Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of the largest parks in the region. It is also one of the state’s oldest. The park is home to a variety of natural environments. Wetlands, marshes, and cypress swamps can all be found here. It is also well-known for its 100-plus-foot deep sinkhole aptly named, “Deep Hole.” Featuring primitive campgrounds and a variety of trails that are open to walkers, bikers and horseback riders, the park is a particularly popular hotspot for amateur bird enthusiasts. Here they can catch a glimpse or two of some of the rare and reclusive birds that call the area home. Especially during the summer months, the combination of heat and humidity in much of the Sunshine State can be hard to bear. For those traveling with children, splash parks are perfect cool-off destinations. North Port’s Atwater Community Park is just such a place and features all the water-related activities you would expect. It has been known to keep kids engaged for hours. For parents who would rather watch from a safe distance without getting wet, there are seating areas nearby. Some guests have claimed there was not enough shade, so consider taking a pair of sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and some sunblock. Community performing arts centers are great places to get out of the harsh elements, support the local economy, and expose yourself to performing arts you might not otherwise have access. Featuring a wide variety of concerts – from band and symphony to choral – the North Port Performing Arts Association offers nearly 20 annual events. It is possible to buy tickets individually or for the entire season. Their state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, the auditorium has nearly 1,000 seats, is fully handicap accessible, and has been open for almost two decades.

Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

West Coast Auction Company

For adventurous travelers interested in experiencing something different, checking out an estate auction at West Coast Auction Company would be a great way to do just that. As one of the largest and most successful auction houses in the area, West Coast specializes in business and estate liquidations. They also hold regularly scheduled auctions that are open to dealers, collectors, and the public. Estate auction items often include art, jewelry, housewares, electronics, and sports equipment. Like shopping at antique stores and flea markets, there may just be a rare treasure or two and honestly, that is half the fun.

Address: 1001 Corporate Ave, North Port, FL 34289

Warm Mineral Springs

Warm Mineral Springs may not be the Fountain of Youth sought by Spanish explorers in centuries past, but according to many who have submerged themselves in its therapeutic waters, it is darn close. In addition to its relaxing atmosphere and stress-relieving waters, the springs have a fascinating geological history that many guests find intriguing. A few skeptics have claimed that it is all hype, and that you are better off taking a dunk in a hotel hot tub, but they are in the minority. Though not the cheapest attraction in town, it is a local icon that is worth a look. An admission tickets are good for the entire day.

Address: 12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL 34287

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a popular local attraction that consists of thousands of objects of art from the medieval, Renaissance, and classical Greek and Roman eras. If you recognized the name, most likely you will not be surprised to learn that the facility is named after one of the founders of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In addition to original and reproduction art, there are a variety of architecturally unique buildings, beautiful grounds, and gardens as well. Amenities include gift shops and a café, and guided tours. Once the private gardens of an amateur gardener, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have been open to the public for nearly a half-century. They feature thousands of varieties of plants, trees, and flowers spread throughout many distinct gardens and greenhouses. The gardens are known for their serene atmosphere and stunning views. For those traveling with children, the rainforest and butterfly gardens are particular favorites, and many come just to see the fantastic collection of exotics, like orchids and banyan trees. The gardens are open daily and feature a café and tearoom.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Sarasota National Cemetery

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Sarasota National Cemetery is comprised of nearly 300 acres that is the final resting place for many of the state’s veterans. One of the most notable destinations in the area, it has been open to the public for more than 15 years. The cemetery is free to visit and often holds military funeral services which are quite sobering and awe inducing spectacles to behold, especially for those who have never seen one. The cemetery features an amphitheater displaying a variety of veteran-created and military-themed works, and free guided tours are available at 10:00 AM on most Tuesdays.

Address: 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery – Cape Spirits Inc.

Though it’s only been open for a few years, Wicked Dolphin Distillery located in Cape Coral hasn’t wasted any time creating a name for itself by producing some of the most drinkable and sought after small-batch rums anywhere in the gulf area. Their products are made with Florida-grown sugarcane. In their short time, they have garnered quite a following – and won some notable awards as well. For those interested in learning about the distilling process, guided tours are available, but you will need to call or book your reservation online in advance. Distillery tours and tastings are perfect adult-only activities for those who left the kids with a babysitter or hotel staff, whatever, hey, we aren’t here to judge! By their very nature, boats must repel water in order to float. On the contrary, cardboard absorbs water like a sponge and rapidly deteriorates when submitted into water. That mind-bending conundrum is what makes the Cape Coral Cardboard Boat Regatta such a rip-roaringly hilarious and family-friendly event. So, go get the kids, and head on down! Normally held in April when the Florida weather is about as perfect as it can get, the regatta is open to family, school, church, and business teams who want to try their hand at amateur nautical engineering. The Regatta includes a variety of other activities and events as well and is known for its tasty food and all-around festive atmosphere. Florida is perfect for a variety of butterfly species, and for those visiting the North Port area, there is no better place to see them in all their magnificence than the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden. Most of the garden’s occupants grow and develop through their many different life-cycle stages before being released into the wild, and many guests find that learning about their lives was just as appealing as experiencing their beauty.

Address: 131 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33991