Visit USF

Sarasota-Manatee Campus Tours

The main University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus building.

Get to know USF's Sarasota-Manatee campus, which feels just like visiting your beloved hometown. Take a tour that will introduce you to the personalized programs you'll find at this scenic setting along Sarasota Bay.


WINTER BREAK NOTICE

The University of South Florida, including the Office of Campus Visitation, will be closed for winter break from Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3. 

Guided tours will not be available during this time, but we encourage you to explore the virtual tour options on this page. We look forward to hosting you on campus when we return. Happy Holidays!

Student-Led Campus Tours

Our student-led tours give you an up-close view of our academic facilities and programs, recreational amenities and other points of pride. In addition, you will hear from current students about what life is really like on our dynamic Sarasota-Manatee campus!
 
Your tour includes an information session presented by an Office of Admissions professional, where you’ll get an overview of the university, admission requirements, scholarships and campus life.
 
Before scheduling a visit, please keep the following in mind:

  • Dates: Tour space is limited to provide our guests with a positive experience. Please have a few dates in mind before making your reservation in case your first choice is not available.
  • Academic calendar: To get the best feel for the Sarasota-Manatee campus, check our academic calendar and visit when there are students on campus attending classes. Campus visits are not offered during university holidays.
  • International students: Please send us an email to add a meeting with an International Admissions Advisor to your tour.
  • Weather: The Sarasota-Manatee campus is located in a subtropical climate, and our tours are held outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and temperature-appropriate clothing. And don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated! It can get hot in Sarasota, especially on a walking tour of campus.

Register Now

Group Tours (10+ Students)

Customize a tour of the Sarasota-Manatee campus for your group today! Whether you want to take a quick tour of campus, take advantage of our campus dining, participate in interactive college-preparation games or just get to know our campus community, we are here to provide a great visit. These visits are comprised of groups of 10-100 students.
 
To ensure all group visits are coordinated effectively, we ask that requests be submitted at least three weeks prior to the week you intend to visit.

Submit Request

If you have questions about scheduling a group tour, please send us an email at visit-sm@usf.edu

Virtual Tours

Explore USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus online – from anywhere! Led by student guides, our virtual tour offers you 360-degree panoramic views of our beautiful campus located on Sarasota Bay.
 
Picture yourself in our state-of-the-art student center. Discover the exciting, hands-on learning at Mote Marine Laboratory and Bloomberg Lab. Imagine yourself stretched out in a hammock under the Florida sun – in February! It all starts with one click.

Start Tour

Disability Accommodations

Please contact the tour staff at 941-359-4200 or send us an email at least five working days in advance for mobility assistance, visual impairment assistance, or American Sign Language interpreting. 
 
USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution and therefore complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and all other federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability or handicap.

Directions to Campus

Address
USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus
8350 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
Campus Map
 
From I-75

  • Take 1-75 to University Parkway, Exit 213W.
  • Go west on University Parkway for approximately 6.5 miles to US-41 (Tamiami Trail).
  • Turn right onto US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and head north for approximately 0.5 mile.
  • The Sarasota-Manatee campus will be on your left.

From US-41

  • The Sarasota-Manatee campus of USF is located one mile north of University Parkway in North Sarasota, across the street from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Parking on Campus

You may use reserved visitor spaces, or if your length of stay will exceed the time limitations of the visitor space, you may secure a temporary visitor permit from the Parking Services Department or the receptionist.
 
Temporary Visitor Permits may be obtained at no charge from USF Department Office Managers, at the USF Parking Services Office or at the Reception Desk. Temporary Visitor Permits may not be used in visitor spaces.

Disabled guests may park in any disabled space on campus with an appropriate state disabled placard/license plate and a valid temporary visitor permit. Both the disabled placard/license plate and USF temporary visitor permit must be visibly displayed.

Hotels and Accommodations

If you're visiting from out of town, there are a number of convenient hotels located near our Sarasota-Manatee campus. This is not a comprehensive list, so visitors are encouraged to search for other hotels near the campus they are visiting.
 
Many of the hotels listed offer a special USF rate. If you choose one of these hotels, state that you are visiting the University of South Florida to access the special rate. Some also offer free shuttle service to the campus.

Hilton Garden Inn
8270 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243

Courtyard By Marriott
850 University Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34234

Residence Inn by Marriott
1040 University Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34234

Explore Sarasota (and Beyond)

One of the best parts of attending USF’S Sarasota-Manatee campus is our location. Our friendly campus on scenic Sarasota Bay is just south of the Tampa Bay region and is renowned for its world-class beaches, abundant nightlife and vibrant arts scene. USF offers something for everyone, from beach lovers to art aficionados. 
 
Download our Gulf Coast Visitor Guide to make the most of your trip and explore everything our Gulf Coast region has to offer, from sports to nature. 

Download Guide

Contact the Sarasota Manatee Campus

Have questions about life at USF or want to learn about visiting the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus? Contact our team!
Email: visit-sm@usf.edu
Phone: 941-359-4200