Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. 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. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Payne Park 9. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. 25 Best Things To Do In Northern California (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Kauai, Hawaii (2023 Guide), 21 Best Things To Do In Destin, Florida (2023 Guide). A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. 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. 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. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. Key Culinary Tours are a company that hosts a diverse range of food tours that invite visitors to sample some of the culinary delights that the area has to offer. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the opera house is conveniently settled near boutique shops and fine dining restaurants to extend your adventures in Sarasota. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. 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! Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Sarasota has something for everyone! Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, map Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for kids We've always loved checking out botanical gardens and even more now that I'm obsessed with plants. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. 28. The most popular viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park and City Island. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 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. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. 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. You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. 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. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. #1 in Sarasota Address: 13208 State Road 72 Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state. 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. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Expect burger stands and pizza podiums as well as arts and crafts markets and the young, the old and the beautiful (sometimes all at the same time, right? Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Ride the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, shop at the nearby Siesta Key Village, join an e-bike tour along the beach, or rent a jet ski for a thrilling ride across the waters. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. 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. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. 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. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Online streaming available any time. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida, More Unique Things to do in Sarasota Florida, A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. 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. 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. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". You May Also Like. This one is fun for all the family. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. 1. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. 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. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. Lets have a look in more detail. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! The 1950s. You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Its a must for nature lovers. Or two or three. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. LOCATION Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue DATES 5-6 July 2019, A performer in full flow during the Sarasota Improv Festival (Photo: Sarasota Improv Festival), Indulge in some retail therapy at The Womens Exchange. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! It's been around since 1979. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. Roll up, roll up! 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. 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. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. 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. And you can still explore them today. What is the point otherwise?! For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. The Middle Ages was in many ways a dark and gruesome period in our history, but few would also deny that it also gave rise to some truly stunning art. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. Daily shows welcome visitors to experience and learn more about these fascinating creatures with the chance to have one-on-one interactions with them after the show. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Tampa. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. The Ringling 4. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. The Fish Hole 3. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. 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 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. 3. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. More than 80 antique cars are preserved inside the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, many of which are from the worlds top automobile manufacturers, including Edsel, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari. Contents hide. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. 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 zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. TreeUmph! 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. 1. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. Built by the famous New York architect Dwight James Baum, the Ca dZan was the Ringlings winter residence, a spectacular building overflowing with luxury both on the outside and on the inside. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. And its a curious place to visit. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. Only a five-minute drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the Sarasota Deluxe Inn offers a convenient location ten minutes from the beach. Hey! This 25-foot sculpture on Sarasotas bay-front is based on an iconic photograph taken in New Yorks Times Square on V-J day, 1945. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. I mean you three were there. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a more than 10-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The options are endless! More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park.