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.
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.
Ed Smith Stadium
Catch an event at Ed Smith Stadium during your trip to Sarasota. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Activities
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Sarasota
Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota
Our pick of the best Gillespie Park Hotel Deals
Kompose Boutique Hotel
First time staying here and very impressed!
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Tropical Beach Resorts
AC worked great
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Great Hotel I stayed sunday to tuesday was very calm night beautiful pool and breakfast My bedroom was looking to the marina a very relaxing place i recommend it 100%
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Carlisle Inn
I will definitely stay here again. Breakfast until 10:30! Great hotel
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
The room well looked after & the staff were joy to talk with
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
Room was very clean. Walkable location. The kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, and dishes. The full size fridge was a pleasant surprise. The heated pool was not very warm. The hot water ran out in the room during the 1st shower- wasn't expected a cool shower after the pool. Despite the hot ...
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
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 Sarasota Art Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
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.
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.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sarasota Art Museum and Lido Beach.
