Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. Now that you know the best things to do in Sarasota, lets look at the best places to stay in this gem of Floridas gulf coast! Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the opera house is conveniently settled near boutique shops and fine dining restaurants to extend your adventures in Sarasota. 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. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? So get in on the fun and discover the fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. wants to go to Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. Overview. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. 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. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. 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. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. For the ultimate in privacy, book a room at the Lido Beach Resort, which offers a stretch of private beach, a poolside bar, and elegant rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes. 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. FLORIDA SARASOTA. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. Things to Do in Sarasota Map Popular things to do Kayaking Tours Private and Luxury Parks Historical Tours Top Picks Nature & Wildlife Areas Likely to Sell Out Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Art Galleries Walking & Biking Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Points of Interest & Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. It's been around since 1979. 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. Are you ready for a visit? 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. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Robin Hood Rentals 12. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Also about an hour away along the coast is Tampa, home to thrills and screams at Busch Gardens, plenty of culinary delights, a chance to zipline over a natural preserve, and lots of parks to explore. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. 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. 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. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. 6. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. #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. The Ringling. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. When the weather forces you to step indoors for a while, visit the the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, step under the protective tarps of the Sarasota Farmers Market, or jump on a trolley for a haunted tour of the city. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. 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. 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. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. With the citys superb weather and beautiful beaches, it takes a lot to drag Sarasota visitors indoors, but the citys annual Improv Festival is as good a reason as any. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. 3. 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. 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. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. And thats not just folklore. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Or a giant tortoise? Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Expect to be well fed and well educated in equal measure with your experienced guides regaling you with anecdotes relating to Sarasotas rich heritage and food tastings. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! 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. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. 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. 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. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. 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. Its far better than the one you get at the store. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. Circus Sarasota 6. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? 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. Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. LOCATION 5401 Bay Shore Road HOURS Fri-Weds 10am-5pm Thus 10am-8pm, Medieval treasures at the the Ringling Museum (Photo: Ringling Museum of Art). This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 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. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. 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. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. And you can still explore them today. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Myakka River State Park opened in 1942 and the Myakka River was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the State legislature in 1985. 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. A brightly decorated boat seen during the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Photo: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights), Enjoy free-form theatre at the Sarasota Improv Festival. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. Escape from Sarasota? Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. 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! Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. 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. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. 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. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. 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. Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? Once in the tunnels, its an awe-inspiring sight, where fish and fiddler crabs swim inches away from you in waters so clear you can see the grass resting on the waterbed below. Work in teams of 2-10 people to solve a series of mental and physical puzzles. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. 28. 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. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. 27. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. 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. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. 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. 5. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? Visit the eight greenhouses to gaze at vibrant displays of bromeliads and orchids collected by the Gardens scientists. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. 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. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. 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. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Want to hear something crazy? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. 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 beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. 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. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. 1. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. 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? 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. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. 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. How would you like to pet a baby alligator? Next up, let me introduce the vast Ringling Museum: an Italian fantasy ground and world class museum founded by another of the regions wealthy philanthropists. 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. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. 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. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and see several points of interest including the Ringling Museum and College, Selby Library, and the Sarasota Opera House. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. 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. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. 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. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. Looking for fun, free things to do? Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. 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. If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Sarasota Farmers Market. 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. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. But if you want to find the real essence of Sarasota, face west at the end of the day. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. 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. Its a must for nature lovers. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events.