Anna Maria Island Hotels, Inns & Resorts

Marie Selby Bontanical Gardens 811 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota 941-366-5731 • A spectacular orchid center with tropical display house, garden, ground and boardwalk by the bay. More than 20,000 exotic tropical plants.

Mote Marine Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island 941-388-2451 • Explore the wonders of the sea at the 135,000 gallon shark exhibit, touch pools with Rays and sea creatures. See a preserved giant squid and visit with manatees, sea turtles and more.

SAVE OUR SEABIRDS, INC. 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Fl. 941-388-3010 • Florida's largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, the sanctuary rescues more than 4,000 birds, mammals and reptiles each year. Visit the sanctuary or explore Sarasota's natural beauty aboard the 40 foot pontoon Peli Boat.

G.WIZ – Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone 1001 Blvd. Of the Arts, Sarasota 941-309-4949 • State-of–the-art science and technology museum featuring an array of interactive, hands-on exhibits designed for all ages.

Myakka River State Park 13207 S.R 72, Sarasota 941-361-6511 • Florida's largest state park. See alligators, some of the 200 species of birds, deer, feral pigs and bobcats. Nature trails, observation decks and airboat tours.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-355-6228 • See more than 100 classic cars spanning more than 100 years. Featured are extremely rare vintage autos, limited production classics, racy muscle cars and breathtaking exotics.

Cortez Watercraft Rentals 4328 127th Street West, Cortez 941-792-5263 • Enjoy the Bradenton area waterways. Rentals available from WaveRunners, jet skis, pontoon and fishing boats and parasailing.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota 941-355-5305 • A "Natural Environment" attraction with bird and reptile shows daily. Beautiful gardens with cool jungle trails that wind through lush tropical vegetation, thousands of palms, tropical flowers, exotic birds and animal exhibits.

Backyard Bike Shop 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 383-5184 • Bike and Kayak rentals with free delivery and pickup.

Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures Call David Wells 941-504-6296 • Guided Kayak tours for every taste and ability – beginner to advanced. All tours include kayaking equipment, safety gear, lessons and transportation.

Cannons Marina 6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 941-383-1311 • Boat rentals and sales. Cannons Marina offers the newest and largest fleet of rental boats on Sarasota Bay for fishing, skiing and cruising fun. Tackle and water skis also available for rent.

Sea Trek Divers 105 7th Street North, Bradenton Beach 941-779-1506 • Scuba Diving instruction and equipment rentals. One and two tank charters also available. Across the street from the Wreck of the Regina (aka the Sugar Barge).

Please help yourself to the free literature and flyers available in our resort office for additional information about these and many other places of interest in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Bicycle Riding on Longboat Key

Bicycling on Longboat Key is a great way to enjoy our fabulous year-round warm weather. It is possible to ride for miles on flat ground over trails, quaint neighborhoods and bike-friendly byways.

There are many different spots to explore on Longboat Key. Across from the Diplomat, you can bike behind condo units and along the bay, enjoying great views, boat docks, and interesting surprises behind several buildings. To the North, is the charming Joan M. Durante Park which is has numerous walkways that wind toward the Bay through green areas abounding with flowers and shade trees.

Bike riding is a great way to see things around our wonderful community. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch or pick one up at Harry’s Deli and enjoy the ride for the day. We will see you at the Diplomat for a refreshing dip in the pool when you return.

VIA I-75 NORTH FROM NAPLES AREA: Take Exit #210 onto Fruitville Road West. Follow Fruitville Road West until it dead-ends at U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail. Turn Left, South, onto Tamiami Trail, staying in the Right lane. Turn Right at the traffic signal onto Gulf Stream Blvd. Cross the bridges into St. Armand’s Circle. Stay in the Right lane at the Circle taking the first spoke turning Right onto Rt.789 North (John Ringling Parkway). Follow Rt.789 North across the Drawbridge onto Longboat Key. On Longboat Key, Rt.789 is Gulf of Mexico Drive. The Diplomat is approx. 6 Miles North, on the Left at 3155 Gulf Of Mexico Drive.

VIA I-275 FROM TAMPA AIRPORT Take I-275 South toward St. Petersburg. (34 miles) Cross Skyway Bridge (Toll). Merge onto US-19S via Exit 5 toward Palmetto/Bradenton. (3.2 miles) Slight Right onto US-41 S/FL-45. Turn Right at Manatee Ave W./FL-64 W. towards beaches. Continue 8.4 miles. At the traffic signal turn Left onto Rt.789 South (East Bay Drive) Continue onto Longboat Key. Rt. 789 becomes Gulf of Mexico Dr. (8.0 miles) Turn right into THE DIPLOMAT at 3155 Gulf of Mexico Drive.