Looking for nice actions and points of interest in Circus Metropolis? Our information to the very best issues to do in Sarasota is all you must plan the right journey!
Close to Tampa Bay in southwest Florida, Sarasota is a tropical paradise that satiates nature lovers, adventurers, and people trying to take a load off and loosen up within the tropical breeze.
Its lengthy stretches of sugar-white seashores, sparking clear waters, native mangroves, and expansive parks go away loads of alternatives to step out to benefit from the nice open air.
Sarasota county is filled with rewarding actions and experiences to participate in. From its historic museums, sprawling parks, distinctive artwork galleries, scenic seashores, and interesting tropical climate, a visit to Sarasota can cater to all forms of likes and pursuits.
Tackle the crystalline ocean waters on a sundown cruise, or dip your toes within the sand whereas bathing within the solar. Or find out about native historical past and hidden gems with an interesting, informative strolling tour.
This text explores the very best issues to do in Sarasota throughout your journey so that you don’t miss out on prime points of interest that attract tens of millions of holiday makers to this tropical oasis every year!
The Finest Issues to Do in Sarasota, Florida
Our record of the very best issues to do in Sarasota ranges from interacting with unique animals on the Huge Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary to partaking inventive expression and curiosity on the John Ringling Museum of Artwork.
There’s loads to do and far to see in Sarasota, so prepare for a world of journey!
Take a look at our brand-new final information to the very best issues to do in Florida for extra concepts!
1) See Reptiles Up Shut At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens
A family-owned and operated sizzling spot vacationer attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens attracts in guests from throughout to discover its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo.
One of many oldest constantly operated points of interest in Florida, the gardens had been constructed in 1939 and have since turn out to be among the best issues to do in Sarasota.
Greater than 200 species of native and unique animals name the Sarasota Jungle Gardens house, together with pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles.
Each day reveals welcome guests to expertise and be taught extra about these fascinating creatures with the possibility to have one-on-one interactions with them after the present.
- Tackle: 3701 Bay Shore Street, Sarasota, FL 34234, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
- Value: $21.99
2) Go For A Stroll By The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
That includes two campus areas, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of gorgeous native Florida ecosystems.
The Historic Spanish Level campus is lower than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. It has 30 acres alongside Little Sarasota Bay, boasting a powerful assortment of native Florida crops alongside scenic nature trails.
Tour historic buildings, such because the Guptill Home, constructed fully with Florida yellow pine in 1901.
The downtown campus is 15 acres off Sarasota Bay, with gorgeous show gardens, a bayfront mangrove walkway, and a bunch of native, desert, and rainforest plant species. Go to the eight greenhouses to stare upon vibrant shows of bromeliads and orchids collected by the Gardens’ scientists.
Positioned simply off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is unquestionably among the best issues to do in Sarasota county!
- Tackle: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
- Value: $26
3) Peer At The Classic Automobile Assortment At The Sarasota Basic Automobile Museum
Residence to an distinctive assortment of classic vehicles, the Sarasota Basic Automobile Museum is famend for its shows of vehicles, a few of that are uncommon or have been owned by outstanding celebrities.
Formally acknowledged because the second oldest constantly working vintage automobile museum in the US, the museum is a leap again to the beginning of one of many biggest innovations.
Greater than 80 vintage vehicles are preserved contained in the Sarasota Basic Automobile Museum, lots of that are from the world’s prime car producers, together with Edsel, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari.
The Sarasota Basic Automobile Museum includes a assortment of Rolls Royce autos from well-known circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and quite a few different basic and muscle classic vehicles on show.
Peer on the intriguing variations between European and American vehicles and the way the design of vehicles modified all through historical past.
- Tackle: 5500 N Tamiami Path, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
- Value: $19
4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Coaching Match At The Ed Smith Stadium
The spring coaching house of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was beforehand the coaching location for the Chicago White Sox.
The intimate ballpark affords an up-close, in-the-action expertise for baseball lovers to get into the aggressive spirit of the sport.
Buy seats to get pleasure from popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and different tasty snacks whereas watching a coaching sport because the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives on the Ed Smith Stadium!
- Tackle: 2700 twelfth St, Sarasota, FL 34237, United States
Tampa Bay just isn’t removed from Sarasota! Right here is our record of the very best issues to do in Tampa in case you’re planning a go to there.
5) Observe Sharks Prowling The Waters At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown!
From devoted explorers and world-class scientists, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is closely devoted to studying extra about marine environments whereas educating others on the significance of ocean conservation.
Because the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents a whole lot of marine species, together with sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters.
Watch river otters play and fluidly glide by the waters. There’s a lot to see and discover on the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium!
- Tackle: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Value: $26 (tickets have to be bought on-line prematurely!)
6) Discover Downtown
Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the right place to search out among the prime Sarasota points of interest.
Quench the necessity for high quality retail remedy on the numerous boutiques, galleries, and memento outlets. As a substitute, seize a chew on the quite a few upscale bistros, engaging bakeries, and energetic pubs.
Subsequent, be part of a historic strolling tour to be taught extra about downtown Sarasota’s spectacular structure and hidden gems.
Then, catch a present on the Asolo Repertory Theater, based by among the Twentieth-century theater’s most influential individuals, Robert Whitehead and George Wooden. The theater is reputed for internet hosting one of many largest Shakespeare festivals within the nation.
Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Corridor for extra leisure! Or for some contemporary air, have a picnic or a stroll in Bayfront Park.
7) Take A Hike At Myakka River State Park
One of many largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that units again guests to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native People as soon as trekked by.
The park protects the ecosystem across the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Individuals flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating.
Others wishing to stay on the dry land stick with the biking and mountaineering trails winding by the park.
- Tackle: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 6 pm
- Value: $6 per automobile
8) Problem Your self With A Bike Journey By Legacy Path
An 18.5-mile leisure rail path, Legacy Path stretches from Fruitville Street in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Practice Depot in Venice.
Thought of among the best bike trails within the Sarasota path system, bikers head to Legacy Path to take its paved route over land and bridges whereas reveling within the surroundings.
All through the path are indicators marking enjoyable highlights of native historical past. Hire a motorbike or a pedal-powered Surrey Journey to tackle all of Legacy Path, or, in case you’re extra inclined, tackle the path by foot!
This is likely one of the prime Sarasota points of interest for lively vacationers!
9) Sit Down For A Efficiency At The Florida Studio Theatre
One of many main cultural establishments on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre focuses on modern theatre.
Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to 5 small theatres unfold throughout downtown Sarasota to advertise a one-of-a-kind, skilled expertise.
They embrace Bowne’s Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Courtroom Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Every creates an intimate environment and area to entertain completely different tastes.
As the most important subscription theatre in Florida, plus one of many largest within the nation, the Florida Studio Theatre presents all kinds of packages, from improv and mainstage to cabaret and youngsters’s theatre.
Test the web site for upcoming reveals and occasions!
- Tackle: 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
10) Hit The Sand At Siesta Key Seaside
The famend Siesta Key Seaside is positioned in south Sarasota county, well-known for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. It was ranked the #1 seaside within the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020!
This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces guests from throughout to bask within the solar, dip their toes within the sand, gather sea shells, and funky off within the refreshing ocean waters. Watch the aggressive seaside volleyball tournaments hosted virtually each weekend. Hire out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves.
Journey the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, store on the close by Siesta Key Village, be part of an e-bike tour alongside the seaside, or lease a jet ski for an exciting trip throughout the waters. Or go to the close by Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. The choices are infinite!
Siesta Key Seaside is a wonderful family-friendly vacation spot with close by ice cream outlets to finish an ideal day on the seaside.
- Tackle: 948 Seaside Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242, United States
- Hours: 6 am – 12 am
- Value: Free
11) Go to The Huge Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary
A sanctuary to large cats and different unique animal species, the Huge Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary is devoted to the animals that decision it house.
It acts as an in-between placement for animals in want, a everlasting house for animals that will not survive within the wild, and educates guests on the significance of conservation.
Expertise a free reside encounter with these large cats. Then, get pleasure from a non-public interplay with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and extra with a reservation by Huge Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
Study present animal matters and habitat preservation’s criticalness as you tour the sanctuary defending 300+ animals.
- Tackle: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240, United States
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm
- Value: $25
Learn subsequent: The Excellent 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary
12) Bask In The Excellent Acoustics At The Sarasota Opera Home
A historic theatre turned opera home, the Sarasota Opera Home has been renovated to exude refinery and sophistication as guests come across its gorgeous Mediterranean Revival-style structure.
Again within the day, the opera home was based because the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater earlier than turning into an opera home. It as soon as hosted large names in reside music similar to Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies reveals.
At this time, the venue is well-known for its excellent acoustics and entertaining reside opera performances. Reserve a seat right here to style Sarasota’s expertise in a historic setting.
Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Sarasota, the opera home is conveniently settled close to boutique outlets and positive eating eating places to increase your adventures in Sarasota.
- Tackle: 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Sundays
13) Purchase Contemporary Native Items At The Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market is a energetic social exercise becoming a member of collectively locals and vacationers to get pleasure from the very best merchandise!
On the Sarasota Farmers Market, you’ll find quite a few distributors promoting contemporary and distinctive items, specializing in farmed produce from native farms and growers. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to help its group by connecting native cooks, artisans, growers, and farmers within the space.
A stroll by the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan items and aromatic flowers. Take your decide of contemporary produce, native artwork, improbable artwork, baked items, and different pleasant treats.
- Tackle: N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
- Hours: 7 am – 1 pm Saturdays
14) Be part of A Sundown Cruise At Lido Key Seaside
Well-known for its eco-tourism and water-based actions, Lido Key Seaside is a brief, worthwhile drive from Sarasota.
There are a bunch of actions to tackle at Lido Key Seaside. First, catch your greatest catch but with a day of deep-sea fishing. Then, reserve a romantic sundown cruise along with your beau.
Subsequent, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap by the ocean’s waters as they play. Or attempt your hand at crusing or watch the specialists work as you relish within the scenic panoramic views. Or just quiet down on the positive sand of Lido Seaside and simmer within the solar for a pleasant suntan!
15) Spend The Day Outdoor At Lake Manatee State Park
Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway excellent for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing.
Many anglers flock to Lake Manatee State Park for nice alternatives for freshwater fishing off its shores, off the park’s fishing docks, or on a ship. Guests can simply entry the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming seaside for anybody wishing to chill off, swim, or bask within the solar. Nature trails traverse the park and wind by hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and despair marshes.
Sadly, guests will be unable to see manatees on the park. The dam established throughout the river within the Sixties prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. However on this close by guided dolphin and manatee tour, an area information takes you thru Sarastoa’s waters and mangroves by kayak or stand-up paddle board.
This expertise affords alternatives to see dolphins leaping by the waters and manatees munching on seagrass whereas studying about Sarasota’s impactful historical past. It’s simply among the best issues to do in Sarasota, Florida!
16) Pull Out Your Internal Athlete At Nathan Benderson Park
A 600-acre group park, Nathan Benderson Park is famend for its world-class rowing and leisure facility together with its 2,000-meter dash rowing course. The park began internet hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only some websites within the nation standing as much as the duty.
Nathan Benderson Park has gone far and past to improve its amenities to the very best, together with grandstands, teaching lanes, straight shorelines, a multi-function boathouse, and extra!
There are many actions at Nathan Benderson Park. First, traverse the paths by strolling, operating, skating, or biking whereas having fun with the scenic views.
Then, journey the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Lastly, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of fowl that decision the native ecosystem house.
- Tackle: 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235, United States
- Hours: 6 am – 6 pm
- Value: Free
17) Escape Into Nature At Oscar Scherer State Park
Welcoming greater than 1 / 4 million guests a 12 months, Oscar Scherer State Park is a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a preservation space for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects different invaluable species, similar to bald eagles nesting within the winter.
Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. Individuals flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters.
Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! The 15 miles of trails attract anybody wanting to take pleasure in Florida’s nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be lively. Cool down for a picnic on the two picnic areas that includes pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to maintain the children entertained.
The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a success through the winter and a very good possibility for an genuine outdoorsy keep in Florida’s nature!
- Tackle: 1843 S Tamiami Path, Osprey, FL 34229, United States
- Hours: 8 am – sunset, each day
- Value: $5 per automobile
Exploring extra of the Sunshine State? We’ve got guides to the very best actions in Miami, Orlando, and Key West!
18) Pay Your Respects At The Sarasota Nationwide Cemetery
America Nationwide Cemetery, the Sarasota Nationwide Cemetery, is the sixth of seven nationwide cemeteries established in Florida.
The ultimate resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will proceed to serve veterans’ wants. The Sarasota Nationwide Cemetery is anticipated to succeed in complete capability in 2065 as the ultimate resting place for greater than 150,000 veterans.
Guests can enter the general public info heart complicated and use the digital gravesite locator to be taught extra in regards to the facility.
There’s additionally a flag meeting space, a memorial walkway, a donations space, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. As well as, guided excursions can be found each Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned paintings discovered inside Patriot Plaza.
- Tackle: 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
- Value: Free
19) Interact Your Curiosity At The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork
Increasing throughout a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork was established by the well-known circus magnate, The Ringling Circus.
The museum is in an attention-grabbing pink Renaissance-style palace, which homes 31 galleries. John Ringling based the museum to construct a legacy and memorial for his beloved spouse, Mable, and to current his and his spouse’s distinctive artwork assortment.
This Sarasota artwork museum options European items and iconic sculptures meant to encourage and interact guests wishing to be taught extra in regards to the arts and tradition.
- Tackle: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Closes at 8 pm on Thursdays)
- Value: $25
20) Uncover Extra At The Wild Fowl Studying Heart
Dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds, the Wild Fowl Studying Heart’s mission is to recuperate these avian species to return to their pure habitats.
The middle’s residing museum affords an opportunity for guests to be taught by instructional shows with reside birds that had been beforehand sufferers deemed unfit to return to the wild. Greater than 120 birds name the residing museum house.
On the Birdwalk, guests can see the intriguing variations between every species and decrease environmental dangers that hurt these precious animals.
- Tackle: 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Learn subsequent: 2-Week Florida Street Journey Itinerary
21) Get Some Retail Remedy At The College City Heart
A world-class procuring and eating vacation spot, the College City Heart boasts greater than 250 eating places and shops of distinctive and well-known retailers.
Uncover native and nationwide manufacturers to savor some high quality retail remedy. Discover distinctive souvenirs to convey house and reward family members. Be part of a free out of doors health class to remain lively throughout your trip.
Catch a film with the household or spend time within the social inexperienced hub area. Take pleasure in a romantic dinner at one of many positive eating eating places. The choices are infinite!
The place to Keep in Sarasota, Florida
Now that the very best issues to do in Sarasota, let’s take a look at the very best locations to remain on this gem of Florida’s gulf coast!
Finest Funds Lodge in Sarasota, Florida
Solely a five-minute drive from the Sarasota Bradenton Worldwide Airport, the Sarasota Deluxe Inn affords a handy location ten minutes from the seaside. Visitors can entry the out of doors pool, cable tv, and 24-hour entrance desk for questions or issues.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Sarasota, Florida
Selling a soothing and welcoming setting in your keep, the Sleep Inn Sarasota North is barely ten minutes from downtown to simply entry the very best Sarasota actions.
With a keep at this mid-range lodge, friends are given interesting lodging, together with complimentary continental breakfast, entry to the palm-tree-lined out of doors pool, and free WiFi.
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Sarasota, Florida
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is an opulent five-star resort settled completely in downtown Sarasota close to points of interest just like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Corridor, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Opera Home, and extra.
Obtain unique entry to the onsite spa, The Seaside Membership on Lido Key, the championship golf course, and extra as a visitor at this gorgeous, elegant retreat.
DISCLAIMER: A few of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies in case you e-book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we are going to obtain a small fee at no additional price to you. These commissions assist us hold creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate the very best lodging, excursions and merchandise, and repeatedly overview these. Thanks in your help, type buddy!
