What makes the Sarasota neighbourhood of Pinecraft unique is not its physical appearance so much as its people. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. 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. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. 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 Farmers Market. 1. Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. So get in on the fun and discover the fun things to do in Sarasota with kids. Hiring a boat is the easiest thing to do, and boating is one of the best ways to spend the day. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. And so, I researched and reached out to people who know the city well. 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. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. This spot is a great place to try new things. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Here goes! 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. It means that legislation preserves and protects the 34 mile portion of the river that runs through Sarasota County and the result is a serene scene of green. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". LOCATION 539 South Orange Avenue HOURS Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat 10am-4pm Closed Sun, Goods on display at The Womens Exchange in Sarasota (Photo: The Womens Exchage), Attend an artistic extravaganza at the Festival of the Arts. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". Sarasota sits just south of Tampa on Floridas sparkling Gulf Coast, a place well known as a coastal getaway for all ages. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. Founded in 1962 with the aim of supporting the local arts community, its success has led to several million dollars in grants and scholarships down the years, and it continues to play a crucial role in the Sarasota area, as well as providing visitors with a quirky retail experience. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. 29. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. From burying your toes in white-sandy beaches to adventures that take you deep into mangrove forests, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota. Sarasota Farmers Market. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. Ed?! 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. All Rights Reserved. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. 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. Escape from Sarasota? There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. The 15 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Wandering Wheatleys 1. 1. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. 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. Mixon Fruit Farms. 20 Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) In 2023 The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. Finally, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of bird that call the local ecosystem home. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 12 unique things to do in Sarasota, FL - TravelMag Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 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. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. 36 Indoor Activities in Sarasota, FL | TripBuzz The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. The African safari-themed Busch Gardens has thrilling white knuckle roller coasters as well as rides for younger children and a zoo. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. 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. One interesting development has been the easing off of Amish rules around clothing, with the idyllic beaches persuading many that more revealing attire should be tolerated. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. 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. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. The options are endless! Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. 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. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. In the Tampa Bay area, you can also find the Florida aquarium which covers a huge 200,000 sq ft. You can see many species of fish and aquatic mammals and learn about the aquariums coral, shark and sea turtle conservation efforts. 18 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, FL You Shouldn't Miss 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. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. The sand is still white, the water clear. 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. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. Bucket list: 100 fun things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice Address. Bucket list 100 fun things to do in Sarasota County including restaurants, bars, beaches and more! Ride the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, shop at the nearby Siesta Key Village, join an e-bike tour along the beach, or rent a jet ski for a thrilling ride across the waters. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Here's the skinny on the Sarasota Farmers Market. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. 14 Fun Things To Do In Siesta Key You Can't Miss!!! - Florida Trippers Traveling with little ones? Or fox yoga. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. 15 great indoor activities for a rainy day in Sarasota-Bradenton-Venice It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. When: Every Wednesday 6-9pm Where: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch UTC Night Market The UTC Night Market offers live music, food trucks, local food vendors, outdoor drinking, outdoor dancing, kids games, cornhole, building blocks for kids, handmade goods, jewelry, local art and more. Annual passes are available. Sarasota Events Calendar - Fun things to do in - Escape to Sarasota Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. And its a curious place to visit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. Web Visit website. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. Shop till you drop. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. The Water Sports. 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. The structure first opened in 2000 and was the first public treetop trail in North America. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. 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. Climb aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and see several points of interest including the Ringling Museum and College, Selby Library, and the Sarasota Opera House. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Sarasota - Atlas Obscura It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. The strong LED lights will light up everything in the shallow waters of Sarasota Bay. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Inhabited since 300 A.D., this area in Osprey seduced its inhabitants with a beautiful waterfront and lush vegetation. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. As well as the many varieties of tropical plants and flowers you will also find species of parrots, primates, lizards and alligators as well as the star attraction, the native Florida flamingos. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. Yet, the most interesting history of the place is related to Bertha Palmer, a businesswoman and philanthropist whose role in Sarasotas development was of extreme importance. Expect to be well fed and well educated in equal measure with your experienced guides regaling you with anecdotes relating to Sarasotas rich heritage and food tastings. 3 Ca' d'Zan. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. 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. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. 23 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids (for 2023) If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. 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. In the mood for something completely different? 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. 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 . 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. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. There are 42 different types of things to do inside in or near Sarasota, Florida. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. Theres plenty to see and do nearby when youre ready to keep exploring beyond Sarasota. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. Forget regular mini golf. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida 1. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida Today - Thrillist Want to hear something crazy? The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. One of the things to do in Sarasota that you cannot miss is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. Sarasota Attractions & Tours | Things to Do in Sarasota While you ride, learn about the vibrant history and culture of the city from your . In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. The Dynasty Club holds social evenings with ballroom dancing. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. I mean you three were there. So does amazing pastry. Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to see manatees at the park. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Great for the entire family, including kids! The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. Things To Do While nothing beats a day at the beach, go beyond the miles of award-winning coastline to discover everything Sarasota County offers. It also offers a space for local artisans and merchants supplying everything from soaps and musical instruments to bicycle repairs. Parasailing is often thought of as a thrill-seekers sport but it can also be a very peaceful experience, much like gliding.