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. Visit the eight greenhouses to gaze at vibrant displays of bromeliads and orchids collected by the Gardens scientists. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. It is a great place to spot wildlife, skate or take a leisurely walk. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. All you can see from here used to be their land. 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. Get ready for lots of stairs, unique challenges, and some maneuvering to score. Featuring its own stretch of private beach and stunning views over turquoise waters, the Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota tops the list for luxurious stays in Sarasota. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. One of the most unique things you can do in downtown Sarasota is to attend one of the shows at the Opera House. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. Home . This place has been hosting regatta competitions since 2009, so if you are lucky, you may stumble into a main event with big crowds cheering for their favourite and setting up stall on picnic tables. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Run in partnership with the Mote, small boats head out onto the Bay in search of dolphins, snappers, puffer fish and more. Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. 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. Barracuda, sea bass, snapper and amberjack are all to be found lurking about the reefs. Learn the grisly history of the city with a fun and ghostly tour. Hey! If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. 1. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. 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. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. You will also get the best selection of produce at this time of the day. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. This popular Owens Fish Camp restaurant serves up the best of local seafood in eclectic and non-pretentious surrounding. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. The sand is still white, the water clear. Beyond the white sand, though, youll find lifeguard huts in candy-popping colours at regular intervals and sea an ice- blue cool. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. 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. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Myakka River State Park is one of Floridas largest parks and covers 37,000 acres. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? This place started as a botanical garden, so keep an eye out for exotic plants as well. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. This experience offers opportunities to see dolphins jumping through the waters and manatees munching on seagrass while learning about Sarasotas impactful history. Keep the car and take day trips, mini trips and deliciously lazy drives to the beach. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. 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. FLORIDA SARASOTA. Venetian Gothic Architecture is sure to dazzle visitors exploring the 36,000-square-foot house. It's open year-round rain or shine, and it takes . Visit Sarasotas most important landmarks and cultural sites on these whistle-stop trips. 30 Best Things to do in Sarasota - Mom Explores Southwest Florida A brightly decorated boat seen during the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Photo: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights), Enjoy free-form theatre at the Sarasota Improv Festival. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. 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? 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. Non-Amish visitors are welcome to explore the neighbourhood but are advised to do so with cultural and religious sensitivity. This one is fun for all the family. The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 Lake was created in the 1960s when the Manatee River was dammed. The Water Sports. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. 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. 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. The 1950s. Things to do in Sarasota, FL | Visit Sarasota Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! 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. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. The result is as cool as a cucumber. 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). As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. The Best Hiking Trails Near Myrtle Beach South Carolina July 30, 2020. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. TreeUmph! 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. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . 100-plus fun things to do in February in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties February features some of the Sarasota and Bradenton area's biggest annual events, as well as festivals, concerts . The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. These sweet, rescued creatures are part of the "Animals in Action" adventure at Big Cat Habitat. Related:Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. Sarasota has something for everyone! The Ringling. 7+ Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids - Toddling Traveler But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. The creative, artsy theme will keep your interest. These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name. It was constructed in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from the couples love of Italian architecture and design, and took only two years to complete. 2023 Atlas Obscura. A walk through the often-crowded Sarasota Farmers Market fills the air with smells of freshly baked artisan goods and fragrant flowers. Upgrade your instagram captions with these hiking quotes and prompts. 30 Best Fun things to do in Sarasota Florida You Must Do! Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? Fly Drive Florida: A Two Week Itinerary & Adventure. This park has a huge artificial lake that is ideal for rowing and is often used for regattas and triathlon events. Related:A Road Trip from Boston: A Two Week Mix n Match Massachusetts Driving Itinerary. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Ringling Museum of Art. 12 unique things to do in Sarasota, FL - TravelMag These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. For those wanting a more structured visit, theres a number of art and nature programs available, including doing some gardening, having a plant safari through the gardens, or creating art using sticks and rocks. If you thought that Florida was all palm trees and sandy beaches, its time to think again. Visitors can easily access the lake from the docks to go kayaking, canoeing, and boating. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. 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. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. Come along if you dare! Related:7 Unusual Things To Do In The USA. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. LOCATION 5500 North Tamiami Trail DATES Mon-Sun 9am-6pm, A car on display at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum (Photo: DeusXFlorida via Flickr), We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. Smugglers Cove is a fun mini golf course that you do at . Circus Sarasota 6. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. On any given Saturday you may be lucky enough to see radio-controlled yacht races taking place on the lake. 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. Skydiving in Sarasota is a truly unforgettable experience. 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. Kid Friendly Things To Do in Sarasota | Family Activities | Must Do