See the West Florida coastline from above, from St Petersburg down to Port Charlotte. 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. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. You May Also Like. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. Opened in 1926 as a multi-use cultural space it has hosted performances from some of the biggest stars of yesteryear, including a young Elvis Presley in 1956. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. Imagine that! 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). 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 . Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . As you climb the stairs to the second floor of this historical building, be prepared to be hit by the intimacy of their bedrooms and the servants quarters. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 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. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces visitors from all over to bask in the sun, dip their feet in the sand, collect sea shells, and cool off in the refreshing ocean waters. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. What is the point otherwise?! Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. 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. Or two or three. All rights reserved. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. This attraction is ideal for tourists looking for things to do with kids in Sarasota since it entertains, fascinates, and also educates. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. LOCATION 539 South Orange Avenue HOURS Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun, Goods on display at The Womens Exchange in Sarasota (Photo: The Womens Exchage), Attend an artistic extravaganza at the Festival of the Arts. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. Phone +1 941-355-9805. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. 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. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. in Sarasota. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride or a leisurely sail around the local beauty spots and beaches. Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. 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. Come along if you dare! Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Time to think again. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. 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. Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxurious five-star resort settled perfectly in downtown Sarasota near attractions like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Opera House, and more. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. 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. 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. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. This is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. A place for business, socialisation, and entertainment this is probably the best way to describe the most important fresh produce market in Sarasota county. 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. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. 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. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. Choose from a number of themed escape games including a 1930s mafia club, a London townhouse, a cabin in the woods murder mystery or a modern-day Sarasota nightclub. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 ), 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. 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! Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! 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. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk Sarasota is home to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and most scenic parks. 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! Guests toast the occasion during a Sarasota food tour (Photo: Key Culinary Tours), Watch an armada of boats at the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. 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 Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. 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. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Or learn about local history and hidden gems with an engaging, informative walking tour. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Online streaming available any time. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Sarasota Chalk . After the Circus Museum, the Museum of Art and whimsy has to be the most cheerful place in Sarasota. 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. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Sarasota Sky has great views and plays a broad selection of modern music. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. Then get packing! 7. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. It is held only on Saturday mornings from 8 to 13 and tends to get crowded, so be there early if you want to take your time strolling around the stands. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. 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 property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Of course, you have! 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. 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. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Contents 1. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. 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. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. 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. 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. 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! It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. 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. Home . 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. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. 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. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum features a collection of Rolls Royce autos from famous circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and numerous other classic and muscle vintage cars on display. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. 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. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one.