What is there to Do in Sarasota?

The vibrant city of Sarasota has something to offer everyone, making it a great destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, or solo exploration. With rolling white sand beaches, lush botanical gardens, and a plethora of unique art and cultural experiences, Sarasota has plenty of activities to keep both locals and visitors entertained. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best activities in Sarasota. From outdoor fun to shopping and dining, here’s what there is to do in Sarasota.

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Sarasota is home to some of the best beaches in the world. With miles of sandy white shores and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular activities in the city. Popular spots include Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach, and North Lido Beach. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, consider visiting Coquina Beach or Turtle Beach Park. No matter which beach you decide to explore, you can be sure that the water will be warm and inviting.

2. Visit Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the lush beauty of Sarasota’s botanical gardens. These gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers, making them perfect for both avid gardeners and budding botanists alike. Popular gardens include Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Marie Selby Children’s Garden, The Ringling Gardens, and the Phillippi Estate Park.

3. Go Shopping

From luxury boutiques to eclectic shops, you’ll find everything you need for retail therapy in Sarasota. Start your shopping spree at the open-air Westfield Siesta Key Mall or head to St. Armands Circle for high-end stores and eateries. Main Street is also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

4. Visit Arts & Cultural Centers

No visit to Sarasota would be complete without exploring its rich arts and culture scene. The area has many museums and galleries showcasing international, national, and local works of art. Popular museums include The Ringling Museum of Art, The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Southeast Museum of Photography, and The Sarasota Potters’ Guild.

5. Take Part in Special Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Sarasota hosts a variety of special events and festivals that showcase the city’s unique culture and history. Popular events include the Suncoast Jazz Classic, the Sarasota Film Festival, Arts & Eats Events and more.

6. Enjoy Unique Dining Experiences

Sarasota is home to a variety of dining experiences ranging from waterside seafood restaurants to trendy bistros offering gourmet cuisine. Popular restaurants include Santiche, The Middle House, Oltre Mare and more. No matter what type of meal you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Sarasota.

7. Participate in Water Activities

Sarasota’s location on Florida’s western coast makes it the perfect destination for all kinds of water activities including sailing, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, and more. For a truly unique experience, consider taking a boat tour through the intercoastal waterways to explore mangrove tunnels and other sites from a different perspective. No matter what you decide to do in Sarasota, make sure to come prepared for an unforgettable experience. With its stunning beaches, lush botanical gardens, and array of unique attractions and activities, Sarasota has something for everyone. So when planning your next vacation or weekend getaway, make sure to add Sarasota to your list! A great way to stay up-to-date on all the current events happening in Sarasota is by checking out “Inside Sarasota” – the official daily guide to what’s happening around town. This guide is updated daily with events ranging from festivals and concerts to theatre performances and cooking classes https://www.visitsarasota.org/inside-sarasota/. With this guide providing helpful tips about local restaurants, attractions, and new businesses popping up around town, it really helps make planning your visit even easier! So if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on all the things to do while visiting Sarasota – make sure to bookmark “Inside Sarasota’!

The Insider’s Guide to Sarasota: Discovering Unforgettable Hidden Gems

Welcome to Sarasota, the Sunshine State’s hidden gem! This coastal city is known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. However, there’s much more to see and experience beyond the typical tourist spots. As a local, I can take you off the beaten path and show you some of the city’s lesser-known treasures. Here’s an insider’s guide to Sarasota for all the curious travelers out there!

Local Attractions: Explore Sarasota’s Best Hidden Gems

Sarasota has a lot of stunning natural sites and cultural attractions that you won’t find in any guidebook. For instance, the Ringling Estate is a must-visit destination with its beautiful botanical gardens, the incredible Circus Museum, and the Ca d’Zan Mansion. However, there’s one place that stands out, and that’s Myakka River State Park. The park features 58 square miles of preserved wetlands, hammocks, pinelands, and prairies. You can explore hiking trails, bike paths, get on board an airboat tour, or go kayaking. There is nothing quite like the birdwatching opportunities, the chance to spot an alligator, or the stunning views from the canopy walkway.

If you are a fan of unique art, visit the The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. It’s a colorful lush garden filled with imaginative art pieces, featuring works by artists such as Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Miro. The museum is a real hidden gem and a welcomed surprise, located in the middle of a charming residential neighborhood.

Dining Spots: A Delicious Tour of Sarasota’s Food Scene

Sarasota’s food scene is incredible, with a diverse range of dining options that cater to any taste. Among the top local favorites is the Yoder’s Amish Restaurant, a family-owned eatery serving delicious homemade food, especially known for their shoo-fly pie. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies, where the menu highlights the best of the bay region local ingredients. Their ever-changing seasonal menu and craft cocktails are sure to impress.

Another great place to grab a snack or lunch is Marina Jack, where you can enjoy dockside dining with an incredible view of Sarasota’s beautiful waterfront. Dolphins are frequent visitors to this location, so keep your eyes open.

And when it’s a hot summer day, what could be better than a visit to Lido Key Tiki Bar & Grill? The lighthouse-shaped tiki bar, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, serves refreshing frozen drinks and tasty, easy-to-eat bar food.

Cultural Experiences: Sarasota’s Rich Arts and Festivals

Sarasota is a hub for cultural and performing arts. It’s home to the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet, and Florida Studio Theatre, among other companies. Meanwhile, the Sarasota Orchestra has been consistently rated among the best symphony orchestras in the country.

If you are a theater lover, the Asolo Repertory Theater is a great place to go. This theater company hosts a vast variety of classic and contemporary productions. For example, Shakespeare’s plays are always incredibly staged here, so you won’t want to miss them.

Another must-do experience is the annual Sarasota Film Festival taking place in April. It attracts filmmakers, actors, and art lovers from all over the world to showcase their work and exchange ideas.

Local History: Diving into Sarasota’s Tales from the Past

Sarasota is rich in history and, fortunately, has managed to preserve that history in unique ways. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a place that history lovers should not miss. The museum is named for John Ringling, the renowned circus tycoon, and his wife, Mable. Their home is full of beautiful artwork, sculptures, and other memorabilia, which help provide insight into the glamorous life of the circus in the early 20th century.

You can also visit the Sarasota County History Center and read about Sarasota’s significant events, especially the devastating hurricanes that hit the area in 1921 and 1944. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the city’s Seminole Indian heritage.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Activities That Surprise and Delight

Do you want to explore the city by bike? Consider taking a ride on The Legacy Trail, a nineteen-mile trail stretching from Sarasota to Venice that is perfect for a leisurely ride surrounded by the scenic view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Another fun experience is visiting Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. This animal sanctuary is home to a wide array of big cats, such as tigers, lions, and leopards. You can also find alligators, birds, and more exotic animals here.

Finally, for a truly unique experience head to Tervis Tumbler Company headquarters and create your own customized clear or insulated tumbler, a great practical souvenir.

Conclusion

Sarasota is not just a charming beach town; it is a destination full of hidden gems and stories. As a local, I wanted to share my favorite activities, food, and attractions that will leave visitors with a deeper appreciation and connection to the city. So, take a break from the typical tourist hotspots and dive into the real Sarasota. You won’t be disappointed!