Page 62 - University of South Florida 2024-2025 Student Planner

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\\\ AROUND THE SARASOTA AREA
ATTRACTIONS:
• Nathan Benderson Park, is a nearly 600-acre paradise, featuring a 400-acre lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This recreational destination offers a wide range of activities, including world-class rowing events, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and a 3.5-mile paved trail. https://nathanbendersonpark.org/
• The Circus Art Conservatory leads the way in cultivating and enriching circus legacy on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Adults and children can enjoy a hands-on experience through a circus arts class which are offered throughout the week for all experience levels. circusarts.org/
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: At Mote Aquarium you can explore the secrets of the sea through the touch pools, viewable working labs, and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcased the world-renowned research of the adjoining Mote Marine Laboratory. mote.org/
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota & Historic Spanish Point Campus: Activities include a children’s rainforest garden, tropical glass house conservatory and 15 acres of lush grounds with two historic homes, including the Museum of Botany & the Arts. selby.org/
• Bayfront Park: Open 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., daily. Pets are allowed outside the Steigerwaldt-Jockey Children’s Fountain area. Popular location to jog, enjoy the sunset, walk your leashed pet or have a picnic at the playground. letsplaysarasota.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/70/4753
• Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a 501c3 nonprofit safe haven for all animals in need. Our pledge is love, respect and sanctuary for life for all the 150+ animals here. The mission is to educate the public about current animal issues, foster appreciation and to stress the importance of habitat preservation. bigcathabitat.org/
• TreeUmph! Adventure Course is Southwest Florida’s first treetop adventure park, and a destination for adults and children aged 7 and up seeking a fun, unique excursion to conquer. treeumph.com/bradenton
• Jungle Gardens: Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, reptiles, and more – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails. https://sarasotajunglegardens.com/
MUSEUMS:
• Sarasota Art Museum: Anchoring the Ringling College Museum Campus, the Sarasota Art Museum has 15,000 square feet of dedicated exhibition gallery space, Bistro, Shop, auditorium for educational events, performance and film, a sculpture courtyard and extensive grounds and facilities. sarasotaartmuseum.org/
• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, a natural history museum specializing in the history of Florida’s gulf coast. It houses a Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe, and exhibits that highlights Florida history from the prehistoric to the present. bishopscience.org/
• Sarasota Classic Car Museum is recognized as the second oldest operating classic car museum in the country. sarasotacarmuseum.org/
• The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United States. Spend a day or two exploring the 66-acre estate of John and Mable Ringling which also includes the Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, The Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens and more. ringling.org/