Address. There is even a petting. 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. 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. 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). If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. Contents hide. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. Home to an exceptional collection of vintage cars, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is renowned for its displays of cars, some of which are rare or have been owned by prominent celebrities. 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. 1. 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. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. 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. 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! Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. A qualified marine biologist scoops animals out of the bay and into glass tanks so that you can watch and learn right in the environment itself. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. 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. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. 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. #12. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. 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. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. 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. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. LOCATION Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway HOURS Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Delve into Sarasotas culinary heritage on a food tour. 1. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. 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 . The Ringling. Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. 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 test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. 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. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check out the list below for fantastic and fun things to do in Sarasota at night. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. 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. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! Or a cold-blooded snake? Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. Web Visit website. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. 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. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. 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. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. 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. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. 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. The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. This is a great place to unwind. 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. 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. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. 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. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Paulleon / Shutterstock The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is situated on City Island, in a little spot called Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Florida. 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. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. The most popular viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay front Park and City Island. 1. 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. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Key Culinary Tours are a company that hosts a diverse range of food tours that invite visitors to sample some of the culinary delights that the area has to offer. 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. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. 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. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. 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. And its a curious place to visit. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. 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. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. 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. 6. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. By the way, you should really taste the honey. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Shark's Tooth Festival. Non-Amish visitors are welcome to explore the neighbourhood but are advised to do so with cultural and religious sensitivity. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Phone +1 941-355-9805. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. The sand is still white, the water clear. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Siesta Key Beach This beautiful beach is located just west of downtown Sarasota on Siesta Key. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. 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 Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces visitors from all over to bask in the sun, dip their feet in the sand, collect sea shells, and cool off in the refreshing ocean waters. Lets have a look in more detail. 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. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. Overview. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! Will you take the challenge? 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. 5. 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. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. 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. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! 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. Online streaming available any time. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. 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 theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break - Kb in Bloom 14 Engaging Black History Month Social Media Post Ideas You'll Love February 3, 2023 Make Your Own: Mindfulness Jar for Adults Ideas February 1, 2023 15 Coconut Yogurt Benefits That Will Most Likely Surprise You January 31, 2023 40 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day