Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Sarasota, Florida!

The Ringling

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Visit to The Ringling, Sarasota, Florida

Morning: Arrival and Museum of Art

Start your day at the historic Ringling estate, the crown jewel of Sarasota"s cultural landscape. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available near the entrance, and all buildings are equipped with ramps and elevators. Begin at the Museum of Art, where you can explore John and Mable Ringling’s phenomenal collection of European, American, and Asian art. The museum is fully accessible, with spacious galleries that ensure easy navigation for wheelchair users.

Interesting Fact: The Museum of Art was initially John Ringling"s pride and joy, intended to make Sarasota the cultural capital of Florida.

Midday: Break and Bayfront Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the on-site Muse at The Ringling cafe, which is accessible and offers stunning views of the grounds. Afterwards, head to the Bayfront Gardens. Paved paths wind through the lush landscape, making it easy to explore the Dwarf Garden, the Rose Garden, and Mable’s Secret Garden in a wheelchair or on a scooter.

Interesting Fact: Mable Ringling was an avid gardener. The Rose Garden is modeled after a traditional Italian circular garden.

Afternoon: Circus Museum and Tibbals Learning Center

After lunch, visit the Circus Museum. It houses an intriguing collection of wagons, costumes, and props, celebrating the rich history of the American circus. The Tibbals Learning Center features a miniature circus that is both detailed and enchanting. The building and exhibits are fully accessible, designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of the circus.

Interesting Fact: The Howard Bros. Circus Model in the Tibbals Learning Center is the world’s largest miniature circus, created over a span of 50 years.

Late Afternoon: Departure

Conclude your visit by browsing through the gift shop, accessible and stocked with unique souvenirs from your day at The Ringling. As you leave, take the scenic route out to enjoy more of the estate"s stunning architecture and waterfront views.

Planning Tip: Be sure to check The Ringling’s website for any accessibility updates or to reserve a wheelchair if needed before your visit.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Why Visit?

Explore the Wonders of Marine Life at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: A Wheelchair-Friendly Itinerary

Embark on an inspiring underwater journey tailored for wheelchair and mobile scooter users at the renowned Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. This facility is not only a hub for extensive marine research but also an accessible gateway to the aquatic world, making it perfect for all visitors.

Getting There

Located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is easily accessed via car with ample accessible parking available onsite. From downtown Sarasota, take the John Ringling Blvd (SR 789) to Ken Thompson Parkway, which leads directly to the Aquarium. Public transport options are limited, so driving or a taxi is recommended for convenience.

Your Visit Starts

Upon arrival, head to the accessible entrance where you can find wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge. Begin your tour by exploring the "Aquarium Galleries," which showcase a variety of marine habitats from around the world, all viewable from wheelchair-friendly paths and viewing areas.

Don"t Miss These Exhibits

1. Shark Zone: Marvel at the awe-inspiring sharks and learn about Mote"s shark research programs. The large, wide tanks ensure unobstructed views.

2. Otters & Their Waters: Enjoy the playful antics of North American river otters in an exhibit designed for easy viewing.

3. Coral Reefs: Discover vibrant coral ecosystems and their inhabitants, highlighted through accessible interpretive panels.

Interactive Touch Pools

Engage with sea creatures in the touch pools, which are designed for accessibility, allowing you to feel starfish and other friendly marine life.

Ending Your Visit

Round off your visit at the Deep Sea Diner, which offers wheelchair-friendly seating. Relish a meal while soaking in the views of Sarasota Bay.

Each path at the Aquarium is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all visitors. Enjoy your aquatic adventure where learning and accessibility go hand-in-hand!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Why Visit?

Exploring Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A Wheelchair-Friendly Guide

Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers an accessible oasis that promises a seamless experience for those on wheels. Start your journey by arriving at the main entrance, where handicapped parking spots are conveniently located near the welcome center. The garden paths are wheelchair-friendly, with flat, wide pathways that make navigation a breeze.

Begin your tour at the Tropical Conservatory, the only greenhouse at Selby Gardens that is accessible via a ramp. Here, you"ll be greeted by a stunning array of tropical plants. The vibrant orchids and delicate air plants are not only a feast for the eyes but also integral to the garden"s research in epiphytes.

Next, make your way to the Banyan Groves, where majestic banyans create a shaded canopy. These trees, with their impressive aerial roots, are not just photogenic; they"re vital to the ecosystem, supporting various wildlife species.

Roll along to the Mangrove Bayou Walkway, a boardwalk that winds through the mangroves right up to Sarasota Bay. The boardwalk is smooth and stable, making it easy for wheelchairs and scooters to glide over. As you travel through this area, look out for the interpretive signs detailing the importance of mangroves in coastal protection.

Don"t miss the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, accessible by an elevator. It"s designed with hanging bridges and a waterfall, offering a sensory-rich experience.

Cap off your visit at the on-site café, which has accessible tables and stunning views of the gardens. It’s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the beauty you’ve explored.

Every path at Selby Gardens has been thoughtfully designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility, can explore and enjoy nature’s wonders. With these accessible features, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens ensures a delightful visit for all, making it a must-see destination in Sarasota.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.