Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. 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 Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. The __gads cookie, set by Google, is stored under DoubleClick domain and tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the success of the campaign and calculates its revenue. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. Vegetarian and vegan food are at their best in Lila, which specializes in noodle bowls, while Made is famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich filled with bacon, spicy sauce, and cheese. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. What can I say? A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. 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! Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 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. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. One interesting development has been the easing off of Amish rules around clothing, with the idyllic beaches persuading many that more revealing attire should be tolerated. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Here goes! The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Or learn about local history and hidden gems with an engaging, informative walking tour. 1. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. 28. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Looking for fun, free things to do? Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. 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. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Contents 1. 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. ), 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. 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. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Or two or three. Our list of the best things to do in Sarasota ranges from interacting with exotic animals at the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary to engaging artistic expression and curiosity at the John Ringling Museum of Art. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. 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 Water Sports. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! After the Circus Museum, the Museum of Art and whimsy has to be the most cheerful place in Sarasota. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. 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. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Just an hour away is St. Petersburg, filled with things to do that include more beautiful white sands, a thriving downtown, a chance to hike the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at night, and a series of unique indoor attractions like the world-class Dali museum. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. 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. When the weather forces you to step indoors for a while, visit the the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, step under the protective tarps of the Sarasota Farmers Market, or jump on a trolley for a haunted tour of the city. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? 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. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. 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. For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top things to do in Sarasota. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Traveling with little ones? You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. The beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. 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. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Taking place on Main Street at Orange Avenue and running east to Links Avenue, the two-day festival features more than 250 gifted artists from Florida and far beyond. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. 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 museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. 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. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Are you ready for a visit? Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails, its also possible to rent a canoe or kayak here, have a picnic, visit the nature center, or go fishing. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. This is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. 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. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. 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. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. Mixon Fruit Farms. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida 1) Taste Some Amish Delicacies In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! 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. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. 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 Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Paulleon / Shutterstock The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is situated on City Island, in a little spot called Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Florida. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. 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. FLORIDA SARASOTA. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. You can see small mountains of shells as you are just starting to explore the park, which were thrown aside by the Manasota people right after consuming them. Its long stretches of sugar-white beaches, sparking clear waters, native mangroves, and expansive parks leave plenty of opportunities to step out to enjoy the great outdoors. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. 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. Will you take the challenge? The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. I love this city and you loved this article about it. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. 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. You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. 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. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. Port Charlotte. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Check the website for upcoming shows and events! Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. As the curtain lifts and Bizet or Puccini begins, you will think only What a great place to spend the night! The acoustics are phenomenal. Ringling Museum of Art. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. 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! On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. Museums for kids in Sarasota Crowley Museum and Nature Center Hike the trails at Crowley Museum and Nature Center because it is such a fun place to visit. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. 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. 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. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. Imagine that! Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. 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. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. LOCATION Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue DATES 5-6 July 2019, A performer in full flow during the Sarasota Improv Festival (Photo: Sarasota Improv Festival), Indulge in some retail therapy at The Womens Exchange. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. 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. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. The southwest Gulf coast of Florida all the way down to Miami at the states southeastern tip is an area teeming with vibrant coastal cities that draw vast swathes of tourists seeking both natural and cultural delights. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. It does not store any personal data. The Ringling. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. 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. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Tampa. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. 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. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. 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. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. 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. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. 1. 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. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. And its a curious place to visit. Work in teams of 2-10 people to solve a series of mental and physical puzzles. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. 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. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art.