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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.

Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg Day Trip

Looking for an easy same day excursion? Travel an hour north and across the scenic Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Tampa/St. Pete. This easy one tank trip offers a myriad of adventures including Busch Gardens and the Dali Museum.

Farther north is Tarpon Springs. Founded by Greek sponge fishermen, the town still boasts working sponge docks.

Orlando’s Theme Parks

Just a two-hour drive from Sarasota is Orlando, the theme park capital of the world! A visit with Mickey Mouse and his friends, exciting Universal Studios, a splashing good time at SeaWorld, or a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are sure to please the entire family.

Everlgades National Park and Key West

Be adventurous with a trip to the Everglades and Everglades National Park. You can even drive an hour south to Fort Myers Beach and then take a ferry ride to Key West and explore Duval Street and take a photo at the southernmost point in the United States.

Sarasota offers a variety of interesting day trips that are within easy reach. Go out and explore. It’s easy to take a break from the sun and sand when you’re this close to some of the most exciting one-of-a-kind destinations in the US!

Check out the DEALS tab in the top MENU for great coupon savings on area Day Trip destinations!

See more things to do in Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key and Venice Florida.

Must Do Day Trips in the Sarasota Area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGOLAND in Florida

Take a Family Fun Sarasota Day Trip to LEGOLAND Florida This Florida attraction is an amazing colorful world of rides, activities, and working Lego models in Winter Haven, Florida. Enjoy more than 50 rides, shows, and interactive experiences at this 150-acre family LEGO theme amusement park geared towards families with children ages two to twelve. The park features ten different themed areas full of replicas of... Read More

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Day Trip in Fort Myers

Sarasota Day Trip to Historic Edison Ford Estates Edison and Ford Winter Estates is located in Fort Myers, Florida which is approximately a one hour and thirty-minute drive from Sarasota. This worthwhile attraction should be included on your vacation itinerary. Edison & Ford Winter Estates features over 20 acres of lush botanical gardens boasting over 1,700 plants and one of the largest Banyan trees in the... Read More

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