Had enough sun?

Check out some of these points of interest in and around Sarasota, St. Armand's Circle, and your vacation paradise, the Lido Dorset.

For History Enthusiasts:

Take a walking tour of the downtown Sarasota Historic Districts recently added to the list of treasures recognized in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tourists will be provided with a map that specifies a walking route, identifying each Historic building along the way. At each stop, visitors will be able to call on their cell phones to hear a recorded message about that particular building.

For Cultural Enthusiasts:

Sarasota is known as Florida’s Cultural Coast and is home to a professional symphony, ballet and opera. In addition, more than 10 theaters and 30 art galleries are located in Sarasota. Main Street in downtown Sarasota boasts of dozens of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. There are many special events throughout the year in downtown Sarasota, including live music, art festivals and parades.

For Movie Enthusiasts:

The Sarasota Film Festival is held annually in April since 1999 and has become one of the top independent festivals in North America. In 2003 it grew to a ten day event with over 200 films, 250+ film makers in attendance including leading actors Alan Alda, Kevin Bacon, Woody Harrelson, Gena Rowlands, Tom Selleck, Brook Shields, to name a few. Come and rub elbows with the celebrities!

For Boat Racing Enthusiasts:

Fourth of July weekend celebrates the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix boat race held annually for 27 years. The race between million-dollar cigarette boats on a 6 ½mi. course off lido Beach with speeds up to 100 mph.on the straight away is one of the must-see Sarasota happenings of the year. Bring your beach chair, walk across the street and you’re there to witness the excitement. Free admission!

For Sports Enthusiasts:

Sarasota Baseball has been a year round tradition in Sarasota since 1924. It’s part of our past and our future. In 2010, the tradition continued as the Baltimore Orioles signed a 30 year contract with Ed Smith Stadium and moved their spring training to the newly renovated stadium. For the 2012 spring training schedule contact the Oriole website at www.baltimoreorioles.com

For The Romantics:

Marina Jack Sunset Dinner Cruise offers fine dining where every seat is a window view, providing amazing sunset views and a romantic ambiance in an air conditioned salon. Located just across the Ringling Bridge at 2 Marina Plaza on the Bayfront.

Christmas in Florida????? Why not????

Join us for the annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights in Sarasota Bay typically held the second Saturday in December. Whole boats have been disguised as blue-light marlins, or have been decorated with single-file dolphins that appear to be jumping out of the water. Santa Clause, reindeer, Christmas trees and other holiday symbols are often displayed on board, while sound systems pump out cheery holiday music. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and travels from the southern tip of Longboat Key south, past City Island. The parade then crosses the bay, towards Centennial Park, and follows the shoreline south, under the Ringling Bridge. It enters the harbor by Marina Jack for judging. Come join the thousands who have already discovered one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit!

For more information on surrounding points of interest, visit our activities link on the main menu.