Azulet's Musing: Beach in December

Beaches
//Siesta Key (Dr Beach’s 2011 America’s Best Beach #1)
//Crescent Beach (in our resort’s backyard)

//Lido Beach (by St Armand’s Circle)
//Venice Beach (south of Sarasota). Sand is not as white but this beach wins for the beautiful seashells and quiet surroundings. Also check out the local shops in Venice.
//Note: for those of you used to paying for parking and beach admission, all Sarasota beaches are free. if you go during weekend summer you may have to fight for parking but otherwise it was very easy to find a spot and then walk to the beach. I suggest checking out more than one beach to see if you have a favorite. I really loved Crescent Beach, especially sunset and the early morning hours.

Fun
//beach biking
http://siestasportsrentals.com/
We rented some beach cruisers (bikes that have tires fit for beach riding) and road all the way north to Siesta Village and back. I would recommend biking in the morning. Prices were quite reasonable, if I stayed longer and didn’t have a car I probably would just rent a bike and go around town on bike.

//mote marine
http://www.mote.org/
The main event is obviously manatee but be sure to check out their new penguin exhibit as well as sharks and stingrays!

//Tampa Lowry Park Zoo
http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/
more animals here. I enjoyed the pathways and the attention to detail they put into every part of the zoo. it seems they also have a few Christmas lights events at night in Dec which would be cool to check out. don’t forget to say hello to Flamingos!