Sarasota has a very unique touch from the arts and music culture. Visit Downtown and see multiple art pieces displayed in certain places throughout. The Van Wiesel Performing Arts Hall is also downtown. Here you can grab some tickets to a variety of shows ad performances. The Shelby Gardens Botanical Gardens is a great place to see rare and exotic plants and flowers. Or you can try one of their home brewed tees made from flowers right from their gardens. The Ringling Museum is another most see. The museum showcases John Ringling's art collection of more than 150 pieces from all over the world. You can take a tour of the Ringling Mansion set on the waters of Sarasota Bay and its grand gardens. Tampa's Busch Gardens is only about 50 miles away. Busch Gardens is a great place for you and your kids to have a blast on their 6 or so roller coasters. Or, if you prefer to get wet and wild, Tampa's Adventure Island is just across the street from Busch Gardens.