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. 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. 14 Fun Things To Do In Siesta Key You Can't Miss!!! - Florida Trippers Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. 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. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum features a collection of Rolls Royce autos from famous circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and numerous other classic and muscle vintage cars on display. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Address. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. Of course, you have! After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. 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. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Imagine that! You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. Shop till you drop. This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces visitors from all over to bask in the sun, dip their feet in the sand, collect sea shells, and cool off in the refreshing ocean waters. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. 55 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - TourScanner Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. 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. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. There is even a petting. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. 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. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. Sarasota has its own airport, but many travelers arrive at the larger Miami International Airport or the Orlando (MCO) Airport instead. Founded by billionaires William and Marie Selby, a constellation of different gardens overlook Sarasota Bay: banyan groves, clumping bamboo, staghorn ferns and local Floridian mangroves. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. The downtown campus is 15 acres off Sarasota Bay, with stunning display gardens, a bayfront mangrove walkway, and a host of native, desert, and rainforest plant species. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. 14 Best Things to Do in Sarasota (FL) - The Crazy Tourist 10 Fun and Free Things To Do in Sarasota - Go Backpacking Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Sarasota - Atlas Obscura A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. 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. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a more than 10-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Sarasota Tasting and Dinner Small-Group Walking Tour 2023 - Viator Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. 100-plus fun things to do in February in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties February features some of the Sarasota and Bradenton area's biggest annual events, as well as festivals, concerts . The building also houses an all-digital planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center. Greenhouses show rotating exhibits. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. 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. 18 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, FL You Shouldn't Miss Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. 36 Indoor Activities in Sarasota, FL | TripBuzz 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. 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 a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. These cookies will be stored in your browser. 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. 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. The superb acoustics are its crowning jewel, making the audience feel like they are not just witnessing a performance but are enveloped by the sound. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. 45 BEST Things To Do In Sarasota, FL (Fun & Unique!) Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! 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. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. 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. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! Or a cold-blooded snake? Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. 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? 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. All rights reserved. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. Fun 4 Sarasota Kids - Fun 4 Sarasota Kids Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. The Ringling 4. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. Fun things to do, events Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda January 2023 More than 120 birds call the living museum home. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. 3 Ca' d'Zan. 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. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) 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. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. Lido Key Beach Just adjacent to Siesta Key Beach with a short scenic drive west of Sarasota, Lido Key Beach is a lesser-known hidden gem. No matter if you are a car aficionado or not, you must stop at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and admire these masterpieces of engineering Stroll around shiny classic cars and eye up those cars youve only seen in movies. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! More than 80 antique cars are preserved inside the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, many of which are from the worlds top automobile manufacturers, including Edsel, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari. Sarasota is all about show business, and at any moment of the year, you will find a show or a performance to attend in the city. 9 Cool Things To Do With Teens In Sarasota, Florida Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Will you take the challenge? Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. 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. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. This is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. 24 Fun Things To Do in Sarasota at Night [2022] It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. The sand is still white, the water clear. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. By the way, you should really taste the honey. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. 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. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. 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. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. 8 Great Teen Activities in Sarasota | Must Do Visitor Guides Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. 7. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. 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. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, map Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for kids We've always loved checking out botanical gardens and even more now that I'm obsessed with plants. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. A family-owned and operated hot spot tourist attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens draws in visitors from all over to explore its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. 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. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. 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. 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. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. Tampa. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. 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. 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. 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. It's been around since 1979. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Finding Unique Things To Do In Sarasota - My Cornacopia Sarasota Farmers Market. Hey! Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. LOCATION Main Street DATES 9-10 February 2019, A visitor admiring artwork at the Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts (Photo: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts), Step back into the past on a Historic Trolley Tour. See also: Clearwater Beach - Florida's Finest White Sand Beach.