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. 5. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Things to do in Sarasota | Places to Visit in Sarasota 2023 - TripHobo An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Want to hear something crazy? Head to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island if youre after a day of picnicking and grilling or try Cortez Beach for a more underdeveloped feel and tall trees lining up the long stretch of sand. 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. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. Annual passes are available. 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. Ringling Museum of Art. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. Tampa. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. 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. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. 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). Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456 Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota - Authentic Florida ), 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. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. 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. 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. And thats not just folklore. I love this city and you loved this article about it. 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. 9 Cool Things To Do With Teens In Sarasota, Florida Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. 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. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? Fun 4 Sarasota Kids - Fun 4 Sarasota Kids Fun things to do, best events Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice Feb. 2023 Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. Buy a ticket for lemur yoga. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Roll up, roll up! 40+ Memorable Things to Do in Sarasota for A Weekend of Fun For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 1. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sarasota, FL Marvel at a medieval art exhibit at the Ringling Museum of Art. There is a flag assembly area and memorial walkway to visit. 1. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. 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. Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. The Sarasota Childrens Garden offers a multi-sensory experience where kids can pretend to be fairies, become Pirate kings or queens, climb into forts, or hide under giant magical mushrooms. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. A lot. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. TreeUmph! Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. 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. One of the things to do in Sarasota that you cannot miss is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Or fox yoga. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. Bucket list: 100 fun things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. 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. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . The __gads cookie, set by Google, is stored under DoubleClick domain and tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the success of the campaign and calculates its revenue. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. Expect to see turtles and of course the watchful eye of an alligator. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. 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. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. 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 unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. 1. It offers in-house art installations, an outdoor pool, and a great restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. Things To Do In Sarasota This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 21 Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids (Fun Family Activities) 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Here's 10 standout reasons to drive to Sarasota. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. So what does this mean? Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. Well, in Sarasota theres plenty to get know and plenty to eat too. 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. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. Taking place on Main Street at Orange Avenue and running east to Links Avenue, the two-day festival features more than 250 gifted artists from Florida and far beyond. FREE Things to Do in Sarasota (Weekend Activities & Events) Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. Or try your hand at sailing or watch the experts work as you relish in the scenic panoramic views. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Of course, you have! Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. Or visit the nearby Siesta Key Rum Distillery for a guided tour of the tasting room. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide) Visit a selection of family-owned restaurants and try dishes from the citys most cutting-edge chefs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. Best and Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Traveladvo 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. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. 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 . Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. All rights reserved. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. The Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. From dedicated explorers and world-class scientists, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is heavily dedicated to learning more about marine environments while educating others on the importance of ocean conservation. Nathan Benderson also has a couple of gentle cycling trails and paths surrounding the lake which make it a great, scenic place to walk and grab some fresh air. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. 28. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! photo: VisitSarasota.com 6. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Traveling with little ones? Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. The final resting place of 21,121 veterans as of 2019, the cemetery will continue to serve veterans needs. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? 1. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. It's been around since 1979. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Sarasota City Sightseeing Tour 2023 - Viator Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida Today - Thrillist Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. 45 BEST Things To Do In Sarasota, FL (Fun & Unique!) 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. 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. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. There is even a petting. 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. 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. This place has been hosting regatta competitions since 2009, so if you are lucky, you may stumble into a main event with big crowds cheering for their favourite and setting up stall on picnic tables. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. Promoting a relaxing and welcoming environment for your stay, the Sleep Inn Sarasota North is only ten minutes from downtown to easily access the best Sarasota activities. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Escape Countdown Sarasota 15. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! This attraction is ideal for tourists looking for things to do with kids in Sarasota since it entertains, fascinates, and also educates. Port Charlotte. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. It has a collection of many rare plants of the most amazing sizes and shapes. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 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 . Its a must for nature lovers. Spring Guide to Things in Sarasota | Babcock Ranch Eco Tours 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. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. 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. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. Also about an hour away along the coast is Tampa, home to thrills and screams at Busch Gardens, plenty of culinary delights, a chance to zipline over a natural preserve, and lots of parks to explore. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. All you can see from here used to be their land. Bwahahahahaha! 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. 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.