Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. For two full hours youll traverse the streets as local historian Sue Blue narrates your journey and points out historical facts and landmarks, ensuring you depart with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of the city. 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). Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. Watching a Broadway musical here is one of the best things you can do on a summer night, and the atmosphere will stay with you forever. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Its far better than the one you get at the store. 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. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. 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 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. 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. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. All you can see from here used to be their land. 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. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 And, how breathtaking the view is from here! Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. 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. 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. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. wants to go to Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. With the citys superb weather and beautiful beaches, it takes a lot to drag Sarasota visitors indoors, but the citys annual Improv Festival is as good a reason as any. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. 15 Family Fun Things To Do In Sarasota with Kids - Consistently Curious This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. Or a giant tortoise? Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding. 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. While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. 8 Great Teen Activities in Sarasota | Must Do Visitor Guides These cookies will be stored in your browser. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota Or two or three. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. 3. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. 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. 23 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids (for 2023) 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! Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. Ringling Museum of Art. 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. Its such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! Shark's Tooth Festival. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. Thanks for your support, kind friend! With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Overview. 6. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. Fun things to do, events Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda January 2023 Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. The most popular viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park and City Island. Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. 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. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Helicopter Tours 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. 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. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide) Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. 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. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. Its a must for nature lovers. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. 14 Best Things to Do in Sarasota (FL) - The Crazy Tourist After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. So get in on the fun and discover the fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The gentle tides of Ted Sperling Park are a great place for beginners to learn the ropes. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. The museum covers the history of life in the region with prehistoric fossils from the very earliest land creatures to the native Paleo-Indian cultures. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Here's a list of 10 great things to do in and around Sarasota, with either a low-cost or FREE admission. Lido Key Beach Just adjacent to Siesta Key Beach with a short scenic drive west of Sarasota, Lido Key Beach is a lesser-known hidden gem. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. 1. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Sarasota City Sightseeing Tour 2023 - Viator Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Fun Family Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sarasota, FL Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun.