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. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. TourScanner is the worlds largest website to search for tours & travel activities. Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. In fact, there is no better place for a 'playcation' than in Southwest . It once hosted big names in live music such as Elvis Presley and the Ziegfeld Follies shows. It has 30 acres along Little Sarasota Bay, boasting an impressive collection of native Florida plants along scenic nature trails. But otherwise, the park is peaceful, with paved walking trails and spaces where yoga enthusiasts gather for their courses. First, traverse the trails by walking, running, skating, or biking while enjoying the scenic views. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Try traditional foods in an Amish kitchen restaurant and learn about the craft of quilting and what it symbolizes. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Unconditional Surrender reflects the iconic photograph taken at the end of the Second World War with a sailor and nurse locked in an embrace. An 18.5-mile recreational rail trail, Legacy Trail stretches from Fruitville Road in Sarasota to the Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice. Siesta Key Beach is an excellent family-friendly destination with nearby ice cream shops to end a perfect day at the beach. 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 well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Not the 1850s. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. In a curious quirk of fate, certain areas near Sarasota have become key travel destinations for Amish communities based in the north in Pennsylvania. Choose from a variety of themed tours that stop at local tiki bars or take a historical tour to bring you up-to-speed on the city. Reserve a seat here to taste Sarasotas talent in a historical setting. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. Or two or three. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! This historic Spanish town also offers incredible restaurants, beach hotels, and beautiful scenery. What can I say? Experience the thrill and freedom of parasailing around the local Siesta Key and Anna Maria islands. Check out our brand-new ultimate guide to the best things to do in Florida for more ideas! This is a must for kids and adults who are enthusiastic about science. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You can easily pick up a rental car in either location. There are plenty of activities at Nathan Benderson Park. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. the FST began life in 1973 and has since grown into a small village of five intimate theatre spaces in downtown Sarasota. Read next: 2-Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary. Things to Do in Sarasota Map Popular things to do Kayaking Tours Private and Luxury Parks Historical Tours Top Picks Nature & Wildlife Areas Likely to Sell Out Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Art Galleries Walking & Biking Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Points of Interest & Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife This is a lot of fun but not for the faint of heart. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. Lake Manatee State Park has a swimming beach for anyone wishing to cool off, swim, or bask in the sun. What better way to pass an afternoon than by catching a game in this iconic, 7500-seat stadium? Of course, you have! 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. But it was the variety of unique things to do in Sarasota that made me rethink fly-drive travel in general. Located in Sarasota, Florida, the farm offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. The park started hosting regatta competitions in 2009, with only a few sites in the nation standing up to the task. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. A lot. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. A family-owned and operated hot spot tourist attraction, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens draws in visitors from all over to explore its ten acres of botanical gardens paired with a family-friendly petting zoo. The museum is $25 a person, but admission is free on Mondays. 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. Classic Car Museum Sarasota 14. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been to Theres plenty to do and much to see in Sarasota, so get ready for a world of adventure! Now that you know the best things to do in Sarasota, lets look at the best places to stay in this gem of Floridas gulf coast! The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. One of the most unique ways to explore Sarasota is by joining a Historic Trolley Tour. Annual passes are available. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. 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 . This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Ringling Museum of Art. Myakka River State Park comprises a collection of unique habitats such as lakes, wetlands, rivers, and prairies. So, make sure to stop here for a boost of amusement and creativity. Like most beaches in Sarasota, Coquina Beach has free parking. 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. The house features a terrace that looks directly over Sarasota bay, a ballroom and solarium as well as its own bar. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. Keep going down the coast and youll get to Cape Coral, where youll find water parks, great golf courses, and giant manatees. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. 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. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. 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. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. Visit more than 50 different sculptures and landmarks and gain knowledgeable insights from local informed guides. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. A historic theatre turned opera house, the Sarasota Opera House has been renovated to exude refinery and class as visitors come upon its stunning Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. You can go on your own, take an audio guide, or book a guided tour, which will bring you the richest experience. 10 best places to visit in South Sarasota County: Venice, North Port, Osprey and Nokomis. It has some of the softest sand I have ever walked on. Great for the entire family, including kids! These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Burns Court Cinema 5. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. Tour historic buildings, such as the Guptill House, built entirely with Florida yellow pine in 1901. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. The intimate ballpark offers an up-close, in-the-action experience for baseball lovers to get into the competitive spirit of the game. 2. 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". St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. Intrepid types can choose from kayaks or paddleboards as your mode of transport for this magical adventure that will take you into the heart of a unique ecosystem. Take a quiet paddle through the mangrove tunnels or enjoy a guided tour with knowledgeable locals. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. This unique building is an impressive mansion in Sarasota from the 1920s. Rather than worrying about organizing how to make it from there to your hotel, why not have a pre-arranged airport transfer waiting for you? The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. Experience Sarasota nightlife with a guided tour of some of the best local eateries. To get the most from Sarasotas Lido Key, its best to explore it slowly. Circus Sarasota 6. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. Other gorgeous trees you will find in the gardens are the strangler figs, royal palms, and bald cypress. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. Phone +1 941-355-9805. I mean you three were there. 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. Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. A year-round vacation destination, Sarasota boasts a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. In 1867, the land was claimed by the Webb family. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. 1. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. The place where rowers train, locals walk their dogs, and tourists go boating this is Nathan Benderson Park. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. A two-hour Segway tour is a great way to explore the area. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Not exactly. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches!