We all need to rest and relax. Every once in a while, we need to take a break from the busy and fast-paced lives we have. Taking a vacation can help relieve daily stress and keep us sane. However, while vacations are associated with rest and relaxation, we should not take this as idleness that could lead to boredom, which in itself is stressful. Rest and relaxation include meditation, massage, a day at a spa, sleep, and the like, but are not limited to these.
Who says relaxation is not fun and excitement? Rest and relaxation also mean recreation. So the next time you’re planning to take a break, why not go to a vacation spot where you’ll never run out of ways to have fun like Sarasota, Florida?
This county, located east of the Florida peninsula, is famous for its line of beaches. More than 21% of its total area (725 square miles) is water (154 square miles) and it has 35 miles of beach shoreline. The beach scenery in Sarasota is simply breathtaking that strolling along the shores alone is more than enough fun, according to those who have already been there. Soaking in the water, building sand castles, sunbathing, and collecting seashells may seem like ordinary beach experiences, but when you do these things on the beaches of Sarasota, they turn into extraordinary moments of life.
The most famous beach in Sarasota is Siesta Key Beach, which ranks second among the best beaches in the United States. Siesta Key has powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Along its shore there are volleyball and tennis nets that everyone can enjoy. If you decide to go to Siesta Key, be sure to experience its water activities like water skiing and windsurfing. The best adventure experience you could have in Sarasota is parasailing, where you will be tied to a parachute and pulled on a rope from a boat, and soar hundreds of feet into the air to see a bird’s eye view of the beautiful scenery there.
Other famous beaches in Sarasota include: Lido Key, Longboat Key, Nokomis Beach, Bird Key, Casey Key, Venice Beach, Blind Pass Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, Bay Island Park, and many more. Each of these beaches specializes in a particular vacation activity.
On your list of ‘things to do in Sarasota’, remember to include boating and fishing. Bay Island Park has a perfect view of Sarasota Bay. You can make use of a charter boat and sail the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Specific water areas have been designated for levee fishing on Bay Island and Blackburn Point Park. The whole family will surely enjoy fishing for snags in crystal clear waters.
Some of the most impressive coral reefs in the world have been endowed with Venice Beach. This is the place to dive and snorkel.
Longboat Key has an 11 mile long island barrier where they built a bike lane for long bike rides and a path for walking or running. Here, you can spend the whole morning cycling or walking to feast your eyes on the majestic waterscape, or spend a few hours hardtail biking and jogging in the afternoon for exercise.
For nature lovers and environmentalists, there is Blind Pass Beach and Bay Preserve. These have adventure-filled interpretive nature trails and dunes that are great for hiking as well as local educational wildlife tours.
Kayaking is best done in Bay Key Park, while in Turtle Beach you can find playgrounds and picnic areas for quality family time.
Sarasota is not only famous for its beautiful beaches. This county also has many amazing waterfront mansions. You can rent a car with your friends and family to tour these areas.
For foodies, experience your taste buds at Bradenton, a great place for a delicious dinner with beautiful parks. Some of the best restaurants in the area include: Tommy Bahamas, Mediterraneos, Patricks, Bijou Café, Da Ru Ma, Pacific Rim, Owens Fish Camp, and Cargiulos. Food in Sarasota is relatively inexpensive but very appealing to the palate. Your dining experience is sure to be to your taste buds.
Another fun place for a bite to eat is St. Armand’s Circle. While devouring a snack, you can take a stroll through its boutiques and specialty stores. It’s a great place to shop for beach accessories and souvenirs that you can take home as a souvenir of your Sarasota vacation. The prices are very affordable here too.
Looking for fun? Try going to the Asolo Theater. Asolo presents world-class performances like music, dance, concerts, and plays that you are sure to love. You can also go to museums and appreciate local art and artifacts at the Ringling Art Museum, the Circus Museum, and many more.
To top it all, Sarasota is a much more affordable vacation spot compared to others.