Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. 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. Discover Sarasota Tours offers daily tours in an air-conditioned trolley featuring intriguing events from Sarasota's rich past including tiki trivia, circus tours and an "infamous Sarasota". Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. 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. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. 1. It's been around since 1979. 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai, Hawaii (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Destin, Florida (2023 Guide). Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? Challenge your group to use critical thinking skills and escape from your room by the time limitor else! Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? 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. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. The Water Sports. 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. As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. 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 Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. 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. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Go Museum Hopping 2. 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. Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Time to think again. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. Bwahahahahaha! With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. 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. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. 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. 27. This is a great place to unwind. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. 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. Sarasota Farmers Market. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. 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. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Home . The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. To help inspire you ahead of your trip, weve picked out 12 of the most unique things you can do here, ranging from the raw and energetic to the intellectually nourishing. It means that legislation preserves and protects the 34 mile portion of the river that runs through Sarasota County and the result is a serene scene of green. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Rather than worrying about organizing how to make it from there to your hotel, why not have a pre-arranged airport transfer waiting for you? Watching a Broadway musical here is one of the best things you can do on a summer night, and the atmosphere will stay with you forever. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. #12. Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. Contents 1. All rights reserved. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. Sarasota has something for everyone! Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. Payne Park 9. 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. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. You May Also Like. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. 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. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! Or two or three. Forget regular mini golf. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. After the Circus Museum, the Museum of Art and whimsy has to be the most cheerful place in Sarasota. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. LOCATION 539 South Orange Avenue HOURS Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun, Goods on display at The Womens Exchange in Sarasota (Photo: The Womens Exchage), Attend an artistic extravaganza at the Festival of the Arts. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. 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. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. 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. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. 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. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. 7. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. With so much to see and do, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. 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. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. Find unique souvenirs to bring home and gift loved ones. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. 1538 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Open in Google Maps Meet outside of State Street Garage outside of the elevators next to Rise & Nye's. Your guide will be waiting with a big smile at 3:30 p.m. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. Roll up, roll up! Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. 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. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. The sand is still white, the water clear. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. 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. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. 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. But if you want to find the real essence of Sarasota, face west at the end of the day. A qualified marine biologist scoops animals out of the bay and into glass tanks so that you can watch and learn right in the environment itself.