Gillespie Park Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Gillespie Park
Popular places to visit
Lido Beach
Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Lido Beach, a popular beach in Sarasota. Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
St. Armands Circle
Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.
Mall at University Town Center
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall at University Town Center during your trip to Sarasota. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
See hungry sharks and delicate seahorses at this research aquarium that specializes in the sea life that flourishes on Florida’s central west coastline.
Nathan Benderson Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Nathan Benderson Park, a lovely green space in Sarasota. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
You can spend time exploring the galleries in John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Activities
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen?
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota
Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota
Our pick of the best Gillespie Park Hotel Deals
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Kompose hotel was very nice. Rooms are basic but comfortable with everything you need. No drawers or closets but plenty of shelves. Bed was very comfortable. We did not use the pool. We did have breakfast 2 mornings and it was fine. I did like they offered plenty of cereals. While most hotels only ...
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
I didnt use the pool or wifi but our room was clean and comfortable. Beds were very comfortable and towels were very soft.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Beautiful beach area. Rooms are simple but the new pool and proximity to beach was just what we were looking for. We will definitely return next year.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Great quiet location. Close to Anna Marie Island. Pool is awesome. All grounds immaculate. Staff friendly and helpful. Walking paths close by. Large breakfast buffet with variety of hot and cold options. We had a Marina view room so relaxing to sit on balcony and watch the boats cone and go. Highly ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
The room was very clean, comfortable and very close to the beach. Our unit was not near the pool so we didn't use that amenity. Check-in was very easy.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Carlisle Inn
Overall a well maintained hotel with a very helpfull staff. No hesitation to recommend it to other travelers.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Gillespie Park
Central Sarasota
Gardens, art galleries and theatres highlight some of the noteworthy features of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Downtown Sarasota
While visiting Downtown Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota.
Arlington Park
Though Arlington Park may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Marina Jack.
Bird Key
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bird Key and surrounding area, you can visit St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach.
Indian Beach Sapphire Shores
While visiting Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, you might make a stop by sights like Sarasota Jungle Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
North Sarasota
While North Sarasota isn't home to many top sights, Ed Smith Stadium and Sarasota Jungle Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
