In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Or fox yoga. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. Web Visit website. 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? The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. 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. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Key spots are Yoders and Der Dutchman where you can stop for a comforting, homemade meal or made-from-scratch cooking as they call it. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. 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. 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. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. But on this nearby guided dolphin and manatee tour, a local guide takes you through Sarastoas waters and mangroves by kayak or stand-up paddle board. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. 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. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 It does not store any personal data. Welcoming more than a quarter million visitors a year, Oscar Scherer State Park is a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Among the famous car brands represented here are Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac and Ferrari. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 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. 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. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. Choose from a number of themed escape games including a 1930s mafia club, a London townhouse, a cabin in the woods murder mystery or a modern-day Sarasota nightclub. 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. Away from the beach, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze and most stunning sunsets Florida has to offer. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. 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. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. The Water Sports. The facility runs a wild bird learning center which it describes as a living museum where visitors can meet these fascinating creatures face to face. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. Say hello to a manatee, relax on the beach, explore a farmers market these are all must-do activities if you want to make the most out of your trip to Sarasota County. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. For live bands and DJs, its worth checking out the Beach Club at Siesta Key. The living room on the first floor, along with all the dining areas, was the heart of the house, and here is where you will start your visit. 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. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. One of the oldest continuously operated attractions in Florida, the gardens were constructed in 1939 and have since become one of the best things to do in Sarasota. Eat a Loaded Salty Dog at Old Salty Dog . Shop till you drop. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. Here is a list of the best places in Sarasota for families. 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. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. 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. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! 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. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. When the weather forces you to step indoors for a while, visit the the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, step under the protective tarps of the Sarasota Farmers Market, or jump on a trolley for a haunted tour of the city. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. Fun Family Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids. But if you want to find the real essence of Sarasota, face west at the end of the day. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to five small theatres spread across downtown Sarasota to promote a one-of-a-kind, professional experience. This one is fun for all the family. It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. 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. 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. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. 6. 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. No matter if youre up for a day of outdoor fun or want to grab a drink or taste some local cuisine, youll find something that fits your schedule and your budget in this beautiful coastal city. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Looking for fun, free things to do? Only a five-minute drive from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, the Sarasota Deluxe Inn offers a convenient location ten minutes from the beach. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It is held only on Saturday mornings from 8 to 13 and tends to get crowded, so be there early if you want to take your time strolling around the stands. Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456 Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! The fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. 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. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . Roll up, roll up! Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. Overview. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) 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. Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. The works in the collection include paintings, sculptures, jewellery, chalices, tapestries, and stained glass sourced from across the globe, with some borrowed from notable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Mixon Fruit Farms. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Opened in 1926 as a multi-use cultural space it has hosted performances from some of the biggest stars of yesteryear, including a young Elvis Presley in 1956. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. 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. 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. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Sarasota has its own airport but unless youre fairly local, it usually makes sense to fly in to Orlando and visit Sarasota as part of a larger trip through Florida. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. 27. Check out our other American road trip itineraries: Disclosure My trip to Florida involved many partnerships, including with Hertz UK, Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida. Phone +1 941-355-9805. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City?