This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Will you take the challenge? Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. My Sarasota Events Calendar is your gateway to Sarasota happenings and fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida and throughout the sparkling Sun Coast each year. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk Sarasota is home to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's oldest and most scenic parks. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. Stroll around the Circus Ring of Fame, which honours numerous circus performing legends and have a think about the level of vision and influence that John Ringling embodied. 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. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. 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. Adult tickets are $18, with options for children and seniors. Address. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. 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. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Paddleboarding offers an unrestrained way to explore the waters around Sarasota. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. 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. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! The Fish Hole 3. Sarasota has something for everyone! 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. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. 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. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. Bwahahahahaha! A knowledgeable community guide will lead you through the history of Amish and Mennonite groups in the area. 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. For the ultimate in privacy, book a room at the Lido Beach Resort, which offers a stretch of private beach, a poolside bar, and elegant rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. 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 market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk Sarasota, FL. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. 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. Don't miss out on the attractions that make this such a hidden gem! You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. Vegetarian and vegan food are at their best in Lila, which specializes in noodle bowls, while Made is famous for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich filled with bacon, spicy sauce, and cheese. It does not store any personal data. 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. All you can see from here used to be their land. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. #12. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida, More Unique Things to do in Sarasota Florida, A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. John Ringling collected unusual works from around the globe. It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. 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. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. 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. 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. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. 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. 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. LOCATION Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue DATES 5-6 July 2019, A performer in full flow during the Sarasota Improv Festival (Photo: Sarasota Improv Festival), Indulge in some retail therapy at The Womens Exchange. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. CPonies 11. A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. The centers living museum offers a chance for visitors to learn through educational displays with live birds that were previously patients deemed unfit to return to the wild. From its historical museums, sprawling parks, exceptional art galleries, scenic beaches, and appealing tropical weather, a trip to Sarasota can cater to all types of likes and interests. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. 2. Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. The venues website has an up-to-date guide on what is showing throughout the year. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. Start time 03:30 PM End point Gelato-go Sarasota You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a hit during the winter and an excellent option for an authentic outdoorsy stay in Floridas nature! In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. 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. Challenge your group to use critical thinking skills and escape from your room by the time limitor else! The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. Tickets are $25 for an adult day pass, or yearly memberships can be purchased. All rights reserved. In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. Lets have a look in more detail. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. 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. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. The 1950s. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. 1. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Rent a bike or a pedal-powered Surrey Ride to take on all of Legacy Trail, or, if youre more inclined, take on the trail by foot! 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. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you wont struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. 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. 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break - Kb in Bloom 14 Engaging Black History Month Social Media Post Ideas You'll Love February 3, 2023 Make Your Own: Mindfulness Jar for Adults Ideas February 1, 2023 15 Coconut Yogurt Benefits That Will Most Likely Surprise You January 31, 2023 40 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. Why not take a guided tour around some of its best-loved public art pieces and sculptures. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. Here goes! Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: an art gallery, adventure centre, cool caf and meditative retreat all in one. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Home . Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 10. You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. This charming city is filled with fabulous parks, amazing food, and natural springs that you can relax in and drink from at spas and fountains around town. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. 1. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. Then, catch a show at the Asolo Repertory Theater, founded by some of the 20th-century theaters most influential people, Robert Whitehead and George Wood. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. Sarasota Chalk . Held each spring, this festival attracts a crowd that voraciously devour three days of food, fossils, arts and crafts, music and fun for the whole family. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. Housed within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a colossal 27-foot long corpse of a giant squid that grabs the attention of everyone who sees it. 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. 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. No matter if you are a car aficionado or not, you must stop at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and admire these masterpieces of engineering Stroll around shiny classic cars and eye up those cars youve only seen in movies. Sunset Tours: 8pm Night Tours: 9:30pm. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. Mixon Fruit Farms is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Passengers pose for a photo during a trolley tour (Photo: Historical Society of Sarasota County), Come and admire a replica military installation. Enjoy a two-course meal at lunch for $16 or a three-course meal at dinner, including dessert for $32. See the West Florida coastline from above, from St Petersburg down to Port Charlotte. Shop till you drop. Circus Sarasota 6. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. Committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds, the Wild Bird Learning Centers mission is to recuperate these avian species to return to their natural habitats. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. 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. Ringling Museum of Art. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. Ringling Museum of Art. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. An annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory . TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. 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. In the unique Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf 18-hole course, youll get a chance to practice your shots among pirate ships, waterfalls, and very real alligators in the courses educational alligator exhibit. 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. Some of the top things to do in Sarasota include visiting The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Siesta Key Public Beach, Ca d'Zan Mansion, Myakka River State Park, and Florida Studio Theater. If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. Want to hear something crazy? 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. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle.