The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. 7. 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). Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". 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. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. Robin Hood Rentals 12. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. 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. Payne Park 9. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. And thats not just folklore. Sarasota Farmers Market. Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. 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. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. 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. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. It is run by a non-profit organisation, so all the money they collect from tickets and fees goes to expanding the sanctuary and improving the living conditions for the residents. 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! 6. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. 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. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. It does not store any personal data. Or fox yoga. 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. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. 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. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. Contents 1. 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. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Intrepid types can choose from kayaks or paddleboards as your mode of transport for this magical adventure that will take you into the heart of a unique ecosystem. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. 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. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! 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. It sounds like a scavenger game is right up your street. One more flight of stairs, and you are on the third floor, where youll find the game room where Ringling used to entertain some of the big names of the Roaring Twenties. Want to hear something crazy? Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. It reaches 74-feet at its highest point and offers a panoramic view of the wetland, prairie, and palm and oak hammocks below. 1. 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. Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. 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. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. John Ringling collected unusual works from around the globe. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. 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 once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. Or two or three. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. The organization rehabilitates and releases thousands of injured birds each year. All Rights Reserved. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide), The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida, 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium, 5) Observe Sharks Prowling The Waters At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 7) Take A Hike At Myakka River State Park, 8) Challenge Yourself With A Bike Ride Through Legacy Trail, 9) Sit Down For A Performance At The Florida Studio Theatre, 11) Visit The Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 12) Bask In The Outstanding Acoustics At The Sarasota Opera House, 13) Buy Fresh Local Goods At The Sarasota Farmers Market, 14) Join A Sunset Cruise At Lido Key Beach, 15) Spend The Day Outdoors At Lake Manatee State Park, 16) Pull Out Your Inner Athlete At Nathan Benderson Park, 17) Escape Into Nature At Oscar Scherer State Park, 18) Pay Your Respects At The Sarasota National Cemetery, 19) Engage Your Curiosity At The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 20) Discover More At The Wild Bird Learning Center, 21) Get Some Retail Therapy At The University Town Center, Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sarasota, Florida. 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. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. 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. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. There is even a petting. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. Lets have a look in more detail. 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. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Ed?! The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a hit during the winter and an excellent option for an authentic outdoorsy stay in Floridas nature! 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. Overview. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. Learn all about the citys disreputable history of murder, mystery, and unsolved crimes. 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. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. 1. Sarasota Art Museum 7. 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. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . Its a must for nature lovers. 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. I love this city and you loved this article about it. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Nathan Benderson also has a couple of gentle cycling trails and paths surrounding the lake which make it a great, scenic place to walk and grab some fresh air. Then get packing! Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? 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. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. 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. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. Officially recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States, the museum is a leap back to the start of one of the greatest inventions. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. So what does this mean? Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Stroll around the Circus Ring of Fame, which honours numerous circus performing legends and have a think about the level of vision and influence that John Ringling embodied. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. 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. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. 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. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. Escape rooms. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. With so much to see and do, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. 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. 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. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! Spend a day strolling through art galleries and museums, hunting for shark teeth, picking up local goods at the farmer's market or perfecting your golf game. 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. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Sarasotas creative impulses are allowed to flow each year as more than five city blocks are given over to a popular arts festival. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Opened only recently in 2014, The Mall has luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and Macys among a host of other popular brands. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. 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. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. Founded in 1962 with the aim of supporting the local arts community, its success has led to several million dollars in grants and scholarships down the years, and it continues to play a crucial role in the Sarasota area, as well as providing visitors with a quirky retail experience. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. 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. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. 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. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. This 25-foot sculpture on Sarasotas bay-front is based on an iconic photograph taken in New Yorks Times Square on V-J day, 1945. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. Roll up, roll up! All rights reserved. This article explores the best things to do in Sarasota during your trip so you dont miss out on top attractions that draw in millions of visitors to this tropical oasis each year! Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. 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. Some of the top things to do in Sarasota include visiting The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Siesta Key Public Beach, Ca d'Zan Mansion, Myakka River State Park, and Florida Studio Theater. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Mixon Fruit Farms. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1. Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. 1. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. You May Also Like. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. The Water Sports. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. Held each spring, this festival attracts a crowd that voraciously devour three days of food, fossils, arts and crafts, music and fun for the whole family. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. It is open to TPC members. 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. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee.