unique things to do in sarasota unique things to do in sarasota

With a choice of freshly prepared dishes as well as the finest local seafood, breads, olive oils, jerky and dried goods. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. A historic theatre turned opera house, the Sarasota Opera House has been renovated to exude refinery and class as visitors come upon its stunning Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. Daily shows welcome visitors to experience and learn more about these fascinating creatures with the chance to have one-on-one interactions with them after the show. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. Or a cold-blooded snake? With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Expect burger stands and pizza podiums as well as arts and crafts markets and the young, the old and the beautiful (sometimes all at the same time, right? Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. So does amazing pastry. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. The gentle tides of Ted Sperling Park are a great place for beginners to learn the ropes. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. The city has some great clubs and caters to all tastes of music and dancing. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. Escape from Sarasota? It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. One of the most unique shopping destinations in Sarasota is this large non-profit consignment store offering a diverse assortment of affordably priced furniture, along with womens clothing, jewellery, crystal, china, silver, art, linens, oriental rugs and more. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. With a stay at this mid-range hotel, guests are given appealing accommodations, including complimentary continental breakfast, access to the palm-tree-lined outdoor pool, and free WiFi. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. 100-plus fun things to do in January in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties The new year will bring a full lineup of festivals, concerts, stage productions and more to Sarasota, Manatee and . Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. By the way, you should really taste the honey. Port Charlotte. 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. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Payne Park 9. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! 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. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. Contents 1. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. 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. Its a must for nature lovers. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! There is a flag assembly area and memorial walkway to visit. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to The beach offers great swimming and its even possible to spend a night at one of the parks campsites. Contents hide. Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. Sarasota has something for everyone! These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. 1. Aside from the freshest fish dishes this place offers a selection of the best wines and regional craft beers. Others wishing to remain on the dry land stick to the biking and hiking trails winding through the park. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. 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. Robin Hood Rentals 12. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Officially recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States, the museum is a leap back to the start of one of the greatest inventions. 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. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. 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. What can I say? Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. 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. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. 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. The Fish Hole 3. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 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. 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%. Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. The big felines are the stars here, and you can see them in shows or admire their mightiness as they go on with their lives in their enclosed spaces. The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 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. 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. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride or a leisurely sail around the local beauty spots and beaches. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. Definitely unique through its oddness, Mariettas Museum doesnt have the sobriety of a world-class arts venue but is more of a place for relaxation. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails, its also possible to rent a canoe or kayak here, have a picnic, visit the nature center, or go fishing. 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. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! So what does this mean? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. 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. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. Need help deciding? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Guests toast the occasion during a Sarasota food tour (Photo: Key Culinary Tours), Watch an armada of boats at the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. In the mood for something completely different? 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. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. Not the 1850s. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 6. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. 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. 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. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. Youll start at Bayfront Park before moving towards downtown Sarasota, where youll visit Ringling Bridge and Lido Beach before stopping by Island Park for panoramic views over the water. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. Here are the 30 best and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida. 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. Sarasota has its own airport, but many travelers arrive at the larger Miami International Airport or the Orlando (MCO) Airport instead. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. 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. Many anglers flock to Lake Manatee State Park for great opportunities for freshwater fishing off its shores, off the parks fishing docks, or on a boat. 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. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. ), 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. 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. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. 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. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Enjoy, have a great time and if you bump into me on the street at one of our great Sarasota events, please stop and say hello. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. Phone +1 941-355-9805. At any given time you are likely to catch world-class Broadway productions, live music, comedians, contemporary dance and even the odd ballet and orchestral performance. 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. 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. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. 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. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. If bikes are your thing, the 600+-acre Robinson Preserve an hour away offers plenty of cycling trails going past mangroves, mud flats, and beautiful waterfront habitats. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. All you can see from here used to be their land. Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. 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. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. Tampa. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic 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. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. Nature trails traverse the park and wind through hardwood forests, pine flat woods, and depression marshes. The Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama 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. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas!