Sarasota Official Visitors Guide - (Page 4)

BEAUTY & THE BEACH SARASOTA FREEWHEELING FUN Find out why Venice earned the Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists in 2012. In addition to miles of scenic bike trails - including the 10-mile Venetian Waterway Park trail - local roadways boast bicycle-friendly lanes. 4 The Official Sarasota County Visitors Guide 4_6_MAIN_v2_100413.indd 4 B eyond the beaches are many worlds of discovery in this oasis spanning 500+ square miles between Tampa Bay and Naples on Florida's west coast. Set against sparkling Sarasota Bay and Lemon Bay, with barrier islands hugging the coastline and waterways lacing the interior, Sarasota County offers a funscape of diverse activities, from hiking and biking to shopping and sailing. And then there are the arts - a world-class collection of dance and theater troupes, acclaimed opera, ballets and orchestras that have ascended the world stage, and museums and galleries that honor the classics while expanding artistic frontiers. Indeed, Sarasota has been dubbed "Florida's Cultural Coast®." But let's get down to specifics - that is, the individual neighborhoods and islands making up Sarasota's fascinating vacation tapestry and creating the destination that more and more people are discovering every day. If you had to design the ideal blend of cosmopolitan excitement and laid-back charm, Downtown Sarasota would be the result. Busy but very pedestrian-friendly, downtown streets are lined with shaded sidewalks fronting one-of-a-kind shops and galleries as well as a delectable array of cafes and restaurants complemented by neighborhood watering holes that draw regulars and visitors alike. Crossing the Ringling Causeway toward Lido Key, the beautiful sands of Lido Beach beckon, but first things first: shopping "in the round" at St. Armands Circle, an open-air hub of fashion boutiques, art galleries and restaurants offering both fine and casual dining. Lido's neighbor to the north, Longboat Key, is home to spectacular parks and beaches, while activities include everything from five-star dining and championship golf to lessons at the Longboat Key Tennis Center. On Lido Key's south side is award-winning, fun-loving Siesta Key, whose Siesta Beach was named the www.visitsarasota.org 12/3/13 7:04 AM http://www.visitsarasota.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sarasota Official Visitors Guide

Sarasota
Beaches
Accommodations
Transportation
Arts & Culture
Attractions
Map Of Sarasota County
Calendar of Events
Nature/Activities
Sports
Dining
Shopping
Golf
Weddings
Spas
Visitors Services

Sarasota Official Visitors Guide

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