Longboat to the north has a fine beach but there are few points of public access. Golf Downtown Sarasota was laid out by a Scottish development company. Today, Sarasota and Manatee counties have more than 35 courses, about 20 of them open to the public. Fishing Gulf and bay offer good fishing. Get it at area K-Marts, or at bait and tackle shops.
Prices vary widely, shop around.
The experienced guides and captains are usually members of the Florida Conservation Association. Shopping St. Armands Circle offers the latest in high fashion and novel gifts. Go S on the Trail, turn right on S.R. 780 west, at the Holiday Inn. Window shopping around the Circle is a must. The big mall, Sarasota Square, is over 10 miles S of College, on the Trail.