Florida's Cultural Coast
While visiting the Van Wezel, make the most of your visit to Sarasota!
Sarasota is recognized 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. Visitors to the area can visit Mote Marine Laboratory, G-WIZ (Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone), Historic Spanish Point, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Ringling Museum and Circus Museum, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Warm Mineral Springs, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary, and more. Myakka River State Park, with 28,875 acres of land, and Oscar Scherer State Park are Sarasota's destinations for bird watching, biking, walking, and camping.
How close is Sarasota to Florida's largest metros?
- Miami: 223 miles (4hr drive time) • Orlando: 129 miles (2hr drive time) Tampa: 57 miles (1hr drive time)
Sarasota at a Glance...
Sarasota County is located on the West Coast of Florida, about 60 miles south of Tampa. The county's approximately 600 square miles extend west from rustic ranch land to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. With more than 35 miles of gulf beaches, residents (325,900) are within a 15-minute drive of the most spectacular white sand beaches in the world.
Peak Season
The area's peak season begins in January and continues until April. The value season is June through September.
Local Airport
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located at the intersection of US 41 and University Parkway, 3 miles North of the Van Wezel (941) 359-5200.
Accommodations
A wide variety of accommodations are available, from campgrounds to luxury resort hotels. The Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau can assist with reservations at (800) 522-9799.
