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Gamble Plantation Historic State Park features the oldest structure on the southeastern coast of Florida. Gamble Plantation is a good example of an antebellum plantation home, and was constructed over a six year period - beggining in 1840 - by Major Robert Gamble. Guests are welcome to explore the plantation grounds on their own, and guided tours of the home are provided. Inside, it features an extensive collection of 19th century furniture. It is the only antebellum plantation home that survives in the area.
Address: 3708 Patten Ave. Ellenton FL 34222-2152
 1 941 723-4536
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There are a myriad of recreational activities offered at Oscar Scherer State Park, with camping being the main draw. This area is also rich in cultural and natural history, giving visitors an idea of how Florida matured into the state that it is today.
Address: 1843 South Tamiami Trail Osprey FL USA 34229
1 941 483-5956
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Myakka River State Park is a bird watchers paradise, and there is a park interpreter on hand from 9am-1pm, Monday-Friday to help in avian identification. A visitor center can also aid guests in knowing what to look for while they explore this Florida park.
Address: 13207 State Route 72 Sarasota FL USA 34241
1 941 361-6511
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The Mote Marine Aquarium includes such exhibits as a touch tank, an interactive sea cinema, a manatee exhibit, a sea turtle exhibit and a shark tank.
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota FL 34236-1004
 Send an Email (3) 1 941 388-4441
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This park encompasses a large area including the 2400 acres that the reservoir covers. Fishing, boating, camping, relaxing and other activities can be enjoyed here.
Address: 20007 Hwy 64 East Bradenton FL USA 34202
1 941 741-3028
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens features, among other highlights, a collection of over 6, 000 living orchids. Over 20, 000 exotic plants are also here, many of which were obtained in the wild. A bamboo pavillion, hummingbird and butterfly garden, fernery, palm grove, waterfall garden, and more are also open for guests to visits. Native plants are also examined here as well. Many special events are held here throughout the year.
Address: 811 S. Palm Ave Sarasota FL 34236
Send an Email 1 941 366-5731
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Sarasota Jungle Gardens features winding pathways through 10-acres of jungle habitat including palms, shrubs and plants. Some of the other attractions include the Flamingo Lagoon, leopards, alligators, cockatoos and plenty of other jungle wildlife.
Address: 3701 Bayshore Road Sarasota FL 34234-5211
Send an Email (3) 1 941 355-1112
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Gasparilla Island State Park is the home of the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum, commemorating the beacons that kept sailors from running aground. Tarpon fishing is also a major draw for visitors to Gasparilla Island; these dinosaur-like fish migrate along Boca Grande to deep water every spring, giving anglers an exellent chance at catching one of the "silver kings" of the sea.
Address: P.O. Box 1150 Boca Grande FL USA 33921
1 941 964-0375
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This park contains a wealth of historical artifacts that help to explain how life was lived in early Florida. It is illegal to remove artifacts from a state park, and in order to preserve the natural environment, warning signs and fences have not been put up in some areas. For these reasons, it is requested that children are supervised at all times.
Address: 3708 Patten Avenue Ellenton FL USA 34222
1 941 723-4536
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Cayo Costa State Park is located on a barrier island that is only accessible by boat. Camping is available here, either in cabins or tents, and recreational activities include shelling, hiking, fishing and swimming. It is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, and cabins must be reserved 11 months in advance.
Address: Cayo Costa State Park Boca Grande FL 33921
1 941 964-0375
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Located on the southern tip of Manasota Key, Peterson Island and Whidden Island, Stump Pass Beach State Park provides a venue for year-round swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing and shell collecting are other well-liked activities here. Located in the town of Englewood, FL.
Address: P.O. Box 1150 Boca Grande FL USA 33921
1 941 964-0375
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South Florida Museum and Parker Manatee Aquarium features the oldest manatee that was born in captivity. The museum examines the history of south Florida, from prehistoric ages to the present day. Among the displays are life-sized diaramas of Native American life. Replicas of 16th century buildings are also here.
Address: 201 10th St. W Sarasota FL 34205
Send an Email (4) 1 941 746-4131
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Accessible only by boat or ferry, Don Pedro Island is situated off the coast of Cape Haze. This island has approximately one mile of beach, in addition to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Address: P.O. Box 1150 Boca Grande FL USA 33921
1 941 964-0375
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