Once known as the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, Sarasota is a coastal city south of Tampa on the Gulf Coast. The Ringling Brothers are still very much present in Sarasota with the Ringling Museum of Art, but Sarasota is a popular tourist destination because of its wonderful wide sandy beaches. Siesta Beach is great place to cool off in the ocean, play some tennis, or let the kids enjoy in the playground. Lido Key Beach is located on Lido Key, a barrier island just off the Sarasota coast. The Mote Marine Laboratory has a large aquarium with stingrays, sharks, manatees, and other local animals, while Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a park and zoo with over 150 wild animals in a lush jungle setting. The South Florida Museum is an aquarium, planetarium, and history museum all under one roof. Bayfront Park is a lovely waterfront green space with a playground, a promenade, and lovely views of the city and the ocean.

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