With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. 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. Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. 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. Come along if you dare! 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. 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. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. 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. Guests toast the occasion during a Sarasota food tour (Photo: Key Culinary Tours), Watch an armada of boats at the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. Great for the entire family, including kids! You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. I mean you three were there. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Among them, the city of Sarasota stands out as one of the most enchanting, thanks to its mix of distinguished arts institutes and miles of beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow waters. Say hello to a manatee, relax on the beach, explore a farmers market these are all must-do activities if you want to make the most out of your trip to Sarasota County. Definitely unique through its oddness, Mariettas Museum doesnt have the sobriety of a world-class arts venue but is more of a place for relaxation. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. 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. You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". The Fish Hole 3. 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. 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. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Address. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. Port Charlotte. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. 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. 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. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. It's been around since 1979. 1. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. The mermaid shows, cave-diving, underwater museums, mangrove-kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities presented here still only scratch the surface and the depths - of the myriad activities possible along this wondrous coastline. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Head to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island if youre after a day of picnicking and grilling or try Cortez Beach for a more underdeveloped feel and tall trees lining up the long stretch of sand. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. 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. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. 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. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! One of the oldest continuously operated attractions in Florida, the gardens were constructed in 1939 and have since become one of the best things to do in Sarasota. Featuring its own stretch of private beach and stunning views over turquoise waters, the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota tops the list for luxurious stays in Sarasota. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. 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". With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. Burns Court Cinema 5. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. The works in the collection include paintings, sculptures, jewellery, chalices, tapestries, and stained glass sourced from across the globe, with some borrowed from notable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. 1. 1. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. 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. But on this nearby guided dolphin and manatee tour, a local guide takes you through Sarastoas waters and mangroves by kayak or stand-up paddle board. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . The city has some great clubs and caters to all tastes of music and dancing. 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. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. 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). 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. 100-plus fun things to do in January in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties The new year will bring a full lineup of festivals, concerts, stage productions and more to Sarasota, Manatee and . So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. 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. LOCATION 5401 Bay Shore Road HOURS Fri-Weds 10am-5pm Thus 10am-8pm, Medieval treasures at the the Ringling Museum (Photo: Ringling Museum of Art). This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. 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.. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. And you can still explore them today. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. 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. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. This one is fun for all the family. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. 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. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Even if after John Ringlings death, the house slowly degraded it was in such a desperate state that in 1996 it served as Miss Havishams house for a Hollywood remake of Charles Dickens Great Expectations today it is restored to its initial splendour. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 1. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art.