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. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. It is open to TPC members. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hey! Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Opened in 1926 as a multi-use cultural space it has hosted performances from some of the biggest stars of yesteryear, including a young Elvis Presley in 1956. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. The brave can then go fishing, canoeing and kayaking, Kiss beneath Unconditional Surrender on Bayfront Park, Surround yourself with flowers at the Marie Selby Gardens, Snuggle up in a romantic beachfront hotel, Check out fellow luxury travel blogger Mrs Os guide to. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Built by the famous New York architect Dwight James Baum, the Ca dZan was the Ringlings winter residence, a spectacular building overflowing with luxury both on the outside and on the inside. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. It does not store any personal data. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. Theres life-size sculptures, incredible paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and plenty more to bedazzle visitors, while many artists are also on hand to discuss their inspirations and working methods during the event. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Sarasota Farmers Market. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Kid Friendly Things To Do in Sarasota | Family Activities | Must Do Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! It acts as an in-between placement for animals in need, a permanent home for animals that would not survive in the wild, and educates visitors on the importance of conservation. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai, Hawaii (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Destin, Florida (2023 Guide). You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida 1) Taste Some Amish Delicacies In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. 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. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. The centre for most of them is the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a huge building overseeing Sarasota Bay and illuminating the area at night. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Theres also a gift shop where you can pick up rare collectibles, unique memorabilia and hard-to-find automotive books. Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. 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 Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. There is even a petting. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. Receive exclusive access to the onsite spa, The Beach Club on Lido Key, the championship golf course, and more as a guest at this stunning, elegant retreat. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. 6. By the way, you should really taste the honey. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Expect burger stands and pizza podiums as well as arts and crafts markets and the young, the old and the beautiful (sometimes all at the same time, right? Sarasota Farmers Market. Its a must for nature lovers. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. Officially recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States, the museum is a leap back to the start of one of the greatest inventions. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. A sanctuary to big cats and other exotic animal species, the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary is dedicated to the animals that call it home. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Sarasota City Sightseeing Tour 2023 - Viator 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. In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide), The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida, 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium, 5) Observe Sharks Prowling The Waters At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 7) Take A Hike At Myakka River State Park, 8) Challenge Yourself With A Bike Ride Through Legacy Trail, 9) Sit Down For A Performance At The Florida Studio Theatre, 11) Visit The Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 12) Bask In The Outstanding Acoustics At The Sarasota Opera House, 13) Buy Fresh Local Goods At The Sarasota Farmers Market, 14) Join A Sunset Cruise At Lido Key Beach, 15) Spend The Day Outdoors At Lake Manatee State Park, 16) Pull Out Your Inner Athlete At Nathan Benderson Park, 17) Escape Into Nature At Oscar Scherer State Park, 18) Pay Your Respects At The Sarasota National Cemetery, 19) Engage Your Curiosity At The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 20) Discover More At The Wild Bird Learning Center, 21) Get Some Retail Therapy At The University Town Center, Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sarasota, Florida. Say hello to a manatee, relax on the beach, explore a farmers market these are all must-do activities if you want to make the most out of your trip to Sarasota County. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Considered one of the best bike trails in the Sarasota trail system, bikers head to Legacy Trail to take its paved route over land and bridges while reveling in the scenery. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. No matter if you are a car aficionado or not, you must stop at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and admire these masterpieces of engineering Stroll around shiny classic cars and eye up those cars youve only seen in movies. Web Visit website. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a hit during the winter and an excellent option for an authentic outdoorsy stay in Floridas nature! The works in the collection include paintings, sculptures, jewellery, chalices, tapestries, and stained glass sourced from across the globe, with some borrowed from notable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. Intrepid types can choose from kayaks or paddleboards as your mode of transport for this magical adventure that will take you into the heart of a unique ecosystem. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Just an hour away is St. Petersburg, filled with things to do that include more beautiful white sands, a thriving downtown, a chance to hike the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at night, and a series of unique indoor attractions like the world-class Dali museum. Robin Hood Rentals 12. Rent a bike or a pedal-powered Surrey Ride to take on all of Legacy Trail, or, if youre more inclined, take on the trail by foot! Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. Or a cold-blooded snake? 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. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota - Authentic Florida The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. LOCATION 5500 North Tamiami Trail DATES Mon-Sun 9am-6pm, A car on display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Photo: DeusXFlorida via Flickr), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. 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. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! As the curtain lifts and Bizet or Puccini begins, you will think only What a great place to spend the night! The acoustics are phenomenal. Online streaming available any time. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? Spring Guide to Things in Sarasota | Babcock Ranch Eco Tours These cookies will be stored in your browser. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Yet, the most interesting history of the place is related to Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman and philanthropist whose role in Sarasotas development was of extreme importance. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! In the Tampa Bay area, you can also find the Florida aquarium which covers a huge 200,000 sq ft. You can see many species of fish and aquatic mammals and learn about the aquariums coral, shark and sea turtle conservation efforts. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Non-Amish visitors are welcome to explore the neighbourhood but are advised to do so with cultural and religious sensitivity. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Even if after John Ringlings death, the house slowly degraded it was in such a desperate state that in 1996 it served as Miss Havishams house for a Hollywood remake of Charles Dickens Great Expectations today it is restored to its initial splendour. This one is fun for all the family. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to five small theatres spread across downtown Sarasota to promote a one-of-a-kind, professional experience. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. See also: Clearwater Beach - Florida's Finest White Sand Beach. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida US Gulf Coast Travel The sand is still white, the water clear. 1538 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Open in Google Maps Meet outside of State Street Garage outside of the elevators next to Rise & Nye's. Your guide will be waiting with a big smile at 3:30 p.m. The mermaid shows, cave-diving, underwater museums, mangrove-kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities presented here still only scratch the surface and the depths - of the myriad activities possible along this wondrous coastline. Best and Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Traveladvo But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. wants to go to 12 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids | SheBuysTravel The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Overview. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum.