A: Sarasota is renowned for its beautiful white-sand beaches, particularly Siesta Key Beach, which is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. It's also known for its arts and culture scene, including the Ringling Museum, and its natural beauty, like Myakka River State Park.

A: The drive from Sarasota to Tampa is typically about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

A: Siesta Key Beach is arguably the most famous, known for its powdery quartz sand. However, Lido Key Beach and Longboat Key Beach are also highly regarded for their beauty and less crowded atmosphere.

A: Yes, alligators are native to Florida and can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Sarasota, including Myakka River State Park and some canals and lakes. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and practice alligator safety.

A: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a complex that includes an art museum with a significant collection of European paintings (including Rubens), the Circus Museum, Ca' d'Zan (the Ringling's mansion), and beautiful gardens.

A: Sarasota has a subtropical climate with warm, sunny weather for most of the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry.

A: St. Armands Circle is a charming shopping and dining district located on Lido Key, known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.