These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Its a must for nature lovers. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. 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. 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. 2. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. 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. Sarasota - Manatee. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. With the citys superb weather and beautiful beaches, it takes a lot to drag Sarasota visitors indoors, but the citys annual Improv Festival is as good a reason as any. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Stroll around the Circus Ring of Fame, which honours numerous circus performing legends and have a think about the level of vision and influence that John Ringling embodied. 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! 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Home to an exceptional collection of vintage cars, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is renowned for its displays of cars, some of which are rare or have been owned by prominent celebrities. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. Greenhouses show rotating exhibits. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. 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. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. 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. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. The 1950s. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. The result is as cool as a cucumber. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? 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. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. 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. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. Contents 1. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Considered one of the best bike trails in the Sarasota trail system, bikers head to Legacy Trail to take its paved route over land and bridges while reveling in the scenery. 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. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Explore Myakka River State Park 4. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. 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. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! 28. Sarasota Chalk . Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). 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? Held each spring, this festival attracts a crowd that voraciously devour three days of food, fossils, arts and crafts, music and fun for the whole family. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Traveling with little ones? Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. 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 cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. For a truly original activity, trekking through these stunning mangrove tunnels in South Lido Beach Nature Park, located a quick drive from central Sarasota, will be hard to beat. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. 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. At any given time you are likely to catch world-class Broadway productions, live music, comedians, contemporary dance and even the odd ballet and orchestral performance. The brave can then go fishing, canoeing and kayaking, Kiss beneath Unconditional Surrender on Bayfront Park, Surround yourself with flowers at the Marie Selby Gardens, Snuggle up in a romantic beachfront hotel, Check out fellow luxury travel blogger Mrs Os guide to. 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. 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. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Shop till you drop. The options are endless! The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. So what does this mean? Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. 7. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Hey! 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. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. 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. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. 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. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Or learn about local history and hidden gems with an engaging, informative walking tour. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. 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. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. Some were hosted, some were not. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Expect burger stands and pizza podiums as well as arts and crafts markets and the young, the old and the beautiful (sometimes all at the same time, right? An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. What can I say? Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Ringling Museum of Art. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. 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. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. Finally, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of bird that call the local ecosystem home. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. Imagine that! With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Or a cold-blooded snake? The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. I love this city and you loved this article about it. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. 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 Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. 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. And thats not just folklore. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. 100-plus fun things to do in February in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties February features some of the Sarasota and Bradenton area's biggest annual events, as well as festivals, concerts . Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 1. Thanks for your support, kind friend! A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. 1. Come along if you dare! Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. 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. 1. 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. John Ringling collected unusual works from around the globe. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. 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. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Sarasota has something for everyone! Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. The most popular viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park and City Island. 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. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Contents hide. Need help deciding? Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Burns Court Cinema 5. What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. 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. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. CPonies 11. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. This is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. 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 Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. 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 organization rehabilitates and releases thousands of injured birds each year. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. So get in on the fun and discover the fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. 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. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. This one is fun for all the family. Lets have a look in more detail. And you can still explore them today. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. 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. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. Learn all about the citys disreputable history of murder, mystery, and unsolved crimes. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades.