Get back to nature and go back in time. In eastern Sarasota, a history of surpassing natural splendor and hardscrabble settlers is preserved at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. Crowley vividly demonstrates what life was like for Sarasota’s first settlers in the late 19th century, offering a pictorial history of the cracker cow hunter, inviting boardwalks, and well kept nature trails. To step on these grounds is to fall back in time.  

For those looking to explore the modern Florida wilderness, look no further than one of the oldest and largest parks in the state, Myakka River State Park. Grab sandwiches and souvenirs at the park concession, and then stop for a bite at a covered picnic pavilion before setting out to explore. Hike a bit or take a leisurely tram or airboat ride. Do some fishing; watch a few birds. Kick back and relax.

Explore history, paleontology and archaeology at the South Florida Museum. This is the story of Florida, its land, animals, and people, from the pre-historic to the present. Established in 1947, the museum houses artifacts and items of culture that help fulfill its mission to have something of interest “for everyone.” One of the most unique features about this place is its scope.  Not only are you treated to a cornucopia of world class history exhibitions, you can also explore the sea and reach for the stars. In typical Sarasota fashion, the South Florida Museum gives you way more than you expected!

Adjacent to the South Florida Museum you will find the Bishop Planetarium. This amazing domed theater offers an immersive virtual journey to the far reaches of the universe. Opposite the planetarium, on the other side of the museum, visitors will find the Parker Manatee Aquarium. This fun little aquatic zoo is home to three animals that are ubiquitous to the waters around Florida—manatees. Not too pretty, these docile “sea cows” are a great introduction to Florida coastal marine life.

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Don’t stop at manatees: no tour of the area would be complete without visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium. Learn about Mote’s extensive conservation efforts, including protecting the continental United States’ only living barrier reef, and see sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and more than 100 more species of marine life. Interactive exhibits and touch pools put visitors up close and personal with the good work being done at Mote Marine Laboratories. Learn more at mote.org or call 941.388.4441.