There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. It's been around since 1979. 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.. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. 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. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. 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. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. 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. Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. The museum covers the history of life in the region with prehistoric fossils from the very earliest land creatures to the native Paleo-Indian cultures. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. 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! Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. 9 Cool Things To Do With Teens In Sarasota, Florida These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. 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. 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. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. 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. 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. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. 14 Best Things to Do in Sarasota (FL) - The Crazy Tourist Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. 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! Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. Climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and see several points of interest including the Ringling Museum and College, Selby Library, and the Sarasota Opera House. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. 1. Sarasota City Sightseeing Tour 2023 - Viator Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Find unique souvenirs to bring home and gift loved ones. Vegetarian and vegan food are at their best in Lila, which specializes in noodle bowls, while Made is famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich filled with bacon, spicy sauce, and cheese. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Imagine that! The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. 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. And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. 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. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. 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. 55 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - TourScanner This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break - Kb in Bloom 14 Engaging Black History Month Social Media Post Ideas You'll Love February 3, 2023 Make Your Own: Mindfulness Jar for Adults Ideas February 1, 2023 15 Coconut Yogurt Benefits That Will Most Likely Surprise You January 31, 2023 40 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. Not the 1850s. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! 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! Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Sarasota Farmers Market. 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. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. 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 And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. Another high-end option is the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which features its own golf course, a full-service spa, and modern luxurious rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida Today - Thrillist Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. The Ringling. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. Shop till you drop. 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. 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. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. Sarasota Chalk . Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. Bucket list: 100 fun things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice The big felines are the stars here, and you can see them in shows or admire their mightiness as they go on with their lives in their enclosed spaces. 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. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. The works in the collection include paintings, sculptures, jewellery, chalices, tapestries, and stained glass sourced from across the globe, with some borrowed from notable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. TreeUmph! Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. LOCATION 5500 North Tamiami Trail DATES Mon-Sun 9am-6pm, A car on display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Photo: DeusXFlorida via Flickr), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. 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 FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. 12 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids | SheBuysTravel The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. 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. 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. 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide) While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . 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). Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Sarasota Art Museum 7. The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. Time to think again. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. 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. Address. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! 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. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. 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. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. The Water Sports. See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory. The city has some great clubs and caters to all tastes of music and dancing. This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. The Ringling 4. 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. So does amazing pastry. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. Escape rooms. 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. 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. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. 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. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. It does not store any personal data. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. 22 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Treksplorer This one is fun for all the family. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 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. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. 10 Things To Do In Sarasota - thetravel.com Burns Court Cinema 5. Annual passes are available. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. The strong LED lights will light up everything in the shallow waters of Sarasota Bay. Will you take the challenge? 2. 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. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. Key spots are Yoders and Der Dutchman where you can stop for a comforting, homemade meal or made-from-scratch cooking as they call it. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. 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! Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. 37 Free Things to Do in Sarasota in 2022 [Complete List] Check out our other American road trip itineraries: Disclosure My trip to Florida involved many partnerships, including with Hertz UK, Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. From burying your toes in white-sandy beaches to adventures that take you deep into mangrove forests, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota. 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. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city.

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unique things to do in sarasota