I love this city and you loved this article about it. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. Annual passes are available. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. It is open to TPC members. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Held over a weekend in July at the venerable Florida Studio Theatre, the festival brings together some of Americas most talented exponents in the art of improvised theatre. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. Choose from a number of private transfer options, all with your very own driver who will meet you and greet you at the gate and bring you straight to your hotel. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Its far better than the one you get at the store. There is even a petting. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. As the largest subscription theatre in Florida, plus one of the largest in the nation, the Florida Studio Theatre presents a wide variety of programs, from improv and mainstage to cabaret and childrens theatre. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. 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. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. The options are endless! The Asian art collection focuses on sculptures and ceramics before leading to a Japanese tea house (chashitsu)and the 66 acres of gardens that overlook Sarasota Bay. 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. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. Sarasota Farmers Market. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. 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. Some were hosted, some were not. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. 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. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. The living room on the first floor, along with all the dining areas, was the heart of the house, and here is where you will start your visit. Or a cold-blooded snake? You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Or fox yoga. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Lets have a look in more detail. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. 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. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. Circus Sarasota 6. 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. Come along if you dare! 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. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Choose from a number of themed escape games including a 1930s mafia club, a London townhouse, a cabin in the woods murder mystery or a modern-day Sarasota nightclub. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. 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. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. 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. Ed?! Nathan Benderson Park has gone far and beyond to upgrade its facilities to the best, including grandstands, coaching lanes, straight shorelines, a multi-function boathouse, and more! Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Happily, many of the artistic endeavors from the age have been preserved and at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota visitors can enjoy a fabulous collection of some 80+ pieces created between the years of 1100 and 1500. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. 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. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. All you can see from here used to be their land. John Ringling founded the museum to build a legacy and memorial for his beloved wife, Mable, and to present his and his wifes exceptional art collection. From burying your toes in white-sandy beaches to adventures that take you deep into mangrove forests, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota. Ringling Museum of Art. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. 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. Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456 They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida, More Unique Things to do in Sarasota Florida, A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Guests toast the occasion during a Sarasota food tour (Photo: Key Culinary Tours), Watch an armada of boats at the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. The sculpture has been at the center of numerous controversies in its short life in Sarasota and has been vandalized and even hit by a car on one occasion. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. What can I say? These cookies will be stored in your browser. Not the 1850s. 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. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. Address. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Things To Do While nothing beats a day at the beach, go beyond the miles of award-winning coastline to discover everything Sarasota County offers. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. Originally constructed as a tourist attraction in the late 1940s, the imitation of a lone gunners station began life as part of an arms museum, but since the museum itself was closed, the landmark has eked out a lonely existence, with the occasional visitor for company as it serves its role as the only reminder of the forts bygone days. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Ringling Museum of Art. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. 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! The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. It is held only on Saturday mornings from 8 to 13 and tends to get crowded, so be there early if you want to take your time strolling around the stands. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. From dedicated explorers and world-class scientists, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is heavily dedicated to learning more about marine environments while educating others on the importance of ocean conservation. 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. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. Choose from a variety of themed tours that stop at local tiki bars or take a historical tour to bring you up-to-speed on the city. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. 3 Ca' d'Zan. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I mean you three were there. 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. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. The thrill and excitement of horse racing is unlike anything you've probably seen before, and this local tradition is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk Sarasota is home to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and most scenic parks. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. How would you like to pet a baby alligator? The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. Roll up, roll up! Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. 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. 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. 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. FLORIDA SARASOTA. From The Ringling to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 52 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Are you ready for a visit? Whimsy art exhibits are exposed inside the museum and through the garden, where you may also find the artists posing next to their pink dragon piglets or fish plants. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. The big felines are the stars here, and you can see them in shows or admire their mightiness as they go on with their lives in their enclosed spaces. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless.