Phone +1 941-355-9805. 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? Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . Also about an hour away along the coast is Tampa, home to thrills and screams at Busch Gardens, plenty of culinary delights, a chance to zipline over a natural preserve, and lots of parks to explore. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. 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. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota Online streaming available any time. Shop till you drop. 8 Great Teen Activities in Sarasota | Must Do Visitor Guides Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. 3. Learn all about the citys disreputable history of murder, mystery, and unsolved crimes. A place for business, socialisation, and entertainment this is probably the best way to describe the most important fresh produce market in Sarasota county. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! A lot. 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. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. Theres life-size sculptures, incredible paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and plenty more to bedazzle visitors, while many artists are also on hand to discuss their inspirations and working methods during the event. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Overview. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. Check out our other American road trip itineraries: Disclosure My trip to Florida involved many partnerships, including with Hertz UK, Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. The living room on the first floor, along with all the dining areas, was the heart of the house, and here is where you will start your visit. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Home . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. The beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. 18 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, FL You Shouldn't Miss It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. 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. 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. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. This Big Cat Sanctuary is home to all kinds of wild and exotic creatures including tigers and lions (as well as ligers and tigons), bears, primates, birds and wallabies. Or two or three. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Hey! It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Circus Sarasota 6. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the opera house is conveniently settled near boutique shops and fine dining restaurants to extend your adventures in Sarasota. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. 28. 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. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida for Your First Visit Sarasota Attractions & Tours | Things to Do in Sarasota Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? 40+ Memorable Things to Do in Sarasota for A Weekend of Fun St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. Originally constructed as a tourist attraction in the late 1940s, the imitation of a lone gunners station began life as part of an arms museum, but since the museum itself was closed, the landmark has eked out a lonely existence, with the occasional visitor for company as it serves its role as the only reminder of the forts bygone days. 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. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Forget regular mini golf. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. 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. 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. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. This one is fun for all the family. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. 22 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Treksplorer The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. 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 Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. Its long stretches of sugar-white beaches, sparking clear waters, native mangroves, and expansive parks leave plenty of opportunities to step out to enjoy the great outdoors. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. 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. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. When: Every Wednesday 6-9pm Where: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch UTC Night Market The UTC Night Market offers live music, food trucks, local food vendors, outdoor drinking, outdoor dancing, kids games, cornhole, building blocks for kids, handmade goods, jewelry, local art and more. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. From dedicated explorers and world-class scientists, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is heavily dedicated to learning more about marine environments while educating others on the importance of ocean conservation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. Not exactly. 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. Discover Sarasota Tours offers daily tours in an air-conditioned trolley featuring intriguing events from Sarasota's rich past including tiki trivia, circus tours and an "infamous Sarasota". If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. What can I say? Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Some were hosted, some were not. Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Many anglers flock to Lake Manatee State Park for great opportunities for freshwater fishing off its shores, off the parks fishing docks, or on a boat. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. The options are endless! 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. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. Robin Hood Rentals 12. There is even a petting. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. 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). The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Sarasota Chalk . 10 Things To Do In Sarasota - thetravel.com It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. 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. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. All Rights Reserved. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Will you take the challenge? Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. A qualified marine biologist scoops animals out of the bay and into glass tanks so that you can watch and learn right in the environment itself. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! The building also houses an all-digital planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center. 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum. 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. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. The mermaid shows, cave-diving, underwater museums, mangrove-kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities presented here still only scratch the surface and the depths - of the myriad activities possible along this wondrous coastline. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Ed?! Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. Lido Key Beach Just adjacent to Siesta Key Beach with a short scenic drive west of Sarasota, Lido Key Beach is a lesser-known hidden gem. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. 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. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. It sounds like a scavenger game is right up your street. The Most Fun Things to Do in Sarasota With Family Roll up, roll up! With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. 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. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. 7 Best Things to Do with Kids in Sarasota, Florida (2023 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 Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Ringling Museum of Art. 1. Free, fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. Things to Do in Sarasota Today | Eventbrite Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. Things to do in Sarasota, FL | Visit Sarasota It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. 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. Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida Today - Thrillist Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. Go Museum Hopping 2. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. 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. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 The centre for most of them is the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a huge building overseeing Sarasota Bay and illuminating the area at night. Rent a bike or a pedal-powered Surrey Ride to take on all of Legacy Trail, or, if youre more inclined, take on the trail by foot! Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. 26 Great Things to Do With Kids in Sarasota The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! 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. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. The 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. This is a great place to unwind. By the way, you should really taste the honey. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser. Committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds, the Wild Bird Learning Centers mission is to recuperate these avian species to return to their natural habitats. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers.