unique things to do in sarasota
And thats not just folklore. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Whimsy art exhibits are exposed inside the museum and through the garden, where you may also find the artists posing next to their pink dragon piglets or fish plants. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . 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! Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. Address. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. John Ringling founded the museum to build a legacy and memorial for his beloved wife, Mable, and to present his and his wifes exceptional art collection. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. But on this nearby guided dolphin and manatee tour, a local guide takes you through Sarastoas waters and mangroves by kayak or stand-up paddle board. The Asian art collection focuses on sculptures and ceramics before leading to a Japanese tea house (chashitsu)and the 66 acres of gardens that overlook Sarasota Bay. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. 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 Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. 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. Ride the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, shop at the nearby Siesta Key Village, join an e-bike tour along the beach, or rent a jet ski for a thrilling ride across the waters. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. So what does this mean? The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. #1 in Sarasota Address: 13208 State Road 72 Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. Watching a Broadway musical here is one of the best things you can do on a summer night, and the atmosphere will stay with you forever. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Not exactly. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. 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. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. 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? Overview. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Are you ready for a visit? 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. The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. 1. 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. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. 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. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". CPonies 11. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. This spot is a great place to try new things. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. 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. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. Sarasota Farmers Market. Ringling Museum of Art. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. And you can still explore them today. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. 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. 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. See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. 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 . Founded by billionaires William and Marie Selby, a constellation of different gardens overlook Sarasota Bay: banyan groves, clumping bamboo, staghorn ferns and local Floridian mangroves. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails, its also possible to rent a canoe or kayak here, have a picnic, visit the nature center, or go fishing. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Things To Do While nothing beats a day at the beach, go beyond the miles of award-winning coastline to discover everything Sarasota County offers. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. If bikes are your thing, the 600+-acre Robinson Preserve an hour away offers plenty of cycling trails going past mangroves, mud flats, and beautiful waterfront habitats. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. Bwahahahahaha! You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. Or learn about local history and hidden gems with an engaging, informative walking tour. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. 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 structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. With indoor and outdoor seating you can really make the most of the long summer nights as you take in the view over Sarasota Bay. 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? It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Sarasota Art Museum 7. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. 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. 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. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. 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. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. 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. 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. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. #12. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 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. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a hit during the winter and an excellent option for an authentic outdoorsy stay in Floridas nature! Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. No matter if youre up for a day of outdoor fun or want to grab a drink or taste some local cuisine, youll find something that fits your schedule and your budget in this beautiful coastal city. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. 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). Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. Shark's Tooth Festival. The Water Sports. ), 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. 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. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! Tampa. Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. 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. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. A lot. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. 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. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. Sarasota has something for everyone! We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. Sarasota Farmers Market. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. 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. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. 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. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. There is even a petting. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. This 25-foot sculpture on Sarasotas bay-front is based on an iconic photograph taken in New Yorks Times Square on V-J day, 1945. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. The downtown campus is 15 acres off Sarasota Bay, with stunning display gardens, a bayfront mangrove walkway, and a host of native, desert, and rainforest plant species. Intrepid types can choose from kayaks or paddleboards as your mode of transport for this magical adventure that will take you into the heart of a unique ecosystem. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. Great for the entire family, including kids! As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. The options are endless! Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. 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. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Need help deciding? Time to think again. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. The result is as cool as a cucumber. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Sarasota has its own airport, but many travelers arrive at the larger Miami International Airport or the Orlando (MCO) Airport instead. The building also houses an all-digital planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center. 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. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Burns Court Cinema 5. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, map Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for kids We've always loved checking out botanical gardens and even more now that I'm obsessed with plants. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. 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. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. It comes from pure quartz, filtered from the Appalachian mountains, and it winds up looking bright white, peppy and pretty on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. 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. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! In the mood for something completely different? Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market.
