17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Ride the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, shop at the nearby Siesta Key Village, join an e-bike tour along the beach, or rent a jet ski for a thrilling ride across the waters. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. Sarasota Attractions & Tours | Things to Do in Sarasota This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Stroll around the Circus Ring of Fame, which honours numerous circus performing legends and have a think about the level of vision and influence that John Ringling embodied. 3 Ca' d'Zan. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If bikes are your thing, the 600+-acre Robinson Preserve an hour away offers plenty of cycling trails going past mangroves, mud flats, and beautiful waterfront habitats. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces visitors from all over to bask in the sun, dip their feet in the sand, collect sea shells, and cool off in the refreshing ocean waters. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Not the 1850s. In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Throw into the mix almost a thousand natural springs, and Florida truly is a place with as much to explore both above water as below. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Sunset Celebration - John Ringling Causeway Bridge John Ringling Causeway Sarasota, FL 34236 Celebrate Sarasota's famously beautiful sunsets on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, a 1-km bridge going over Sarasota Bay and connecting the city to other Florida Keys. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. Founded in 1962 with the aim of supporting the local arts community, its success has led to several million dollars in grants and scholarships down the years, and it continues to play a crucial role in the Sarasota area, as well as providing visitors with a quirky retail experience. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. For a truly original activity, trekking through these stunning mangrove tunnels in South Lido Beach Nature Park, located a quick drive from central Sarasota, will be hard to beat. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. The Middle Ages was in many ways a dark and gruesome period in our history, but few would also deny that it also gave rise to some truly stunning art. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! 1. So what does this mean? Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Spring Guide to Things in Sarasota | Babcock Ranch Eco Tours Finding Unique Things To Do In Sarasota - My Cornacopia With a stay at this mid-range hotel, guests are given appealing accommodations, including complimentary continental breakfast, access to the palm-tree-lined outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Lets have a look in more detail. As well as being home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches, the city and surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! 2. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. 7+ Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids - Toddling Traveler 21 Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids (Fun Family Activities) This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. Annual passes are available. This is a great place to unwind. It sounds like a scavenger game is right up your street. 3. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxurious five-star resort settled perfectly in downtown Sarasota near attractions like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Opera House, and more. 100-plus fun things to do in February in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties February features some of the Sarasota and Bradenton area's biggest annual events, as well as festivals, concerts . Looking for fun, free things to do? Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. Founded by billionaires William and Marie Selby, a constellation of different gardens overlook Sarasota Bay: banyan groves, clumping bamboo, staghorn ferns and local Floridian mangroves. This is heaven for every kid who will have a great time in the petting zoo, playing with the rabbits or giggling in amazement with a primate on their shoulder. Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? It is open to TPC members. 9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota | U.S. News Travel 1. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. And its a curious place to visit. Find unique souvenirs to bring home and gift loved ones. From its historical museums, sprawling parks, exceptional art galleries, scenic beaches, and appealing tropical weather, a trip to Sarasota can cater to all types of likes and interests. Another high-end option is the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which features its own golf course, a full-service spa, and modern luxurious rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast. Rather than worrying about organizing how to make it from there to your hotel, why not have a pre-arranged airport transfer waiting for you? Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. No matter if youre up for a day of outdoor fun or want to grab a drink or taste some local cuisine, youll find something that fits your schedule and your budget in this beautiful coastal city. 37 Free Things to Do in Sarasota in 2022 [Complete List] Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . Web Visit website. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. A family-owned and operated hot spot tourist attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens draws in visitors from all over to explore its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. Hey! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Among the regular visitors is a large Amish and Mennonite community who have vacationed here since the mid-1920s, offering a chance to relax and unwind from the rigors of daily Amish life. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . Tampa. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. Home . This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. With indoor and outdoor seating you can really make the most of the long summer nights as you take in the view over Sarasota Bay. 1. As you climb the stairs to the second floor of this historical building, be prepared to be hit by the intimacy of their bedrooms and the servants quarters. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. It's been around since 1979. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Spend a day strolling through art galleries and museums, hunting for shark teeth, picking up local goods at the farmer's market or perfecting your golf game. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. LOCATION Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue DATES 5-6 July 2019, A performer in full flow during the Sarasota Improv Festival (Photo: Sarasota Improv Festival), Indulge in some retail therapy at The Womens Exchange. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Hosted by the Historical Society of Sarasota County, guests will board a traditional tram (known in the US as a 'trolley') before embarking on a fascinating tour of downtown Sarasota. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. Welcoming more than a quarter million visitors a year, Oscar Scherer State Park is a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle of urban life. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. Or a cold-blooded snake? The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. Expect to see over 100 years of motoring history represented by the likes of Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Ferrari and Edsel to name a few. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. Check out our other American road trip itineraries: Disclosure My trip to Florida involved many partnerships, including with Hertz UK, Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. TreeUmph! Among them, the city of Sarasota stands out as one of the most enchanting, thanks to its mix of distinguished arts institutes and miles of beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow waters. Our list of the best things to do in Sarasota ranges from interacting with exotic animals at the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary to engaging artistic expression and curiosity at the John Ringling Museum of Art. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. Bwahahahahaha! The building also houses an all-digital planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Housed within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a colossal 27-foot long corpse of a giant squid that grabs the attention of everyone who sees it. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. After the Circus Museum, the Museum of Art and whimsy has to be the most cheerful place in Sarasota. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! Ringling Museum of Art. What can I say? Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! It does not store any personal data. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Taking place on Main Street at Orange Avenue and running east to Links Avenue, the two-day festival features more than 250 gifted artists from Florida and far beyond. Mixon Fruit Farms. 6. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. For two full hours youll traverse the streets as local historian Sue Blue narrates your journey and points out historical facts and landmarks, ensuring you depart with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of the city. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Test your skills at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park against friends or family members, through a series of obstacles thatll bring out the competitive side in all of you. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum features a collection of Rolls Royce autos from famous circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and numerous other classic and muscle vintage cars on display. Here, visitors will find around 100 rare and vintage cars of every type, some of which were once under the ownership of distinguished figures from the worlds of sport, culture and entertainment. Time to think again. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. It comes from pure quartz, filtered from the Appalachian mountains, and it winds up looking bright white, peppy and pretty on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Home to an exceptional collection of vintage cars, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is renowned for its displays of cars, some of which are rare or have been owned by prominent celebrities. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. This attraction is ideal for tourists looking for things to do with kids in Sarasota since it entertains, fascinates, and also educates. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! One of the most unique shopping destinations in Sarasota is this large non-profit consignment store offering a diverse assortment of affordably priced furniture, along with womens clothing, jewellery, crystal, china, silver, art, linens, oriental rugs and more. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. What is the point otherwise?! FLORIDA SARASOTA. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there.