In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . Meet fantastic dragons, dare to enter the Monster Garden, or skip down the yellow brick road. Its a must for nature lovers. Navigate through the obstacles, enjoy the tropical setting, and walk around the well-kept grounds. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarasota: art, science, wildlife, beaches and food. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. 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. You cannot miss the Australian nut tree or the bunya-bunya tree with its large fruits. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. Contents 1. Go Treasure Hunting at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime 7. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota at Night (for 2023) 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! 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. 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. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Fun 4 Sarasota Kids - Fun 4 Sarasota Kids A lot. Paddleboarders traverse the waters of the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels (Photo: SURFit via Flickr), See a 27-foot squid corpse at an aquarium. The Asian art collection focuses on sculptures and ceramics before leading to a Japanese tea house (chashitsu)and the 66 acres of gardens that overlook Sarasota Bay. 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. The European section involves room after room after room of well-loved Italian and Flemish Baroque paintings. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. You can listen to live music performed by local artists right in the middle of the market. Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. With or without children, youll need at least a day here. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. Visitors can enter the public information center complex and use the electronic gravesite locator to learn more about the facility. The result is as cool as a cucumber. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. TripBuzz found 36 things to do indoors in the Sarasota area. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Back in the day, the opera house was founded as the Edwards Theater and later named the Florida Theater before becoming an opera house. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Explore Myakka River State Park 4. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. Then, enjoy a private interaction with wallabies, lemurs, foxes, and more with a reservation through Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to Things to do in Sarasota, FL | Visit Sarasota See a Horse Race at the Saratoga Race Course. Looking for fun events? Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend near Sarasota 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. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. FREE Things to Do in Sarasota (Weekend Activities & Events) In the center of the cemetery is the Patriot Plaza amphitheater where visitors can receive guided tours of the artworks every Tuesday at 10 am. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. Keep your eyes open for the bald eagle hovering over these waters and looking for prey. 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. As a separate area to the beach, Sarasota Bayfront combines marinas, splash pads, palm trees and an unmistakable statue. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. Theres plenty to do here from building mud pies to identified while surrounded by beautiful and colorful nature. 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. Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota - Authentic Florida 1. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Stretching three miles down Lake Manatee, its namesake, Lake Manatee State Park is a quaint getaway perfect for fishing, picnicking, and de-stressing. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. 36 Indoor Activities in Sarasota, FL | TripBuzz You can find a museum of botany, historic buildings, areas for dining and a rainforest garden with interactive exhibits for children all inside the grounds. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. It stands as a gift to the people of Florida and a memorial to its founders. Dolphins, manatees, rays and exotic birds are just some of the natural treasures to be witnessed in this part of Florida. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. The 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY This is a great place to unwind. 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. 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. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Discover Sarasota Tours offers daily tours in an air-conditioned trolley featuring intriguing events from Sarasota's rich past including tiki trivia, circus tours and an "infamous Sarasota". Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. How would you like to pet a baby alligator? The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Learn about current animal topics and habitat preservations criticalness as you tour the sanctuary protecting 300+ animals. The Ringling. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. The beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. This attraction is ideal for tourists looking for things to do with kids in Sarasota since it entertains, fascinates, and also educates. Its part of a series that makes up the two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted. #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. 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. Key Culinary Tours are a company that hosts a diverse range of food tours that invite visitors to sample some of the culinary delights that the area has to offer. Traveling with little ones? For a truly original activity, trekking through these stunning mangrove tunnels in South Lido Beach Nature Park, located a quick drive from central Sarasota, will be hard to beat. This time about marine life at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. If bikes are your thing, the 600+-acre Robinson Preserve an hour away offers plenty of cycling trails going past mangroves, mud flats, and beautiful waterfront habitats. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Phone: 941-355-5305. 12 unique things to do in Sarasota, FL - TravelMag Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. Explore the city in an air-conditioned trolley and be entertained by informed guides. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. After the fact, it was super fun to laugh about the squirrels at CCoquinaBeach. By the way, you should really taste the honey. ), Romantic things to do as a couple in Sarasota, The Best Hidden Gems in the US for Your Next Trip, The Secret Behind The Beignets of Cafe du Monde New Orleans, Be The Change: Steps to Take for a Better World, How to Boost Your Writing in 4 Simple Steps. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. As you climb the stairs to the second floor of this historical building, be prepared to be hit by the intimacy of their bedrooms and the servants quarters. The museum is in an eye-catching pink Renaissance-style palace, which houses 31 galleries. 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. The 1950s. 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. 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. Greenhouses show rotating exhibits. Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456 Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. It is open to TPC members. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Although weve covered a lot of family travel ideas here, theres no doubt that Sarasota is a great spot for couples. 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. While we absolutely recommend hitting the white sandy beaches, don't let the adventure end there. 10 weekend events near Bradenton: Sarasota Blues Festival, art walk These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. Check the website for upcoming shows and events! 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 If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. 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. The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Tampa Bay is not far from Sarasota! Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. Inside this gorgeous building are 21 art galleries, featuring American, Asian, European, and contemporary art. 9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota | U.S. News Travel 10 Things To Do In Sarasota - thetravel.com 23 Fun Things to Do in Saratoga Springs NY in 2023 - Travel Addicts #12. Der Dutchmans pies and desserts are legendary, involving ripe cherries, pumpkin and cream pies that involve, well, lashings and lashings of fluffed white cream. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. 7+ Fun Things to Do in Sarasota with Kids - Toddling Traveler As well as being a habitat for local wildlife it is also an important stormwater collection area for the city. Youll save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi and received personalized attention the entire time. Opened only recently in 2014, The Mall has luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillards and Macys among a host of other popular brands. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . 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). The Most Fun Things to Do in Sarasota With Family Go Museum Hopping 2. 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. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. 18 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, FL You Shouldn't Miss