Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. 5 Fun Things to do in Sarasota, Florida - smugglersgolf.com Greenhouses show rotating exhibits. 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. Test your skills at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park against friends or family members, through a series of obstacles thatll bring out the competitive side in all of you. This Big Cat Sanctuary is home to all kinds of wild and exotic creatures including tigers and lions (as well as ligers and tigons), bears, primates, birds and wallabies. 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. 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%. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. 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. 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. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. 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. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. LOCATION 5500 North Tamiami Trail DATES Mon-Sun 9am-6pm, A car on display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Photo: DeusXFlorida via Flickr), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. It does not store any personal data. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Phone +1 941-355-9805. These cookies will be stored in your browser. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. 1. Originally constructed as a tourist attraction in the late 1940s, the imitation of a lone gunners station began life as part of an arms museum, but since the museum itself was closed, the landmark has eked out a lonely existence, with the occasional visitor for company as it serves its role as the only reminder of the forts bygone days. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. 1538 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Open in Google Maps Meet outside of State Street Garage outside of the elevators next to Rise & Nye's. Your guide will be waiting with a big smile at 3:30 p.m. Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. This is heaven for every kid who will have a great time in the petting zoo, playing with the rabbits or giggling in amazement with a primate on their shoulder. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. So does amazing pastry. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. It's been around since 1979. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in the Sarasota and Bradenton area! Among them, the city of Sarasota stands out as one of the most enchanting, thanks to its mix of distinguished arts institutes and miles of beautiful beaches with fine sand and shallow waters. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Spring Into Health 2023 is hosted at "Carlisle Inn . Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. Come along if you dare! Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. Shark's Tooth Festival. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. 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. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. 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. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. Roll up, roll up! Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. 7+ Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids - Toddling Traveler Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. It acts as an in-between placement for animals in need, a permanent home for animals that would not survive in the wild, and educates visitors on the importance of conservation. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. This Sarasota art museum features European pieces and iconic sculptures meant to inspire and engage visitors wishing to learn more about the arts and culture. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Burns Court Cinema 5. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sarasota, FL Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida for Your First Visit The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Sarasota has something for everyone! With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. As well as a cultural center, the Sarasota Opera House is a historic institution in its own right. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Rent a bike or a pedal-powered Surrey Ride to take on all of Legacy Trail, or, if youre more inclined, take on the trail by foot! It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. All you can see from here used to be their land. Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. It is open to TPC members. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. So what does this mean? Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. There is a flag assembly area and memorial walkway to visit. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. As the curtain lifts and Bizet or Puccini begins, you will think only What a great place to spend the night! The acoustics are phenomenal. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! Forget regular mini golf. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. Opened only recently in 2014, The Mall has luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and Macys among a host of other popular brands. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. 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. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. So get in on the fun and discover the fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. A 600-acre community park, Nathan Benderson Park is renowned for its world-class rowing and recreational facility along with its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course. 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide) Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. See also: Clearwater Beach - Florida's Finest White Sand Beach. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. 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. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. As the largest subscription theatre in Florida, plus one of the largest in the nation, the Florida Studio Theatre presents a wide variety of programs, from improv and mainstage to cabaret and childrens theatre. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota at Night (for 2023) two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Ed?! Looking for fun, free things to do? YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota - Authentic Florida Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Its long stretches of sugar-white beaches, sparking clear waters, native mangroves, and expansive parks leave plenty of opportunities to step out to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. 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 Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. 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 Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. 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. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. Contents 1. Then get packing! With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. With indoor and outdoor seating you can really make the most of the long summer nights as you take in the view over Sarasota Bay. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. The result is as cool as a cucumber. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! Another high-end option is the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which features its own golf course, a full-service spa, and modern luxurious rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast. Promoting a relaxing and welcoming environment for your stay, the Sleep Inn Sarasota North is only ten minutes from downtown to easily access the best Sarasota activities. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. Bucket list: 100 fun things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. Google DoubleClick IDE cookies are used to store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads and according to the user profile. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Thanks for your support, kind friend! To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. 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. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. 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. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Sarasota - Atlas Obscura TreeUmph! 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. Tampa. 10 Things To Do In Sarasota - thetravel.com Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 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. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Receive exclusive access to the onsite spa, The Beach Club on Lido Key, the championship golf course, and more as a guest at this stunning, elegant retreat. Sarasota Farmers Market. Sarasota Events Calendar - Fun things to do in - Escape to Sarasota Contents hide. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 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. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. 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. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Guests can BBQ on the premises, play shuffleboard, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. 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. 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.