Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. In the center of the cemetery is the Patriot Plaza amphitheater where visitors can receive guided tours of the artworks every Tuesday at 10 am. 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. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. 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. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. 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. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. As well as the many varieties of tropical plants and flowers you will also find species of parrots, primates, lizards and alligators as well as the star attraction, the native Florida flamingos. 7. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. 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! 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. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . See the West Florida coastline from above, from St Petersburg down to Port Charlotte. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Now that you know the best things to do in Sarasota, lets look at the best places to stay in this gem of Floridas gulf coast! You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. What can I say? Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. 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. 6. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. 1. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. 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. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. 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. Finally, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of bird that call the local ecosystem home. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. Known as Molly the Mollusk, the vast cephalopod was inadvertently caught off the coast of New Zealand in 1999 and was soon donated to the Sarasota facility for permanent display, where it quickly became one of its centrepiece attractions among visitors. The result is as cool as a cucumber. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. 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. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. Some were hosted, some were not. The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. 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. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. 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. The options are endless! 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top things to do in Sarasota. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. 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. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. The city has some great clubs and caters to all tastes of music and dancing. 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. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. 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. Burns Court Cinema 5. 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. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. 27. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. 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. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Great for the entire family, including kids! All you can see from here used to be their land. And you can still explore them today. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. As the largest subscription theatre in Florida, plus one of the largest in the nation, the Florida Studio Theatre presents a wide variety of programs, from improv and mainstage to cabaret and childrens theatre. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. 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. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. For the ultimate in privacy, book a room at the Lido Beach Resort, which offers a stretch of private beach, a poolside bar, and elegant rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes. 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. The sculpture has been at the center of numerous controversies in its short life in Sarasota and has been vandalized and even hit by a car on one occasion. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. 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. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. Sarasota Art Museum 7. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . #12. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. 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. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. 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. 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. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Mixon Fruit Farms. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Theres also a gift shop where you can pick up rare collectibles, unique memorabilia and hard-to-find automotive books. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. 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. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. 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. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. 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. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! 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. 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. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. 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 Address. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. 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. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Housed within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a colossal 27-foot long corpse of a giant squid that grabs the attention of everyone who sees it. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. ), 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. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. It has no less than 36,000 square feet of concrete and brick, terracotta, stucco, and glazed tiles inspired by the Gothic style of the Venetian palazzos the circus king and queen admired during the years they spent in Europe. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. A historic theatre turned opera house, the Sarasota Opera House has been renovated to exude refinery and class as visitors come upon its stunning Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! From burying your toes in white-sandy beaches to adventures that take you deep into mangrove forests, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. 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. 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. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. 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. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk Sarasota is home to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and most scenic parks. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. And its a curious place to visit. Tampa. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. CPonies 11. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. One of the most unique shopping destinations in Sarasota is this large non-profit consignment store offering a diverse assortment of affordably priced furniture, along with womens clothing, jewellery, crystal, china, silver, art, linens, oriental rugs and more. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! 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. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. 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. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. 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. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. 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. 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 . Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. 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. Will you take the challenge? Forget regular mini golf. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. TreeUmph! 29. 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.