All Rights Reserved. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. 29. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. 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. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. 5. The options are endless! What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. 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. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. The strong LED lights will light up everything in the shallow waters of Sarasota Bay. 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. Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. 1. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. 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. The Ringling. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. A 600-acre community park, Nathan Benderson Park is renowned for its world-class rowing and recreational facility along with its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. 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! Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Bwahahahahaha! 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. 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! Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. 3. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. 7. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. 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. Our list of the best things to do in Sarasota ranges from interacting with exotic animals at the Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary to engaging artistic expression and curiosity at the John Ringling Museum of Art. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida 1) Taste Some Amish Delicacies In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. And its a curious place to visit. Port Charlotte. 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. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. It does not store any personal data. 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 . 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. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. 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. And thats not just folklore. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. This is heaven for every kid who will have a great time in the petting zoo, playing with the rabbits or giggling in amazement with a primate on their shoulder. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. 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. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. Of course, you have! A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. 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. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. 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. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 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. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. 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. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Payne Park 9. Tampa. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. 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. A place for business, socialisation, and entertainment this is probably the best way to describe the most important fresh produce market in Sarasota county. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. Then get packing! 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. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. 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. 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. Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Web Visit website. It's been around since 1979. 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. Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. Overview. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. With so much to see and do, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. 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. The Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. The Water Sports. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. 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. 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. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Mixon Fruit Farms. 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. Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The Ringling 4. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. Head to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island if youre after a day of picnicking and grilling or try Cortez Beach for a more underdeveloped feel and tall trees lining up the long stretch of sand. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Want to hear something crazy? Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. 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. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s.