Gillespie Park Travel Guide
Sarasota
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour
Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour
Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Amish Experience Trolley Tour: Bridges to Understanding
Top hotels in Gillespie Park
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Everything was good! As pictured! I was a little sad that sauna was extra and only open until 9 pm but with such a low price for the hotel I guess I should have expected it!
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Super good people, fun stay.
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Tropical Beach Resorts
Great location, loved the access to the beautiful beach & pools! Room was clean & the bed was very comfortable!
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Staff were amazing, food was also good. Rooms were clean. I would definitely go back.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Lido Beach Resort
Nice clean rooms
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway
Front desk was very professional even during the morning breakfast rush. The were short handed on kitchen staff. They managed the whole operation with a wonderful customer first attitude. I can’t remember there names!
Reviewed on 16 Feb 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.
