A new marine science destination is making waves in Sarasota, promising to transform how Floridians of all ages engage with ocean life.
With immersive exhibits, cutting-edge research, and habitats for creatures ranging from manatees to penguins, the Mote Science Education Aquarium is more than just an aquarium — it’s a launchpad for discovery.
Located at Nathan Benderson Park near the popular University Town Center shopping and dining district — along the Sarasota-Manatee county line and highly visible to travelers on Interstate 75 — the sprawling campus will soon welcome guests eager to explore its 146,000 square feet of aquatic wonders.
But this isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about education, conservation, and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
When does the new Mote Aquarium in Sarasota open?
After nearly a year of delays caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Mote Science Education Aquarium — known as Mote SEA — is preparing to open its doors. The transition from the old City Island location began in July, with animals undergoing 30–90 day quarantines on City Island or at Mote’s Aquaculture Research Park. The new facility features authentic habitats, including a massive manatee tank, and homes for species like the giant Pacific octopus, river otters, and more than a dozen sharks.
What makes Mote SEA different from other aquariums?
Mote SEA isn’t just a place to see marine life – it’s a hub for paradigm-shifting research and hands-on learning. According to Mote President & CEO Michael Crosby, the aquarium is designed to foster “transformative learning and discovery,” changing how visitors think about oceans, conservation, and sustainability. Guests, schoolchildren, and adult learners will find expanded opportunities for citizen science and marine education, making this a statewide resource for both fun and knowledge.
Where can you eat, drink, stay and play near the new Mote Aquarium?
If you’re visiting from outside Sarasota and Manatee counties – or you’re a local who loves a staycation – consider booking a room at a nearby hotel such as Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota Lakewood Ranch. It’s located within walking distance of both Mote SEA and the Mall at University Town Center, as well as many of the restaurants that surround the mall in the greater UTC area. In fact, it’s just across the parking lot from the popular gourmet burger and craft beer destination Ford’s Garage.
UTC offers a multitude of dining options, both inside the mall – which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary – and in the adjacent districts just steps away. We recently counted about 75 restaurants. To help narrow it down, here are our picks for the 10 best UTC restaurants, ranging from fancy to casual:
Inside the mall, The Capital Grille delivers upscale steakhouse classics like filet mignon and calamari in a refined setting. Just outside, Ford’s Garage revs up the fun with burgers and wings in a vintage auto-themed space, while JPAN Sushi & Grill serves fresh sushi and Korean fried chicken with views of UTC’s upcoming holiday light shows. Rocco’s Tacos brings bold flavors and over 300 tequilas to a lively, mural-filled patio, and Selva Grill elevates Peruvian cuisine with artful ceviche and steaks that even earned praise from The New York Times.
For fast-casual options, Shake Shack offers its famous Angus beef burgers and seasonal shakes, while Naked Farmer focuses on locally sourced, farm-fresh plates like surf and turf and Thanksgiving specials. Pura Vida Miami shines with all-day breakfast and wellness-forward dishes like the Perfect Egg Sandwich and Vitamin Sea smoothie. Sweet tooth? Crumbl Cookies tempts with warm, gooey creations in rotating flavors, served in their signature pink box. And for beer lovers and sports fans, Yard House boasts 130 draft taps and a massive menu, with standouts like the Thai Grilled Pork Chop and Vampire Taco.
Looking for something fun to do with the family in addition to visiting Mote? Check out PopStroke, where you can play mini-golf and then enjoy the full-service restaurant and bar.
And don’t forget, Mote SEA sits right at Nathan Benderson Park, home to a 400-acre lake that hosts everything from world-class rowing to laid-back kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. You can also stretch your legs on the 3.5-mile paved trail, pack a picnic, or just bring the pups for a walk.
If you go
Mote Science Education Aquarium is at 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The grand opening for the new Mote Science Education Aquarium will be Oct. 8, with current Mote members able to preview the aquarium Oct. 6 and 7. For more information, visit mote.org.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida’s newest aquarium is making waves — here’s what to know before you go
Reporting by Earle Kimel and Wade Tatangelo, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
