Must Do Day Trips in the Sarasota Area

Sarasota • Siesta Key • Longboat Key • Lido Key • Venice

An escape to one of Sarasota, Florida’s nearby day trips provides adventures for a memorable getaway.

Within easy driving distance are opportunities to visit family themed parks and attractions in Tampa and Orlando with thrilling rides and interactive shows, as well as world-class gardens and museums.

No matter what you choose you can’t go wrong with a rewarding day trip from Sarasota, Florida.

Key West Express Ferry

Go to Key West for the Ultimate Sarasota Vacation Day Trip! Visit the southernmost point in the United States during your Sarasota, Florida holiday. A cruise on the Key West Express ferry is the fast and fun way to visit the southernmost point in the United States, home of pirates, poets, presidents & partygoers. From lazy lounging on the beach to exhilarating activities on the... Read More

Captiva Cruises

A Sarasota day trip to Captiva and Pine Island Sound provides a full day of island activities. Captiva is located a little more than two hours drive from the Sarasota area. Since 1986, Captiva Cruises has been offering tours through Southwest Florida’s estuary and National Wildlife Refuge that is Pine Island Sound. This aquatic preserve is home to abundant wildlife and rich with... Read More

Orlando Amusement Theme Parks

Orlando is less than two hours’ drive from Sarasota, making it easy to make a day trip to Disney, SeaWorld, Epcot, Harry Potter and the other amazing attractions in Orlando! Bear in mind that most of these top attractions do not open their gates until 9 a.m. or later, so there’s plenty of time to hit the I-75/I-4 roadways after an early breakfast... Read More

Go from tree level to sea level while being entertained and educated at The Florida Aquarium! With more than 20,000 animals including sharks, alligators, seahorses and more, you’re sure to have an amazing aquatic experience. | MustDo.com

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa

Explore a variety of diverse ecosystem exhibits and learn about marine animals, plants, and their habitats. Go from tree level to sea level while being entertained and educated at The Florida Aquarium! With more than 20,000 animals including sharks, alligators, seahorses and more, you’re sure to have an amazing aquatic experience. Explore The Florida Aquarium Interactive And Educational Exhibits You can start your visit on the... Read More

Sheikra roller coaster. Spend a fun-filled day for the entire family with a day trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Go on thrilling amusement park rides, visit a world-class zoo featuring more than 12,000 animals, see live shows, enjoy a variety of restaurants, and more! Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay

Amusement Park And Zoo Spend a fun-filled day for the entire family with a day trip to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Go on thrilling amusement park rides, visit a world-class zoo featuring more than 12,000 animals, see live shows, enjoy a variety of restaurants, and more! Thrilling Rides For All Ages Busch Gardens Tampa offers a huge variety of kid-friendly rides, state-of-the-art roller coasters, and... Read More

Dali Museum in St. Petersburg

The Dali Museum is one of the most intriguing art museums in the United States and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida which is approximately 45 minutes north of Sarasota. The late surrealist, Salvador Dali, rose to fame by painting outlandish, dreamlike imagery. His paintings of melting clocks, anatomical anomalies, and photographic precision can be seen in this 2,800 square foot museum. The Dali... Read More

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples

The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples, Florida presents a chronological display of Holocaust and World War II history, pre-war through the post-war Nuremberg Trials. View meaningful exhibits on Holocaust and WWII history, and the personal stories of Southwest Florida residents who are Holocaust Survivors and Liberators. Many of the artifacts have been donated or... Read More

The Gamble Plantation in Ellenton is an easy day trip from Sarasota, Florida. The antebellum mansion is the only surviving plantation home in South Florida and was once the headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com.

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park

This grand mansion is the oldest building in Manatee County and the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. Many Florida plantation homes were burned, destroyed, or lost due to the Seminole Wars, American Civil War, hurricanes, floods, and fire. Fortunately, the Gamble Mansion survived and now provides a tangible insight into Florida life in the mid-19thcentury. Learn more about Gamble Plantation... Read More

The Tarpon Springs, Florida community is permanently enriched by the Mediterranean heritage brought at the turn of the century by Greek sponge divers and their families.It is an easy and fun day trip from Sarasota. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com

Tarpon Springs Day Trip in Florida

A Day Trip to Tarpon Springs is Enjoyable For All Ages Historic, picturesque, and unspoiled, Tarpon Springs, Florida is composed of delightful residential areas, clustered around beautiful saltwater bayous and other waterways. The community is a mix of new houses and graceful old mansions. There is plenty to see and do, from the world famous Sponge Docks, to deep sea fishing, from antique shops... Read More