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. FLORIDA SARASOTA. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. 1. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. 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. 1. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. Fun Family Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. Happily, many of the artistic endeavors from the age have been preserved and at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota visitors can enjoy a fabulous collection of some 80+ pieces created between the years of 1100 and 1500. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. This article explores the best things to do in Sarasota during your trip so you dont miss out on top attractions that draw in millions of visitors to this tropical oasis each year! The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. 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. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. 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. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. 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. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! 1. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Or two or three. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. 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. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Paulleon / Shutterstock The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is situated on City Island, in a little spot called Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Florida. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. 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. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. 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. The organization rehabilitates and releases thousands of injured birds each year. 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. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Come along if you dare! 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. 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. Then, catch a show at the Asolo Repertory Theater, founded by some of the 20th-century theaters most influential people, Robert Whitehead and George Wood. Throw into the mix almost a thousand natural springs, and Florida truly is a place with as much to explore both above water as below. Not the 1850s. 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. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. Will you take the challenge? 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. 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. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! The Ringling. 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. Want to hear something crazy? Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. It has no less than 36,000 square feet of concrete and brick, terracotta, stucco, and glazed tiles inspired by the Gothic style of the Venetian palazzos the circus king and queen admired during the years they spent in Europe. 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. 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. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. 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. Sarasota - Manatee. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Expect to see over 100 years of motoring history represented by the likes of Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Ferrari and Edsel to name a few. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Shark's Tooth Festival. In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. 5. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 29. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Hosted by the Historical Society of Sarasota County, guests will board a traditional tram (known in the US as a 'trolley') before embarking on a fascinating tour of downtown Sarasota. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Great for the entire family, including kids! After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. 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. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. 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! 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 market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Challenge your group to use critical thinking skills and escape from your room by the time limitor else! The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. And you can still explore them today. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Among the regular visitors is a large Amish and Mennonite community who have vacationed here since the mid-1920s, offering a chance to relax and unwind from the rigors of daily Amish life. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. It means that legislation preserves and protects the 34 mile portion of the river that runs through Sarasota County and the result is a serene scene of green. 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. 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. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. 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. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Yet, the most interesting history of the place is related to Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman and philanthropist whose role in Sarasotas development was of extreme importance. Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. So does amazing pastry. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. You can see small mountains of shells as you are just starting to explore the park, which were thrown aside by the Manasota people right after consuming them. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! I mean you three were there. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. 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. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. 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. The Water Sports. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. What is the point otherwise?! 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. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. 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. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. Its far better than the one you get at the store. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Once in the tunnels, its an awe-inspiring sight, where fish and fiddler crabs swim inches away from you in waters so clear you can see the grass resting on the waterbed below. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. 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. Contents hide. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Featuring its own stretch of private beach and stunning views over turquoise waters, the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota tops the list for luxurious stays in Sarasota. Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. Circus Sarasota 6. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. Or a giant tortoise? The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. 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. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. It is open to TPC members. Sarasota Chalk . We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Ed?! Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Port Charlotte. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. 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. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum.
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