Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 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. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. 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. Shark's Tooth Festival. 27. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. The Water Sports. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. 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. 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. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. 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. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Escape rooms. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. 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. 6. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Forget regular mini golf. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. The centre for most of them is the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a huge building overseeing Sarasota Bay and illuminating the area at night. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. 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. With a stay at this mid-range hotel, guests are given appealing accommodations, including complimentary continental breakfast, access to the palm-tree-lined outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds, the Wild Bird Learning Centers mission is to recuperate these avian species to return to their natural habitats. Ringling Museum of Art. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? 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 You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. 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. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. The Ringling. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. 28. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. Not exactly. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. 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. Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. And you can still explore them today. Home . The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Just an hour away is St. Petersburg, filled with things to do that include more beautiful white sands, a thriving downtown, a chance to hike the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at night, and a series of unique indoor attractions like the world-class Dali museum. From The Ringling to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 52 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. 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. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The options are endless! Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. 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. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. Mixon Fruit Farms. Challenge your group to use critical thinking skills and escape from your room by the time limitor else! Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. A brightly decorated boat seen during the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Photo: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights), Enjoy free-form theatre at the Sarasota Improv Festival. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. 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. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. 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. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. 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. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. 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. 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. 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. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! 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. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. 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. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. As well as being home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches, the city and surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The 1950s. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. 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. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. 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. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 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. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! Whimsy art exhibits are exposed inside the museum and through the garden, where you may also find the artists posing next to their pink dragon piglets or fish plants. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. Contents hide. 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. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. 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. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? Its such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures. 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. Youll start at Bayfront Park before moving towards downtown Sarasota, where youll visit Ringling Bridge and Lido Beach before stopping by Island Park for panoramic views over the water. A lot. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. 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. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. Roll up, roll up! It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. 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. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. And thats not just folklore. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. I mean you three were there. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. 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. 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. Port Charlotte. 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. The downtown campus is 15 acres off Sarasota Bay, with stunning display gardens, a bayfront mangrove walkway, and a host of native, desert, and rainforest plant species. 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. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. Payne Park 9. 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. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. 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. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. 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. by Paul Joseph|Published December 17, 2018, A Comparison of Bus Services from Dallas to Houston, 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Indianapolis and Indiana this Spring, 7 of the Best Patagonia Down Jackets for Women. What is the point otherwise?! You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. 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. Sarasotas creative impulses are allowed to flow each year as more than five city blocks are given over to a popular arts festival. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. 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. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Address. Only a five-minute drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the Sarasota Deluxe Inn offers a convenient location ten minutes from the beach. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. 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.