unique things to do in sarasota
The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. It comes from pure quartz, filtered from the Appalachian mountains, and it winds up looking bright white, peppy and pretty on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. #12. Choose from a number of private transfer options, all with your very own driver who will meet you and greet you at the gate and bring you straight to your hotel. 1. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk Sarasota is home to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and most scenic parks. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! 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. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. How to swim with manatees in Florida, the ethical way, What surprised me about the Marie Selby Gardens, Weird things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, The Ultimate West Coast Florida itinerary, A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida, Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston, Two weeks in Alabama: the most surprising road trip, The pre-travel checklist you can print and download. You May Also Like. Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). The southwest Gulf coast of Florida all the way down to Miami at the states southeastern tip is an area teeming with vibrant coastal cities that draw vast swathes of tourists seeking both natural and cultural delights. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. 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. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. 6. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. 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. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. 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. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. 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. It is open to TPC members. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. But if you want to find the real essence of Sarasota, face west at the end of the day. A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). 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. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. Not the 1850s. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. All Rights Reserved. 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. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. 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. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. 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. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. The Fish Hole 3. The 1950s. Happily, many of the artistic endeavors from the age have been preserved and at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota visitors can enjoy a fabulous collection of some 80+ pieces created between the years of 1100 and 1500. Museums for kids in Sarasota Crowley Museum and Nature Center Hike the trails at Crowley Museum and Nature Center because it is such a fun place to visit. Then get packing! University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 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. And its a curious place to visit. Time to think again. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. 1. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. 5. Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. I mean you three were there. Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. 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. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride or a leisurely sail around the local beauty spots and beaches. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. Today, the venue is well-known for its outstanding acoustics and entertaining live opera performances. 1. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. The organization rehabilitates and releases thousands of injured birds each year. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! 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. The Water Sports. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. Great for the entire family, including kids! Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top things to do in Sarasota. The strong LED lights will light up everything in the shallow waters of Sarasota Bay. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. 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). The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. 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. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. 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. 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. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. Ed?! And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. 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. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. 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. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. There is a flag assembly area and memorial walkway to visit. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 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. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. 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. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. Discover Sarasota Tours offers daily tours in an air-conditioned trolley featuring intriguing events from Sarasota's rich past including tiki trivia, circus tours and an "infamous Sarasota". The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. Say hello to a manatee, relax on the beach, explore a farmers market these are all must-do activities if you want to make the most out of your trip to Sarasota County. One of the things to do in Sarasota that you cannot miss is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 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. The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. 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. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs.