Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. 6. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Traveling with little ones? Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. 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. It is open to TPC members. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. 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. Challenge your group to use critical thinking skills and escape from your room by the time limitor else! You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. 29. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. Things To Do While nothing beats a day at the beach, go beyond the miles of award-winning coastline to discover everything Sarasota County offers. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! Sarasota is all about show business, and at any moment of the year, you will find a show or a performance to attend in the city. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. Key spots are Yoders and Der Dutchman where you can stop for a comforting, homemade meal or made-from-scratch cooking as they call it. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. 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. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. 1. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. Sarasota has something for everyone! 5. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. The Fish Hole 3. 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! The Ringling 4. 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. 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. Ringling Museum of Art. Fun Family Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. 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. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. CPonies 11. My Sarasota Events Calendar is your gateway to Sarasota happenings and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida and throughout the sparkling Sun Coast each year. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. Sarasota - Manatee. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. 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. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. And thats not just folklore. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! Promoting a relaxing and welcoming environment for your stay, the Sleep Inn Sarasota North is only ten minutes from downtown to easily access the best Sarasota activities. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. 7. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! 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. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Enjoy, have a great time and if you bump into me on the street at one of our great Sarasota events, please stop and say hello. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? 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. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? 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. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. As well as being home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches, the city and surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. 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. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. 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. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. 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). Or learn about local history and hidden gems with an engaging, informative walking tour. It comes from pure quartz, filtered from the Appalachian mountains, and it winds up looking bright white, peppy and pretty on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and see several points of interest including the Ringling Museum and College, Selby Library, and the Sarasota Opera House. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. Contents 1. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! You May Also Like. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . 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. If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. 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. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. 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. A 600-acre community park, Nathan Benderson Park is renowned for its world-class rowing and recreational facility along with its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It acts as an in-between placement for animals in need, a permanent home for animals that would not survive in the wild, and educates visitors on the importance of conservation. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. 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. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Sarasotas creative impulses are allowed to flow each year as more than five city blocks are given over to a popular arts festival. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. All you can see from here used to be their land. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. Choose from a number of private transfer options, all with your very own driver who will meet you and greet you at the gate and bring you straight to your hotel. 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. Welcoming more than a quarter million visitors a year, Oscar Scherer State Park is a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. 3 Ca' d'Zan. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. 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. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Forget regular mini golf. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. So what does this mean? Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. Work in teams of 2-10 people to solve a series of mental and physical puzzles. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. The Asian art collection focuses on sculptures and ceramics before leading to a Japanese tea house (chashitsu)and the 66 acres of gardens that overlook Sarasota Bay. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . Shop till you drop. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. 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. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). From its historical museums, sprawling parks, exceptional art galleries, scenic beaches, and appealing tropical weather, a trip to Sarasota can cater to all types of likes and interests. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. 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. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. 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 a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. 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. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Its a must for nature lovers. Time to think again. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. Theres also a gift shop where you can pick up rare collectibles, unique memorabilia and hard-to-find automotive books. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete.