Things to Do in Sarasota

When it comes to places to visit in Florida, cities like Orlando or Miami typically come to mind. However, there are plenty of exciting places elsewhere in the state, including Sarasota. Located on the Western side of the peninsula, this city is just below Tampa.

Whether you're traveling solo, visiting with your significant other, or coming with children, there are tons of things to do here. Let's look at some of the best options when traveling to this exciting spot.

Fun Things to Do in Sarasota

Did you know that one of the first families to develop Sarasota was the Ringling family? Yes, of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Mable and John would spend their winters here and encouraged other family members and friends to do the same.

After World War I, the city experienced a huge boom thanks to an influx of residents and has since become one of the Florida coastline's hidden gems. While there are many unique sights and attractions here, we've narrowed down the top three fun things to do in Sarasota.

Siesta Key Village

You may have heard of the Florida Keys at the tip of the peninsula, but Sarasota has a few of its own. Siesta Key is the best of them all, thanks to its rich scenery and relaxing atmosphere. Best of all, you can reach it by car.

The village on Siesta Key is full of quirky shops and restaurants, so you will want to spend an evening (or two) exploring them all. Be sure to come around sunset, as this beach has one of the best spots to experience it.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Florida has such a unique ecosystem, full of wonderous plants and animals. Fortunately, you don't have to go out into the swamps or Everglades to experience these elements up close. Instead, you can wander through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

This park covers seven acres and features many native florae, including mangrove trees, orchids, and more. The stunning beauty of the garden is enough to make you want to visit Sarasota. Regardless of how long you'll be here, we highly recommend visiting the park.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

While the Botanical Garden has all of the best plants that Florida offers, this wildlife sanctuary has some of the best animals.

Here, you can see gorgeous big cats on display, as well as other exotic creatures you won't get to experience up close anywhere else.

Parents Rejoice: Things to Do in Sarasota With Kids

Sarasota is a great place for family-friendly activities, whether you have toddlers or teenagers. Although it doesn't have quite as many attractions as Orlando, it does have plenty of options for children, both big and small. Here are a few of the top highlights.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium - Kids love exploring the deep blue sea, and there is no better place to do that than at the Mote Aquarium. The lab was founded in 1955, but the aquarium opened to the public in 1980. One of the most popular attractions is the live shark feeding, which happens daily. There are over 150 species here, many of them native to Florida.
TreeUmph! - Children love nothing more than to climb and explore, which is why TreeUmph is so exciting. This is an adventurous place, full of obstacle courses and ziplines. There are options for everyone, including kids as young as seven.
Sarasota Children's Garden - While the Botanical Garden is perfect for all ages, the Children's Garden is aimed at the little ones. The park has many different obstacle courses and fun decorations to keep your children's imagination active.

Singles and Couples: Things to Do in Sarasota for Adults

Whether you're coming with some friends or spending a romantic weekend here, you are never far from something fun and exciting. Here are a couple of options for adult-centric trips.

Beach Excursions - While lying on the beach sipping a cocktail is always acceptable, sometimes you want a bit more excitement. Fortunately, many beaches offer various rentals, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and even jet skis. Take to the water and have some wet n' wild fun. Just watch out for other boaters and sea life.
Rooftop Dining - Because Sarasota is on the coast, it has some incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. One of the best places to experience those views is from a rooftop bar or lounge. There are not many tall buildings in the city, but a few of them have some of the best seats to watch the sunset.

Keep Your Budget Lean: Free and Cheap Things to Do

One of the problems with a vacation is that you can wind up spending far more than you'd like. Fortunately, there are numerous inexpensive options in Sarasota and the surrounding area. If you want to save a few bucks, try these places.

Ringling Museum (Free on Mondays) - The museum is a must-see attraction regardless of your budget, but it is free on Mondays. However, keep in mind that there are multiple paid spots on the property, not all of which are free. This spot is perfect for all ages.
Find Shark Teeth on Venice Beach - Yes, the Gulf of Mexico does have sharks, and they shed teeth all the time. Venice Beach is an excellent place to find these teeth washed ashore. However, you will want to start early in the day to have a better chance of finding some.
Public Parks - Sarasota has some of the most gorgeous public parks in the state. Some prime examples include Payne Park, Bayfront Park, and the Myakka River State Park. Strolling through the trails and experiencing nature is always a treat, particularly when you don't have to pay for the privilege.

Explore the Heart of the City: Things to Do in Downtown Sarasota

Because Sarasota is not a vast city, its downtown district is relatively small. However, tons of shops and restaurants are within its borders, so be sure to check them out. Also, visit these attractions while you're there.

Farmer's Market - If you're here on a Saturday, this farmer's market is one of the best in the area. Browse the stalls of dozens of vendors, finding local arts, crafts, and fruit. Be sure to come hungry, as you can buy some world-class lunch from one of the dining stands.
Botanical Gardens - The Marie Selby Garden is smack-dab on the edge of downtown, so you might want to incorporate it into your visit. Best of all, because the park only takes a couple of hours to walk through, you can do plenty of shopping and dining nearby.

Things to Do in Sarasota at Night

As you can imagine, Sarasota does have quite a busy nightlife, particularly for couples or big groups. While there are too many individual spots to mention by name, here are a couple of ideas to try when staying overnight in the city.

Comedy Club - Who doesn't love to laugh? McCurdy's Comedy Theater is a prime location to visit with friends or your significant other. Catch a show, then stroll downtown to grab a bite to eat (or vice versa).
Beach Bars - As a beach town, many bars and restaurants have leaned in hard on the beach theme. Some notable highlights include Marina Jack, Captain Curt's, and O'Leary's Tiki Bar. Afterward, stroll along the water for an even more serene experience.

Find Romantic Things to Do

Sarasota is an excellent place for couples of all ages. Whether you've been together a few months or a few decades, here are the top spots to try with your beau.

Sunset Cruise - Nothing is more romantic than sipping champagne from a boat at sunset. Sarasota offers sunset cruises that are sure to get your motor running.
Beach Strolling - Who doesn't love long walks on the beach? If you really want to make your excursion romantic, we highly recommend bringing a picnic and visiting one of the beachside parks, like Bayfront or Centennial Park. There, you can get the best scenery while having a spot to relax with your partner.
Explore the Keys - While Siesta Key is the most famous, Sarasota has several other options, including Lido Key and Bird Key. Best of all, they are all accessible by car so that you can explore every one of them easily.

Find Unusual and Unique Things to Do

If you're looking for something cool and unique, Sarasota has you covered. While we've mentioned many of the main attractions that the city has to offer, here are a few more than you won't find anywhere else.

Explore Mangrove Tunnels - Mangrove trees are awe-inspiring, thanks to their unique root system. You can experience these trees up close by renting a paddleboard and wading through them. You can do this at South Lido Beach Park.
Visit Ca' d'Zan Mansion - The Ringling family made a home here, and they knew how to vacation in style. This waterfront mansion is incredible in its scope and luxury, with over 36,000 square feet of interior space. See how the other half lives in this gorgeous attraction.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens - While the Botanical Garden is great for seeing plants, this spot is perfect for seeing all of the animals that Florida has to offer. Founded in 1939, this park spans over 10 acres and is home to plenty of exotic birds.

Indoor or Outdoor Things to Do

Sarasota has warm weather all-year-round, making it the perfect destination for summer lovers. Whether you want to stay outside or get a break from the heat, here are a couple of options that we haven't mentioned yet.

Catch a Game at Ed Smith Stadium - Although this isn't a professional baseball stadium, you can watch as the Orioles practice for their regular season.

Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy - Most museums are meant to be taken seriously, but not this one. The Marietta Museum has a fun and quirky collection of artwork and sculptures curated over the last 14 years or so. Best of all, it's free to visit!

This city has so much to offer for you and your family. Book your next trip today and see why Sarasota is one of the best-hidden gems in Florida!