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

Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

90 Minute LED Illuminated Clear Kayak Night Adventure Tour
Our pick of the best Gillespie Park Hotel Deals

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
The bathroom shower funnels all over the floor. Towels were laid out all over the floor to prevent slipping.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Everything was amazing even the breakfast buffet!
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Very nice place-room layout was kind of weird with a slider that only covered the shower or the toilet, sink was in the main sleeping area. Were told housekeeping would only come if requested, we just requested fresh towels and they did not bring exchange them, we had to go ask for clean towels. ...
Reviewed on 1 May 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
BEWARE! The pictures you see of the beach are not what you get. We were there for four days and two of them, the seaweed was a foot high, hot and smelly and went into the water so you couldn’t just step over it. I told the front desk, they said I was the first person to mention it (I find that VERY ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026

Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Clean hotel, great customer service. Easy check in process. I did see little roaches in my room. Other than that very clean.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026

Lido Beach Resort
Beautiful Maids. Clean Rooms
Reviewed on 30 Apr 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 Lido Beach and South Lido Park.

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.
