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. 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. Mixon Fruit Farms. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. The Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. If you're in the area when the weather warms up, make sure you catch a race at the Saratoga Race Course. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! There is a flag assembly area and memorial walkway to visit. Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 2 The Ringling Circus Museum. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. Near Tampa Bay in southwest Florida, Sarasota is a tropical paradise that satiates nature lovers, adventurers, and those looking to take a load off and relax in the tropical breeze. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. 1. In the heart of the city, you will find an abundance of sporting and cultural events in addition to upscale shops, restaurants, and powder-white beaches for you to enjoy. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. 5. You can see small mountains of shells as you are just starting to explore the park, which were thrown aside by the Manasota people right after consuming them. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. Home . Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. 1. Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. 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. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. It comes from pure quartz, filtered from the Appalachian mountains, and it winds up looking bright white, peppy and pretty on Siesta Beach on Siesta Key. Theres also a gift shop where you can pick up rare collectibles, unique memorabilia and hard-to-find automotive books. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. All you can see from here used to be their land. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Despite what you might expect, there are no manatees in Lake Manatee. The Middle Ages was in many ways a dark and gruesome period in our history, but few would also deny that it also gave rise to some truly stunning art. Contents 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. The park has extensive areas for kayaking, hiking, cycling and camping grounds located throughout. They have a year-round schedule of productions taking place. It reaches 74-feet at its highest point and offers a panoramic view of the wetland, prairie, and palm and oak hammocks below. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride or a leisurely sail around the local beauty spots and beaches. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. 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. There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. Looking for fun, free things to do? 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. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. See the West Florida coastline from above, from St Petersburg down to Port Charlotte. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama A 600-acre community park, Nathan Benderson Park is renowned for its world-class rowing and recreational facility along with its 2,000-meter sprint rowing course. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Ringling Museum of Art. The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. Or escape to the minimalist The Sarasota Modern in the heart of downtown to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, spacious rooms, and many amenities. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxurious five-star resort settled perfectly in downtown Sarasota near attractions like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Opera House, and more. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. There are also well-known food and beverage outlets and even a store selling arcade games, pinball machines, and memorabilia. It offers exhibits and educational experiences for young and old alike. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Its time to enter into the realm of alligators and still waters. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Another great destination less than two hours away is Fort Myers, where sailing, parasailing and taking a day trip to the Everglades National Park is just the beginning of your fun adventures! Heres our inside guide to unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota, Florida. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. 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. 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%. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! 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 . 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. Want to hear something crazy? Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. 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. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. Finally, go birdwatching for the 155+ species of bird that call the local ecosystem home. 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. 1. 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. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. Considered one of the best bike trails in the Sarasota trail system, bikers head to Legacy Trail to take its paved route over land and bridges while reveling in the scenery. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Find things to do with kids in Sarasota and Bradenton on Fun 4 Sarasota Kids! As well as being home to some of the countrys most beautiful beaches, the city and surrounding area is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Web Visit website. 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. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. The citys diverse culinary scene offers a variety of unique local flavors with a particular emphasis on seafood. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. #12. Escape from Sarasota? 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. 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. LOCATION 5401 Bay Shore Road HOURS Fri-Weds 10am-5pm Thus 10am-8pm, Medieval treasures at the the Ringling Museum (Photo: Ringling Museum of Art). wants to go to 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. 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. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. It is primarily a rescue center for animals in need but also offers the chance to do yoga with some of the parks residents. 1. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. Im not afraid to confess: it moved me to tears. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products! 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. Roll up, roll up! Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Myakka River State Park opened in 1942 and the Myakka River was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the State legislature in 1985. You can find McCurdys at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and Washington Avenue in downtown Sarasota. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. Lets have a look in more detail. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. 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. 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. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Visit the eight greenhouses to gaze at vibrant displays of bromeliads and orchids collected by the Gardens scientists. A family-owned and operated hot spot tourist attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens draws in visitors from all over to explore its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. Great for the entire family, including kids! 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. by Paul Joseph|Published December 17, 2018, A Comparison of Bus Services from Dallas to Houston, 10 Exhibitions to Visit in Indianapolis and Indiana this Spring, 7 of the Best Patagonia Down Jackets for Women. 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. 28. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. The thrill and excitement of horse racing is unlike anything you've probably seen before, and this local tradition is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. The Jungle Garden is a Sarasota institution. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. 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. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. This article explores the best things to do in Sarasota during your trip so you dont miss out on top attractions that draw in millions of visitors to this tropical oasis each year! Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. The Ringling 4. Work in teams of 2-10 people to solve a series of mental and physical puzzles. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. The building has been tastefully revived by the Sarasota Opera Association which hosts a program of concerts throughout the year. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Circus Sarasota 6. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. #1 in Sarasota Address: 13208 State Road 72 Natural Wonders, Parks and Gardens, Hiking, Recreation TYPE 2 hours to Half Day TIME TO SPEND Considered one of Florida's oldest and largest state. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. 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. 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. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. Intrepid types can choose from kayaks or paddleboards as your mode of transport for this magical adventure that will take you into the heart of a unique ecosystem. 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. 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. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Powered by Mai Theme, 16 Best Things To Do In Panama City You Shouldnt Miss, Tips For Visiting And Finding Beer Can Island. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. The Ringling. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. The superb acoustics are its crowning jewel, making the audience feel like they are not just witnessing a performance but are enveloped by the sound. 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. 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. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. 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. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Or two or three. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. University Park, The Meadows, Sara Bay and Founders are all excellent members-only clubs. 2. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Next up, let me introduce the vast Ringling Museum: an Italian fantasy ground and world class museum founded by another of the regions wealthy philanthropists. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Choose from a variety of themed tours that stop at local tiki bars or take a historical tour to bring you up-to-speed on the city. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. People flock to the park to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the waters.