But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. 1. Time to think again. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. But its the Sea Life Encounters cruise that brings the under and overwater world to life. 7. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. And its a curious place to visit. Things to Do in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice for 2023 1. When the weather forces you to step indoors for a while, visit the the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, step under the protective tarps of the Sarasota Farmers Market, or jump on a trolley for a haunted tour of the city. Here goes! Rent out boogie boards and surfboards to hit the waves. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! Subscribe, Home | United States | 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide). 21 Unusual and Unique Things To Do in Sarasota Florida 3 Ca' d'Zan. There are lots of family fun things to do when visiting the Sarasota, Florida area. Ever fancy yourself as a ninja warrior contestant? The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. Address. A place for business, socialisation, and entertainment this is probably the best way to describe the most important fresh produce market in Sarasota county. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. 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. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! One of the most unique shopping destinations in Sarasota is this large non-profit consignment store offering a diverse assortment of affordably priced furniture, along with womens clothing, jewellery, crystal, china, silver, art, linens, oriental rugs and more. 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. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! The museum covers the history of life in the region with prehistoric fossils from the very earliest land creatures to the native Paleo-Indian cultures. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. This list of the best and fun things to do in Sarasota will help you to prepare for your ultimate getaway. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 6. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. 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. An alternative to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, home to many lions, tigers, bears, primates, and birds. Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? 20 Things To Do In Sarasota (Florida) In 2023 This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. The Marie Selby Gardens are the best of a botanical garden: we all still need to be the change for social justice. Im only recommending them because I think theyre interesting. It also has an animal hospital, virtual reality diving experience and fossils, including a replica of prehistoric sharks jaws. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. Half poignant reminder of struggle and relief at the end of war. Here's a list of 10 great things to do in and around Sarasota, with either a low-cost or FREE admission. Happily, many of the artistic endeavors from the age have been preserved and at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota visitors can enjoy a fabulous collection of some 80+ pieces created between the years of 1100 and 1500. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 1. In addition to 15 miles of hiking trails, its also possible to rent a canoe or kayak here, have a picnic, visit the nature center, or go fishing. Watch river otters play and fluidly glide through the waters. Here are some the best events which is happening on this weekend in Sarasota. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The 15 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Wandering Wheatleys It's been around since 1979. 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). As the gateway to the ocean, the Mote Aquarium presents hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and sea jellies. Rent bikes to pedal the Legacy Trail, a more than 10-mile paved pathway that runs along a former railroad corridor, or go for a jog over the picturesque John Ringling Causeway bridge. 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. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. 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. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. 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. Access is included with the Myakka park entry fees. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. Its big and in some opinions tacky, but its certainly a conversation starter. From burying your toes in white-sandy beaches to adventures that take you deep into mangrove forests, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota. The Ringling 4. Take your pick of fresh produce, local art, fantastic art, baked goods, and other delightful treats. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Guests can access the outdoor pool, cable television, and 24-hour front desk for questions or concerns. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. Sarasota Siesta Key Longboat Key Lido Key Venice. Bucket list: 100 fun things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. Sarasota Events Calendar - Fun things to do in - Escape to Sarasota As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. Sunset Celebration - John Ringling Causeway Bridge John Ringling Causeway Sarasota, FL 34236 Celebrate Sarasota's famously beautiful sunsets on the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, a 1-km bridge going over Sarasota Bay and connecting the city to other Florida Keys. 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. Looking for fun, free things to do? It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! During a tour you may get to visit everything from independent neighborhood shops to gourmet restaurants. 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. St. Armands Circle is the vision of its founder, John Ringling. All Rights Reserved. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. 1. 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. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Free, fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend If youre a lover of white cotton-soft beaches, youre in luck some of the best beaches in the country are in the Sarasota area. Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. Its such a fascinating country to drive through with so many different landscapes, stories, peoples and cultures. FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT is hosted at "240 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-6334, United States". You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. First, catch your biggest catch yet with a day of deep-sea fishing. 1. It is a great place to spot wildlife and on a good day, you can expect to see alligators, herons, armadillos and a variety of fish and birds. 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. 1 John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 12 unique things to do in Sarasota, FL - TravelMag Sarasota Attractions & Tours | Things to Do in Sarasota The dam established across the river in the 1960s prevents manatees from accessing Lake Manatee. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. The TPC Prestancia is in the Siesta Key vicinity and has often hosted PGA championship events. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. 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. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. 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. Tampa. Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if you're looking to get your heart pumping. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Cool, unusual and unique things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida 1) Taste Some Amish Delicacies In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Mysterium Escape Rooms 13. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. 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. 10 Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - Trips To Discover 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. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sarasota - Tripadvisor Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. 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. The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida. 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 campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. 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. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. Sarasota Chalk . Expanding across a hefty 66 acres, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established by the famous circus magnate, The Ringling Circus. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? The Gator Club is a stylish venue with a good selection of drinks, it plays reggae each Thursday. This blocked the manatees route up the river, so it is Lake Manatee in name only. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 5. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. 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. Go Museum Hopping 2. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. 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. Oscar Sherer is the smaller of the two parks. 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. 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 long stretches of sugar-white beaches, sparking clear waters, native mangroves, and expansive parks leave plenty of opportunities to step out to enjoy the great outdoors. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Sarasota. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. Nathan Benderson Park has gone far and beyond to upgrade its facilities to the best, including grandstands, coaching lanes, straight shorelines, a multi-function boathouse, and more! Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. Sarasota Art Museum 7. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. FREE Things to Do in Sarasota (Weekend Activities & Events) Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Traveling with little ones? The Ringling Museum was built to house the collection and serve as a cultural center for the state of Florida. 37 Free Things to Do in Sarasota in 2022 [Complete List] If this town is on your list of travel destinations this year, here are 15 things to do in Sarasota! It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience.