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. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. 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. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. 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. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Imagine that! Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Sarasota - Manatee. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. 6. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. Burns Court Cinema 5. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. 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! Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. 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. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. Sarasotas creative impulses are allowed to flow each year as more than five city blocks are given over to a popular arts festival. There is even a petting. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top things to do in Sarasota. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Want to hear something crazy? Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. 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. It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. 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. 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. I mean you three were there. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. John Ringling collected unusual works from around the globe. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. 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! Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. Ringling Museum of Art. Annual passes are available. 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. And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. 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. Ed?! Spend a day strolling through art galleries and museums, hunting for shark teeth, picking up local goods at the farmer's market or perfecting your golf game. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. So does amazing pastry. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Myakka River State Park opened in 1942 and the Myakka River was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the State legislature in 1985. The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. Lets have a look in more detail. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. LOCATION Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue DATES 5-6 July 2019, A performer in full flow during the Sarasota Improv Festival (Photo: Sarasota Improv Festival), Indulge in some retail therapy at The Womens Exchange. Sarasota has its own airport but unless youre fairly local, it usually makes sense to fly in to Orlando and visit Sarasota as part of a larger trip through Florida. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. 1. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Some were hosted, some were not. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. 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! Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. 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. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. 7. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . 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 test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory. 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? Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. By the way, you should really taste the honey. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. 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. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Go Museum Hopping 2. 27. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! 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. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. I love this city and you loved this article about it. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. How to swim with manatees in Florida, the ethical way, What surprised me about the Marie Selby Gardens, Weird things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, The Ultimate West Coast Florida itinerary, A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida, Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston, Two weeks in Alabama: the most surprising road trip, The pre-travel checklist you can print and download. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. 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. 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. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. 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. 1. 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. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! Built by the famous New York architect Dwight James Baum, the Ca dZan was the Ringlings winter residence, a spectacular building overflowing with luxury both on the outside and on the inside. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Address. LOCATION Main Street DATES 9-10 February 2019, A visitor admiring artwork at the Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts (Photo: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts), Step back into the past on a Historic Trolley Tour. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! The superb acoustics are its crowning jewel, making the audience feel like they are not just witnessing a performance but are enveloped by the sound. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. 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. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Opened only recently in 2014, The Mall has luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and Macys among a host of other popular brands. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. 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. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. Here's a list of 10 great things to do in and around Sarasota, with either a low-cost or FREE admission. 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. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. Shop till you drop. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. Not exactly. Web Visit website. 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. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. Its such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. 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. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. 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. 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 . Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This Sarasota art museum features European pieces and iconic sculptures meant to inspire and engage visitors wishing to learn more about the arts and culture. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. 3. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Definitely unique through its oddness, Mariettas Museum doesnt have the sobriety of a world-class arts venue but is more of a place for relaxation. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. For two full hours youll traverse the streets as local historian Sue Blue narrates your journey and points out historical facts and landmarks, ensuring you depart with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of the city. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. 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. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. The southwest Gulf coast of Florida all the way down to Miami at the states southeastern tip is an area teeming with vibrant coastal cities that draw vast swathes of tourists seeking both natural and cultural delights. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. Sarasota Farmers Market. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. 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 museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Here goes! And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. Officially recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States, the museum is a leap back to the start of one of the greatest inventions. Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a more than 10-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. 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. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. 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.