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
I just found it very rude that the hallways smelled like dirty wet carpet. Please do better, other than that. I loved the hotel and my room.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Staff was amazing so was the tiki bar
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Wonderful and quiet location. Access to the beach was very convenient. Resort-only pool was warm and clean. Check-in and out were speedy and efficient. Room was very clean and spacious.
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Was very enjoyable! Great pool! Great staff! Loved it! Will be going back again!
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Azul Resort Siesta Key
Very comfy and relaxing stay. Staff were awesome
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Place was not that nice for a Hilton property, was just basically a motel with a pool and EXPENSIVE bar
Reviewed on 12 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.
