2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 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. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. 1. Choose from a variety of themed tours that stop at local tiki bars or take a historical tour to bring you up-to-speed on the city. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. It is run by a non-profit organisation, so all the money they collect from tickets and fees goes to expanding the sanctuary and improving the living conditions for the residents. 21 Unusual and Unique Things To Do in Sarasota Florida There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. By the way, you should really taste the honey. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Then get packing! This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. 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. Shark's Tooth Festival. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . All you can see from here used to be their land. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. The result is as cool as a cucumber. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. 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. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. 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 one is fun for all the family. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. 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. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. 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. 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. Visit the eight greenhouses to gaze at vibrant displays of bromeliads and orchids collected by the Gardens scientists. 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. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. Sarasota Tasting and Dinner Small-Group Walking Tour 2023 - Viator You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. #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. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. 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. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. 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. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. 2023 Atlas Obscura. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. 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. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. And you can still explore them today. In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. 23 Fun Things to Do in Saratoga Springs NY in 2023 - Travel Addicts And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. 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. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. 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. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. 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. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. Will you take the challenge? This place has been hosting regatta competitions since 2009, so if you are lucky, you may stumble into a main event with big crowds cheering for their favourite and setting up stall on picnic tables. CPonies 11. photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. When the weather forces you to step indoors for a while, visit the the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, step under the protective tarps of the Sarasota Farmers Market, or jump on a trolley for a haunted tour of the city. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. Sarasota Attractions & Tours | Things to Do in Sarasota One interesting development has been the easing off of Amish rules around clothing, with the idyllic beaches persuading many that more revealing attire should be tolerated. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. What can I say? People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. 27. Sarasota Farmers Market. 10 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Trips To Discover The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. 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. Lets have a look in more detail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The centers living museum offers a chance for visitors to learn through educational displays with live birds that were previously patients deemed unfit to return to the wild. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! Sarasota - Manatee. Or a cold-blooded snake? Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. 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. All rights reserved. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". Roll up, roll up! First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. 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. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. 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. 14 Fun Things To Do In Siesta Key You Can't Miss!!! - Florida Trippers 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. It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. 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%. Others wishing to remain on the dry land stick to the biking and hiking trails winding through the park. wants to go to Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. The options are endless! Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. 1. But if you want to find the real essence of Sarasota, face west at the end of the day. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. The Fish Hole 3. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida for Your First Visit 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. 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. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Ed?! We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Overview. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. 1. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. One of the major cultural institutions on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Studio Theatre specializes in contemporary theatre. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . Feel the wind on your face and get a birds-eye perspective on the city, its beaches and azure seas as you float high above them. Of course, you have! YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! Here, visitors will find around 100 rare and vintage cars of every type, some of which were once under the ownership of distinguished figures from the worlds of sport, culture and entertainment. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. 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. For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. 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. 9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota | U.S. News Travel Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. 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). It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. 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. Find unique souvenirs to bring home and gift loved ones. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. Things to do in Sarasota | Places to Visit in Sarasota 2023 - TripHobo The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. So what does this mean? 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! 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. The 1950s. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Go Museum Hopping 2. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. 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. With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. 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. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. 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? Expect to be well fed and well educated in equal measure with your experienced guides regaling you with anecdotes relating to Sarasotas rich heritage and food tastings. 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. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. 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 . There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! 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.