These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. 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. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. 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. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. By the way, you should really taste the honey. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. 14 Best Things to Do in Sarasota (FL) - The Crazy Tourist The sand is still white, the water clear. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. What is the point otherwise?! Home . Its far better than the one you get at the store. 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. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . 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. 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. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. Contents 1. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails, its also possible to rent a canoe or kayak here, have a picnic, visit the nature center, or go fishing. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Helicopter Tours Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. 7+ Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids - Toddling Traveler Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. 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. Overview. 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. You can see small mountains of shells as you are just starting to explore the park, which were thrown aside by the Manasota people right after consuming them. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Are you ready for a visit? Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. 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. How would you like to pet a baby alligator? This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. The Ringling. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. 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. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. A historic theatre turned opera house, the Sarasota Opera House has been renovated to exude refinery and class as visitors come upon its stunning Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum. One of the oldest continuously operated attractions in Florida, the gardens were constructed in 1939 and have since become one of the best things to do in Sarasota. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. 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. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. How to swim with manatees in Florida, the ethical way, What surprised me about the Marie Selby Gardens, Weird things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, The Ultimate West Coast Florida itinerary, A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida, Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston, Two weeks in Alabama: the most surprising road trip, The pre-travel checklist you can print and download. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! FREE Things to Do in Sarasota (Weekend Activities & Events) Sarasota Farmers Market. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . Feel the wind on your face and get a birds-eye perspective on the city, its beaches and azure seas as you float high above them. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. 9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota | U.S. News Travel Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. The options are endless! Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! 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 park has extensive areas for kayaking, hiking, cycling and camping grounds located throughout. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. Roll up, roll up! The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. And its a curious place to visit. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. 7. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida US Gulf Coast Travel #1 in Sarasota Address: 13208 State Road 72 Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. When: Every Wednesday 6-9pm Where: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch UTC Night Market The UTC Night Market offers live music, food trucks, local food vendors, outdoor drinking, outdoor dancing, kids games, cornhole, building blocks for kids, handmade goods, jewelry, local art and more. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Museums for kids in Sarasota Crowley Museum and Nature Center Hike the trails at Crowley Museum and Nature Center because it is such a fun place to visit. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. Phone +1 941-355-9805. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? Sarasota has its own airport but unless youre fairly local, it usually makes sense to fly in to Orlando and visit Sarasota as part of a larger trip through Florida. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. This is a great place to unwind. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. 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. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. 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. Sarasota has something for everyone! If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. Great for the entire family, including kids! YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. It is open to TPC members. Things to Do in Sarasota Today | Eventbrite Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. At any given time you are likely to catch world-class Broadway productions, live music, comedians, contemporary dance and even the odd ballet and orchestral performance. For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. Sarasota Art Museum 7. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Vegetarian and vegan food are at their best in Lila, which specializes in noodle bowls, while Made is famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich filled with bacon, spicy sauce, and cheese. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. 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. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. The Ringling 4. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. 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. This place has been hosting regatta competitions since 2009, so if you are lucky, you may stumble into a main event with big crowds cheering for their favourite and setting up stall on picnic tables. Escape rooms. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. 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. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. 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! Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. The result is as cool as a cucumber. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. This one is fun for all the family. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. 20 Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) In 2023 10 Things To Do In Sarasota - thetravel.com Check the website for upcoming shows and events! There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Key Culinary Tours are a company that hosts a diverse range of food tours that invite visitors to sample some of the culinary delights that the area has to offer. Fun and Free Things To Do in Sarasota - Corporate Quarters USA Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. #12. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Lets have a look in more detail. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. Web Visit website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. 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. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Port Charlotte. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. 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. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. 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. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Enjoy, have a great time and if you bump into me on the street at one of our great Sarasota events, please stop and say hello. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida Today - Thrillist Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. There is even a petting. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. 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. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon.