted from the beach at sunset when they cruise close to shore for fish. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program at the Mote Marine Laboratory is the world's longest-running study of a dolphin population. Over the last 40 years, the study has found more than 150 identifiable resident dolphins, spanning at least five generations, in Sarasota Bay.

Meeting the area's marine life isn't the only opportunity to be enriched while visiting Sarasota. The area is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. One of Florida's finest collection of European, American and Asian masterworks can be found at the Ringling Museum of Art. Amazing works from local artists can be found during the Palm Avenue First Friday Gallery Walk. A short walk from the Palm Avenue area are the progressive and intimate galleries of the Towles Court Art District. Artists in many media live and work in this historic neighborhood.