The Ringling 4. 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 brave can then go fishing, canoeing and kayaking, Kiss beneath Unconditional Surrender on Bayfront Park, Surround yourself with flowers at the Marie Selby Gardens, Snuggle up in a romantic beachfront hotel, Check out fellow luxury travel blogger Mrs Os guide to. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. 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 park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. One more flight of stairs, and you are on the third floor, where youll find the game room where Ringling used to entertain some of the big names of the Roaring Twenties. 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. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. 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. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. Some were hosted, some were not. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. 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. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. 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). To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. 7. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. Sarasota has its own airport, but many travelers arrive at the larger Miami International Airport or the Orlando (MCO) Airport instead. 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. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. 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. 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. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. A family-owned and operated hot spot tourist attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens draws in visitors from all over to explore its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo. 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. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! 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. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Held each spring, this festival attracts a crowd that voraciously devour three days of food, fossils, arts and crafts, music and fun for the whole family. 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. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. 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. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. Nathan Benderson Park has gone far and beyond to upgrade its facilities to the best, including grandstands, coaching lanes, straight shorelines, a multi-function boathouse, and more! Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. 3 Ca' d'Zan. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. 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. It is open to TPC members. Thanks for your support, kind friend! A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. 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. 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). Sarasota is all about show business, and at any moment of the year, you will find a show or a performance to attend in the city. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. It does not store any personal data. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. 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. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. 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. Go face-to-face with a lion, tiger, liger, bear, camel, lemur or monkey. Come along if you dare! 3. 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. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Sarasota has its own airport but unless youre fairly local, it usually makes sense to fly in to Orlando and visit Sarasota as part of a larger trip through Florida. 1. 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. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! 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. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. 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. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. ), Romantic things to do as a couple in Sarasota, The Best Hidden Gems in the US for Your Next Trip, The Secret Behind The Beignets of Cafe du Monde New Orleans, Be The Change: Steps to Take for a Better World, How to Boost Your Writing in 4 Simple Steps. 1. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. 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. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. So what does this mean? The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! It's been around since 1979. Shop till you drop. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. From dedicated explorers and world-class scientists, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is heavily dedicated to learning more about marine environments while educating others on the importance of ocean conservation. So does amazing pastry. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. 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. 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! 27. Or a giant tortoise? Online streaming available any time. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. 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. 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. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. 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. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. Ringling Museum of Art. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. There is even a petting. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? 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. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. 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. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. In the Tampa Bay area, you can also find the Florida aquarium which covers a huge 200,000 sq ft. You can see many species of fish and aquatic mammals and learn about the aquariums coral, shark and sea turtle conservation efforts. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! 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. Sunset Celebration - John Ringling Causeway Bridge John Ringling Causeway Sarasota, FL 34236 Celebrate Sarasota's famously beautiful sunsets on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, a 1-km bridge going over Sarasota Bay and connecting the city to other Florida Keys. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. Port Charlotte. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. 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. 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.