The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Or a cold-blooded snake? The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. The Ringling. 1. 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. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. The Webbs are buried in the adjoining cemetery. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Hosted by the Historical Society of Sarasota County, guests will board a traditional tram (known in the US as a trolley) before embarking on a fascinating tour of downtown Sarasota. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. Ca dZan means Johns House in Venetian dialect, and the Ringlings adored it. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, 21 Best Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida (2023 Guide), The Best Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida, 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium, 5) Observe Sharks Prowling The Waters At Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 7) Take A Hike At Myakka River State Park, 8) Challenge Yourself With A Bike Ride Through Legacy Trail, 9) Sit Down For A Performance At The Florida Studio Theatre, 11) Visit The Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 12) Bask In The Outstanding Acoustics At The Sarasota Opera House, 13) Buy Fresh Local Goods At The Sarasota Farmers Market, 14) Join A Sunset Cruise At Lido Key Beach, 15) Spend The Day Outdoors At Lake Manatee State Park, 16) Pull Out Your Inner Athlete At Nathan Benderson Park, 17) Escape Into Nature At Oscar Scherer State Park, 18) Pay Your Respects At The Sarasota National Cemetery, 19) Engage Your Curiosity At The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 20) Discover More At The Wild Bird Learning Center, 21) Get Some Retail Therapy At The University Town Center, Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sarasota, Florida. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. 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. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. 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. Experience a truly laid-back taste of Florida life. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. Sarasota county is full of rewarding activities and experiences to take part in. 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. 29. Ive stood on said sand, rummaged and scrummaged and buried my toes in it and I have to agree. This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its bright, colorful and devoted to its message that art should be a positive force in peoples lives. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. This expansive area of wetlands, prairies and forests is the real unspoiled and wild Florida. Luxury pours over the fourth floor with its embellished guest room and bath surrounded by large windows on all four walls. Or for some fresh air, have a picnic or a walk in Bayfront Park. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. 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 Ringling 4. Thats right, the Marie Selby Gardens are the world centre for epiphyte research. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. 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. Or a giant tortoise? Explore the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. 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. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. Thanks for your support, kind friend! Photo credit: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons The Fish Hole 3. Discover local and national brands to savor some quality retail therapy. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. Explore the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota The detailed circus miniatures at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota Florida. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. 1. Less crowded but equally stunning is Lido Key Beach, which focuses in eco-tourism and its famous for its cruises. This protected park is a great place for a quiet picnic, a bit of kayaking or a place to quietly spot wildlife. 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. If youre seeking a truly exhilarating escapade, skydiving could be for you. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Take a visit to soak in the friendly atmosphere, be inspired and bring out your creative side. 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. 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. At the Sarasota Farmers Market, you can find numerous vendors selling fresh and unique goods, focusing on farmed produce from local farms and growers. 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. The Sarasota Childrens Garden offers a multi-sensory experience where kids can pretend to be fairies, become Pirate kings or queens, climb into forts, or hide under giant magical mushrooms. A high-flying course of tree-top zip-lines, platforms, climbing walls, ladders and bridges, this place has fun in spades. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. The Sarasota National Cemetery was officially opened in 2008 and covers 295 acres. Between its wealthy patrons, private collectors, museums and creators there is art on display in the city almost everywhere you look. 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. Sarasota, Florida Molly the Mollusk The giant squid's. South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. The Ca dZan is a huge Venetian-style gothic mansion in Sarasota. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Nobody leaves without a smile on their face! 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. Shop till you drop. Tomorrow at 6:00 PM. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. It offers a permanent home to 120 birds who could not be returned to the wild due to their injuries. With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. 4) Watch A Baltimore Orioles Training Match At The Ed Smith Stadium. 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 fiery sun dropping into a watery horizon will take your breath away. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Will you take the challenge? 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. Or fox yoga. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. Explore at your own pace or take a two-hour guided tour through the mangroves and backwaters. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. More than 120 birds call the living museum home. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. 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. 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. For two full hours youll traverse the streets as local historian Sue Blue narrates your journey and points out historical facts and landmarks, ensuring you depart with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of the city. The museums are large and spread out, so we'd recommend bringing a stroller or carrier if you're visiting with younger kids. The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy. The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Sarasota is all about show business, and at any moment of the year, you will find a show or a performance to attend in the city. Founded by billionaires William and Marie Selby, a constellation of different gardens overlook Sarasota Bay: banyan groves, clumping bamboo, staghorn ferns and local Floridian mangroves. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. Also about an hour away along the coast is Tampa, home to thrills and screams at Busch Gardens, plenty of culinary delights, a chance to zipline over a natural preserve, and lots of parks to explore. 1. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Floridas Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. To learn more about cookies, you can consult our. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. It has a magnificent downtown Sarasota spot, near the Opera House and Main Street shops and restaurants. Theres also an awards ceremony, with prizes handed out to the boats with the most impressive decorations. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. Sarasota Farmers Market is proud to support its community by connecting local chefs, artisans, growers, and farmers in the area. The 15 miles of trails draw in anyone desiring to bask in Floridas nature, attracting bikers and walkers to be active. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. Founded more than thirty years ago, this annual boat parade has grown to become one of the holiday seasons most eagerly awaited events. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Truly a haven for flora and fauna, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota! But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. is one of Sarasotas most adventurous attractions. Award-winning Duvals Fresh Local Seafood serves only the best of local fish and ingredients, it is one of the fancier seafood eateries in town and its popularity means that you should book to avoid disappointment. Its regular exhibits include an outstanding collection of pristine classics and muscle cars from the worlds finest automobile producers. 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. The Celery Fields is another of Sarasotas lesser-known gems. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. With indoor and outdoor seating you can really make the most of the long summer nights as you take in the view over Sarasota Bay. Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. Settle down for a picnic at the two picnic areas featuring pavilions, grills, tables, and a playground to keep the kids entertained. #12. 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. Many anglers flock to Lake Manatee State Park for great opportunities for freshwater fishing off its shores, off the parks fishing docks, or on a boat. Sarasotas creative impulses are allowed to flow each year as more than five city blocks are given over to a popular arts festival. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. This is a great place to unwind. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. 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. Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. The Jungle Gardens is one of Sarasotas oldest attractions, first opening in the 1930s. The 12-mile-long route is also dog-friendly so no one has to miss out. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. 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. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. For a more easy-going night out, why not try the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. They then throw them back in to the water to keep these studies sustainable. Since its founding in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre has expanded to five small theatres spread across downtown Sarasota to promote a one-of-a-kind, professional experience. CPonies 11. Experience a free live encounter with these massive cats. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. Lets have a look in more detail. Another great destination less than two hours away is Fort Myers, where sailing, parasailing and taking a day trip to the Everglades National Park is just the beginning of your fun adventures! Set by addthis.com to determine the usage of addthis.com service. It is a preservation area for the Florida scrub-jay habitat and protects other invaluable species, such as bald eagles nesting in the winter. wants to go to 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. You can expect to catch redfish, flounder and mackerel throughout the summer months. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Gaze in awe upon the 135,000-gallon shark habitat as these toothy predators prowl its waters. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Baseball lovers will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the Ed Smith Stadium! The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. FLORIDA SARASOTA. Sarasota Opera prides itself on being the only company in the world to have staged all of Verdis operas. After the Circus Museum, the Museum of Art and whimsy has to be the most cheerful place in Sarasota. One more flight of stairs, and you are on the third floor, where youll find the game room where Ringling used to entertain some of the big names of the Roaring Twenties. Nestled behind the Municipal Auditorium along Van Wezel Way on Sarasota Bay sits a replica military installation known as Fort Juan Ortiz. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. Or two or three. There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Here goes! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Featuring two campus locations, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens totals 45 acres of stunning native Florida ecosystems. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. To tour the first floor only, adults pay $10 additional on top of their museum entrance ticket. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Children under 5 are free, and children 5-17 are only $5. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. It was ranked the #1 beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2020! 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. Located close to Leffis Key Preserve, Coquina Beach is perfect for more active pursuits, while nearby Turtle Beach offers great snorkeling. The downtown campus is 15 acres off Sarasota Bay, with stunning display gardens, a bayfront mangrove walkway, and a host of native, desert, and rainforest plant species. The __gads cookie, set by Google, is stored under DoubleClick domain and tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the success of the campaign and calculates its revenue. With so much to see and do, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . Even without the education, its a beautiful experience to glide across the water, past the mansions and the palms with dolphins skitting alongside. Famous for its eco-tourism and water-based activities, Lido Key Beach is a short, worthwhile drive from Sarasota. Capri isles, Waterford and Calusa are all excellent courses that are open to the public. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. But this unique list of things to do has been tested and curated by yours truly. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mote has an aquarium that is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays and manatees to name a few. Kayaking is one of the most environmentally friendly and tranquil ways to explore Lido Key. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. This place has the essence of the city in the earliest part of the 20th century when it was a favorite tourist attraction . In addition to trails, there's also camping, picnic grounds and several . 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 result is as cool as a cucumber. Emitting an invigorating tropical and artsy vibe, downtown is the perfect place to find some of the top Sarasota attractions. 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. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The works in the collection include paintings, sculptures, jewellery, chalices, tapestries, and stained glass sourced from across the globe, with some borrowed from notable museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre.
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unique things to do in sarasota