10 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Trips To Discover Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. 10 weekend events near Bradenton: Sarasota Blues Festival, art walk 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. Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. In the Tampa Bay area, you can also find the Florida aquarium which covers a huge 200,000 sq ft. You can see many species of fish and aquatic mammals and learn about the aquariums coral, shark and sea turtle conservation efforts. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. All Rights Reserved. Escape rooms. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Near Tampa Bay in southwest Florida, Sarasota is a tropical paradise that satiates nature lovers, adventurers, and those looking to take a load off and relax in the tropical breeze. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 28. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. The Fish Hole 3. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. Come along if you dare! The 15 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Wandering Wheatleys Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. 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. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. 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. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. 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. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. 20 Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) In 2023 What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. 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 cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. 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. 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 . To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Rather than worrying about organizing how to make it from there to your hotel, why not have a pre-arranged airport transfer waiting for you? 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). Home . Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. 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. 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 Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. Here goes! What can I say? For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Another great destination less than two hours away is Fort Myers, where sailing, parasailing and taking a day trip to the Everglades National Park is just the beginning of your fun adventures! A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. 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. The 1950s. 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 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. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. Only a five-minute drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the Sarasota Deluxe Inn offers a convenient location ten minutes from the beach. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. Or a cold-blooded snake? Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. 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. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. Best romantic things to do and restaurants for a fun date in Sarasota Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! 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. Sarasota Farmers Market. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. 1. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. 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. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Sarasota Art Museum 7. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. Ringling Museum of Art. Port Charlotte. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. 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. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. The Water Sports. Free, fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. The sand is still white, the water clear. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide) An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. 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. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Address. 11 Top Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - tripsavvy.com Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. Then get packing! It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. These cookies will be stored in your browser. The 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY 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. 27. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. Time to think again. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. 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. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. 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. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. 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. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. 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. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. Best and Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Traveladvo See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory. The Sarasota Childrens Garden offers a multi-sensory experience where kids can pretend to be fairies, become Pirate kings or queens, climb into forts, or hide under giant magical mushrooms. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? 12 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids | SheBuysTravel 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. 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. Traveling with little ones? Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . And thats not just folklore. 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. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum features a collection of Rolls Royce autos from famous circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and numerous other classic and muscle vintage cars on display. Another high-end option is the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which features its own golf course, a full-service spa, and modern luxurious rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? 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. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. This one is fun for all the family. Roll up, roll up! A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. 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. 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! Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. See the West Florida coastline from above, from St Petersburg down to Port Charlotte. This is a great place to unwind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. It reaches 74-feet at its highest point and offers a panoramic view of the wetland, prairie, and palm and oak hammocks below. Sarasota - Manatee. 1. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. 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. 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. Some were hosted, some were not. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. 21 Unusual and Unique Things To Do in Sarasota Florida 1. 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.
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