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. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. 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. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. 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. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. 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 creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. Work in teams of 2-10 people to solve a series of mental and physical puzzles. The beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. 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. 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. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. 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. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Go Museum Hopping 2. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 1. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Among the regular visitors is a large Amish and Mennonite community who have vacationed here since the mid-1920s, offering a chance to relax and unwind from the rigors of daily Amish life. Then, catch a show at the Asolo Repertory Theater, founded by some of the 20th-century theaters most influential people, Robert Whitehead and George Wood. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to five small theatres spread across downtown Sarasota to promote a one-of-a-kind, professional experience. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. 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. Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. 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. 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. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. 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. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. And its a curious place to visit. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. 6. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Things to Do in Sarasota Map Popular things to do Kayaking Tours Private and Luxury Parks Historical Tours Top Picks Nature & Wildlife Areas Likely to Sell Out Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Art Galleries Walking & Biking Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Points of Interest & Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife 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. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. 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. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. Imagine that! Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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! Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. The centers living museum offers a chance for visitors to learn through educational displays with live birds that were previously patients deemed unfit to return to the wild. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. How to swim with manatees in Florida, the ethical way, What surprised me about the Marie Selby Gardens, Weird things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, The Ultimate West Coast Florida itinerary, A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida, Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston, Two weeks in Alabama: the most surprising road trip, The pre-travel checklist you can print and download. Expect to be well fed and well educated in equal measure with your experienced guides regaling you with anecdotes relating to Sarasotas rich heritage and food tastings. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. Address. Are you ready for a visit? Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. 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. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. The options are endless! You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Ringling Museum of Art. Greenhouses show rotating exhibits. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. 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. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. 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! It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. 1. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Hey! Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. For two full hours youll traverse the streets as local historian Sue Blue narrates your journey and points out historical facts and landmarks, ensuring you depart with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of the city. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. With a stay at this mid-range hotel, guests are given appealing accommodations, including complimentary continental breakfast, access to the palm-tree-lined outdoor pool, and free WiFi. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break - Kb in Bloom 14 Engaging Black History Month Social Media Post Ideas You'll Love February 3, 2023 Make Your Own: Mindfulness Jar for Adults Ideas February 1, 2023 15 Coconut Yogurt Benefits That Will Most Likely Surprise You January 31, 2023 40 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day 6. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. 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. Annual passes are available. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. 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. Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. 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. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. John Ringling founded the museum to build a legacy and memorial for his beloved wife, Mable, and to present his and his wifes exceptional art collection. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. Others wishing to remain on the dry land stick to the biking and hiking trails winding through the park. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. Not the 1850s. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. The thrill and excitement of horse racing is unlike anything you've probably seen before, and this local tradition is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. 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. Award-winning Duvals Fresh Local Seafood serves only the best of local fish and ingredients, it is one of the fancier seafood eateries in town and its popularity means that you should book to avoid disappointment. Ed?! by Paul Joseph|Published December 17, 2018, A Comparison of Bus Services from Dallas to Houston, 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Indianapolis and Indiana this Spring, 7 of the Best Patagonia Down Jackets for Women. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! 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. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. 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. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. ), Romantic things to do as a couple in Sarasota, The Best Hidden Gems in the US for Your Next Trip, The Secret Behind The Beignets of Cafe du Monde New Orleans, Be The Change: Steps to Take for a Better World, How to Boost Your Writing in 4 Simple Steps. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. By the way, you should really taste the honey. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. 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. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Tampa. 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. 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. Daily shows welcome visitors to experience and learn more about these fascinating creatures with the chance to have one-on-one interactions with them after the show. Sarasota has something for everyone! There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. The result is as cool as a cucumber. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 1. 28. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Looking for fun, free things to do? Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Rent a bike or a pedal-powered Surrey Ride to take on all of Legacy Trail, or, if youre more inclined, take on the trail by foot! Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure.