15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. Its such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. 29. So does amazing pastry. If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! 1. Known as Molly the Mollusk, the vast cephalopod was inadvertently caught off the coast of New Zealand in 1999 and was soon donated to the Sarasota facility for permanent display, where it quickly became one of its centrepiece attractions among visitors. Some were hosted, some were not. Sarasota Farmers Market. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Ten acres of botanical plants are the home of exotic animals and birds, reptiles, pink flamingos, and even farm animals like goats and pigs. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! Others wishing to remain on the dry land stick to the biking and hiking trails winding through the park. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. 1. Look at Sarasota as the Ringlings used to do in the old times. 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! Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. 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. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. 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. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. Receive exclusive access to the onsite spa, The Beach Club on Lido Key, the championship golf course, and more as a guest at this stunning, elegant retreat. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Ringling Museum of Art. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. 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. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. Choose from a number of private transfer options, all with your very own driver who will meet you and greet you at the gate and bring you straight to your hotel. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. 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. For more sightseeing ideas, read our list of the top things to do in Sarasota. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. A boat sitting in the Bayfront Park Marina in downtown Sarasota, southwest Florida (Photo: Gregory Urbano via Flickr). Or two or three. Daily shows welcome visitors to experience and learn more about these fascinating creatures with the chance to have one-on-one interactions with them after the show. The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 5. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. Explore the rest of the sunshine state with these articles: We love a good road trip through America. This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. And you can still explore them today. Push your limits with this exhilarating forest adventure. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. This is a must-do for daredevils in Sarasota. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". A great place for bird-spotting, the Celery Fields is home to breeding bird populations with species of owls, sandpipers, meadowlarks, bitterns and sparrows. Not the 1850s. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. The southwest Gulf coast of Florida all the way down to Miami at the states southeastern tip is an area teeming with vibrant coastal cities that draw vast swathes of tourists seeking both natural and cultural delights. With lots of music, entertainment, and an overall joie de vivre, the list of things to do in Saratoga Springs feels endless. 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. Spend a day strolling through art galleries and museums, hunting for shark teeth, picking up local goods at the farmer's market or perfecting your golf game. Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Sarasota Jungle Gardens make it possible. Time to think again. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. 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. Take a closer look at the one-of-a-kind classics, including Jaguars, Porsches, Maseratis, Cadillacs, Chryslers, or Shelbys. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. 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. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. #12. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. TreeUmph! Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. 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%. Officially recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the United States, the museum is a leap back to the start of one of the greatest inventions. By the way, you should really taste the honey. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300;. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. The Historic Spanish Point campus is less than ten miles from the downtown Sarasota campus. 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. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. And realise just how much we all still need to be the change for social justice. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. You cant visit Sarasota without a night out on the town. 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. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. What is the point otherwise?! People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. This is a really fun thing to do while in Sarasota. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. The Fish Hole 3. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. YOGA NIDRA and SOUND CONCERT is hosted at "Casa Cia 5844 Sandy Pointe Dr, Sarasota, FL 34233-3514, United States". And, how breathtaking the view is from here! 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. The renowned Siesta Key Beach is located in south Sarasota county, famous for its white-sugar sands and crystal clear waters. All Rights Reserved. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. The Ringling. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. 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. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Sarasota Farmers Market. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. 1. This spot is a great place to try new things. A place for business, socialisation, and entertainment this is probably the best way to describe the most important fresh produce market in Sarasota county. 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. Our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota is all you need to plan the perfect trip! 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. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. 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. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. 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. 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. 1. 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. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. 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. Family vacations wouldn't be complete without fun, educational, and exciting activities you can all enjoy together. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. Escape from Sarasota? Check the website for upcoming shows and events! Whimsy art exhibits are exposed inside the museum and through the garden, where you may also find the artists posing next to their pink dragon piglets or fish plants. 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 And now, we can share more unique things to do in Sarasota with you. 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. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. Or a cold-blooded snake? With the citys superb weather and beautiful beaches, it takes a lot to drag Sarasota visitors indoors, but the citys annual Improv Festival is as good a reason as any. 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. A trolley tour will show you what should not be missed when in Sarasota. The options are endless! Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456 LOCATION Main Street DATES 9-10 February 2019, A visitor admiring artwork at the Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts (Photo: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts), Step back into the past on a Historic Trolley Tour. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. 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. At first glance, this is a shopping and dining area. 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. Ten Cool Outdoor Things To Do In Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Alabama Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. 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! Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. This is a deep look into the cultural soul of Sarasota. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. 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? While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE . 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. 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. 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. Forget regular mini golf. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. 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. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. I love this city and you loved this article about it. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. Oscar Scherer State Park is an invigorating and refreshing escape. 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. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Performances during the event range in styles, with everything from long and short form, hip hop musical, genre-based, and more on display. Tampa Bay has long been renowned for its world-class theme parks and attractions. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the opera house is conveniently settled near boutique shops and fine dining restaurants to extend your adventures in Sarasota. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. No need for lengthy training, just come along and enjoy the ride. This Big Cat Sanctuary is home to all kinds of wild and exotic creatures including tigers and lions (as well as ligers and tigons), bears, primates, birds and wallabies. Aside from a place to see world-class comedy, theres also a bar and restaurant with a full menu to savor before the show. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. 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. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. This 25-foot sculpture on Sarasotas bay-front is based on an iconic photograph taken in New Yorks Times Square on V-J day, 1945. Want to hear something crazy? 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. 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. 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. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. To help inspire you ahead of your trip, weve picked out 12 of the most unique things you can do here, ranging from the raw and energetic to the intellectually nourishing. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser. 7. Escape rooms. Heres what to do in Sarasota Florida with someone special. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. Fun Family Things To Do In Sarasota With Kids. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. 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.
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