When you plan a vacation to Siesta Key, you’re probably searching for activities and attractions that the entire family can enjoy. Well, just down the road in Sarasota, you’ll find some of the best family-friendly attractions around, including the incredibly popular Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium!
This destination is well-loved both with the locals and with visitors at the nearby Siesta Key beach hotels, and for a good reason. The whole family can come and learn about the local marine life and explore the steps we can take to ensure these creatures have a safe and healthy habitat for years to come. We’ve compiled your ultimate guide of everything you’ll want to know before visiting the Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium.
About
The Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium is a two-fold operation aiming to entertain and educate the Sarasota area’s visitors and locals. The facility began as a small one-room lab and now includes more than 20 marine research programs! Mote originally opened in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory and was later renamed for William R. Mote, a significant benefactor to the lab.
You can come to Mote and get face-to-face with some of the area’s most stunning marine creatures. Additionally, the lab serves as an educational facility where researchers can learn more about the area’s animals and discover how to protect them best and help them thrive.
What Animals Are in the Aquarium?
More than 100 species of marine animals are currently living in the Mote Aquarium so that you can discover something new around every corner! Spend your day gazing into the 135,000-gallon shark habitat or meeting the sea turtles and manatees. You can also check out otters, crocodiles, alligators, stingrays, and more!
In addition to the standing exhibits, this Sarasota aquarium also holds various events for visitors to participate in. They have special discussions, lectures, and activities throughout the year, and the calendar on their website is continuously updated with the latest happenings. Whether you’re interested in an event for your kids or teens or you’re looking for something the whole family can get in on, they’ve got it all!
How Long Does It Take?
Before visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium, many people wonder how long they should set aside to make the most of their visit. The good news is that this is entirely up to you! It is probably best to set aside at least a couple of hours to enjoy all of the exhibits to their fullest, but you can plan according to your schedule.
One good thing about this Sarasota attraction is your visit can be completely independent of the weather. All of the exhibits can be viewed from covered spaces, so you don’t have to worry about getting rained out. This attraction is a great indoor activity if you’re trying to escape the heat as well!
Research & Education
The MOTE is dedicated to consistent research and education. Their research programs span everything from marine and freshwater aquaculture to ocean technology, marine biogeochemistry, sea turtle conservation, and research, and more. Recently, Mote has broken ground on a new Mote Science Education Aquarium (or Mote SEA) located at Nathan Benderson Park. This facility will bring marine education to even the youngest of learners and is expected to open in the winter of 2022 or the spring of 2023.
Mote offers education courses for learners of all ages, from the tiniest tots up to adults. From field trips and Mommy and Me classes to virtual learning programs, internships, and more, Mote has made it clear that they’re passionate about spreading marine education as far and wide as they can.
General Information
Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. They are open daily, 365 days per year, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your admission fee will allow you to access both the main aquarium and exhibits within the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.
Adult admission (for those 13 and older) is $24. Youth (ages 3-12) enter for $18, while children two and under get in for free! On Veteran’s Day each year, all veterans and military dependents can enter for free with valid IDs. Groups of 10+ people can also take advantage of special group rates.
Where to Eat
If you get hungry after your visit, you don’t even have to leave the property to get a great meal! The Deep Sea Diner is an incredible eatery right on site. This ’50’s style diner provides a welcoming retro atmosphere with some delicious and affordable meal options. The menu features American classics like burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. Pair your main dish with a side of fries or onion rings, and you’ve got a complete meal at an unbeatable price!
There are also several excellent restaurants nearby if you decide you’re in the mood for something else. The Old Salty Dog offers classic British pub food, while the New Pass Grill & Bait Shop serves up delicious subs and burgers while also providing everything you need for an afternoon fishing trip! You can also make the quick drive to Longboat Key to experience fine dining at Chart House or grab a delectable waterfront meal at the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Once you’re done at Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, you don’t have to head back to your Siesta Key hotel right away! There’s plenty more to discover in Sarasota. You can spend some time outdoors exploring Ken Thompson Park or drive over to St. Armands Key to get your shopping done.
Other popular attractions in the Sarasota area include the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Sarasota Opera House, the Sarasota Art Museum, and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Whether you want to explore nature, see a show, dine on some delicious seafood, or head to the beach for some fun in the sun, you can find it all within minutes of this attraction.
How Long to Get There from the Tropical Breeze Resort?
It takes just half an hour to reach the MOTE from our accommodations here at Tropical Breeze Resort, and it’s quite an easy drive! Start by taking Columbus Boulevard to Ocean Boulevard, then follow this road as it becomes Higel Avenue. You’ll then continue onto Siesta Drive and make your way to Gulf Stream, which turns into John Ringling Causeway and then John Ringling Boulevard.
Once you reach St. Armands Circle, you’ll take the first exit onto North Boulevard of the Presidents, then continue onto Ken Thompson Parkway to reach your final desination, which will appear on your right. All in all, it’s just a 10-mile journey!
The Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium is one of the “must-see” attractions when you’re in the area, so make sure to carve out the time for a visit! Between exploring Mote and embarking on other exciting adventures like dolphin tours, watersports, shopping, and more, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay to relax with your loved ones. Tropical Breeze is proud to be the premier Siesta Key resort, providing luxurious accommodations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Siesta Key Resort
Ready to plan your dream getaway to Sarasota and Siesta Key? Contact us today to get started! Unlike traditional Siesta Key hotels, you can choose the room that’s right for you and we offer dog-friendly accommodations.
