South Lido Park, and the conjoined Ted Sperling Park, offer a peaceful respite from the more bustling parts of the city. Things to Do in Sarasota 1. Or head over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for more entertainment! When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. You can find a variety of stores selling home and furniture items, electronics, sportswear and health and beauty items. The well-positioned Bayfront Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. Yes, its another world-beating educational complex. Contained within its own small island there is always something going on at the Circle. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. 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. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. 40+ Memorable Things to Do in Sarasota for A Weekend of Fun Its still a beautiful place to visit and an excellent place for freshwater fishing, swimming and other kayaking. #12. Source: Stephen B. Goodwin / shutterstock. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Its far better than the one you get at the store. These cookies will be stored in your browser. Lido Key Beach Just adjacent to Siesta Key Beach with a short scenic drive west of Sarasota, Lido Key Beach is a lesser-known hidden gem. Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. Ed?! There is a boardwalk to walk, a museum and a cute children's playground. Saratoga Springs, New York, is simply adorable. St. Armands Circle offers a unique continental shopping experience that feels both classic and contemporary at the same time. But a shopping and dining area nonetheless. Its home to a collection of playful and fun paintings, sculptures and crafts, generously collected by the museums founder, Marietta Lee. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. Online streaming available any time. If you fancy learning to row, lessons are available for groups and individuals. It is also quiet which means you are more likely to encounter the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. Are you ready for a visit? 26 Great Things to Do With Kids in Sarasota Purchase seats to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and other tasty snacks while watching a training game as the Baltimore Orioles knock balls out of the park. As well as the many varieties of tropical plants and flowers you will also find species of parrots, primates, lizards and alligators as well as the star attraction, the native Florida flamingos. 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 is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. 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. TreeUmph! Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. I mean you three were there. The space is one of seven national cemeteries in Florida at the service of veterans. Its been said that to truly get to know a place you must eat its food. These 400-acre wetlands are an ideal place to hike, bike, fish and picnic. Here, urban amenities meet small-town living with fantastic beaches, great shopping, and endless dining opportunities. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. Kayaking in Sarasota, Florida (Photo: Visit Sarasota County) Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm. Things to do in Sarasota These are all things you can do in Sarasota that will create endless "keepsake" memories. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. 3) Peer At The Vintage Car Collection At The Sarasota Classic Car Museum. 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. The options are endless! Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Guides are on-site at all times to help navigate the tougher parts of the trails. There are fun activities such as Lemur and Fox Yoga, a Bird Show and the Variety Animal Demonstration. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Dont worry that you may be underdressed, as both black tie and casual clothes are accepted. Go Museum Hopping 2. The campground at Oscar Scherer State Park is a hit during the winter and an excellent option for an authentic outdoorsy stay in Floridas nature! The Selby Botanical Gardens are an oasis of peace right in the heart of the city. 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. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. You'll paddle though mangrove canals along the shoreline. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are set on and will not track any data while browsing through other sites. He turned part of his home into a museum, which you can visit. There is a kayak launch here too if youre inclined to get into the water. Promoting a relaxing and welcoming environment for your stay, the Sleep Inn Sarasota North is only ten minutes from downtown to easily access the best Sarasota activities. Another high-end option is the Resort at Longboat Key Club, which features its own golf course, a full-service spa, and modern luxurious rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The 1950s. 9 Cool Things To Do With Teens In Sarasota, Florida Originally conceived as a botanical garden it has since come to be home to a variety of domestic and exotic creatures also. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. This little tropical paradise of Florida seduces visitors from all over to bask in the sun, dip their feet in the sand, collect sea shells, and cool off in the refreshing ocean waters. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum features a collection of Rolls Royce autos from famous circus magnates John and Mable Ringling and numerous other classic and muscle vintage cars on display. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. 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. 14 Fun Things To Do In Siesta Key You Can't Miss!!! - Florida Trippers 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. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. You can visit their Packing House, which showcases how their citrus business worked, and stop at Marys chapel for a quick ring of the bell. The service is friendly and really adds to the atmosphere. We have guides to the best activities in Miami, Orlando, and Key West! Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . The best wines, local foods and in-the-know guides will surely make it a night to remember. 12 unique things to do in Sarasota, FL - TravelMag Here goes! Throughout the trail are signs marking fun highlights of local history. Looking for a novel way to explore the city, solve clues and compete against others at the same time? The Museum of Art was commissioned in 1925 by circus entrepreneur John Ringling. 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. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. The superb acoustics are its crowning jewel, making the audience feel like they are not just witnessing a performance but are enveloped by the sound. Run Away to the Circus at the Ringling Museum. Even if you aren't much into museums, or even art, head over to the grounds and wander around as they are quite opulent. 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. Take a tandem skydive with highly trained instructors over the beaches and glimmering waters of Sarasota, Venice, and Tampa. the park covers 3 miles along the edge of the lake and has facilities for camping and boat launching. The Ringling 4. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! two week Florida West coast road trip itinerary here. All rights reserved. It was the private home of circus-mogul John Ringling and his wife Mable. 1. 36 Indoor Activities in Sarasota, FL | TripBuzz Test your skills at Jumpin Fun Inflata Park against friends or family members, through a series of obstacles thatll bring out the competitive side in all of you. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. 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. 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. 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. 15 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota at Night (for 2023) 2) Go For A Stroll Through The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The Park is situated at the very tip of Lido Key and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available nearby. This is located at 16405 Myakka Rd. Think giant inflatable playground with climbing walls, zip lines, wrecking balls and enough silly fun to leave you totally exhausted. A world-class shopping and dining destination, the University Town Center boasts more than 250 restaurants and stores of unique and famous retailers. After a busy week of sightseeing, why not unwind at The Ritz-Carlton Resort? It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. Here you can find free roaming flamingos, alligators, all sorts of birds and a petting zoo! Clown cars, cannons, ornate parade wagons, posters, a huge 44,000 piece model circus and a life-size replica of a tiger. 11 Top Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida - tripsavvy.com CPonies 11. The park protects the ecosystem around the first state-designated wild and scenic river in Florida, the Myakka River. Hike in the Myakka River State Park. If you love to fish, youre going to love Sarasota. The beautiful building constructed in the Mediterranean Revival style and guarded by mighty palm trees has hosted exceptional performances over the years. For a peek inside the lives of Sarasotas most wealthy couple, the Ca dZan is well worth a visit. Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds. Key spots are Yoders and Der Dutchman where you can stop for a comforting, homemade meal or made-from-scratch cooking as they call it. 15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Sarasota 1. 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. Time to think again. 1. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. Home . The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. 27. Sarasotas history is interlinked with its love of art. Tampa. 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. Ever fancied testing your puzzle-solving skills to decipher clues and free yourself from a locked room? Catch a movie with the family or spend time in the social green hub space. It has waterfront benches to sit and watch the sunset on warm summer nights. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. John Ringling collected unusual works from around the globe. The zoo also organises animal shows, where you can learn a lot about the sanctuarys conservation efforts. Instead, grab a bite at the numerous upscale bistros, enticing bakeries, and lively pubs. It is run by a non-profit organisation, so all the money they collect from tickets and fees goes to expanding the sanctuary and improving the living conditions for the residents. ), Related:Things To Do in Daytona Beach, Florida. And, how breathtaking the view is from here! 17 Unique Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida On Spring Break The resort also has an 18-hole championship golf course, spa, gym, and numerous restaurants to sample the highest quality food and drinks around. The lemurs will even climb on you, so lets see how you can maintain your pose. Catch a Live Concert at the Van Wezel 6. Siesta beach runs long and straight, with plenty of shaded (free) parking beneath the scent of pine. 3 Ca' d'Zan. The sanctuary also has a restaurant and gift shop and offers the ability to sponsor its animals. Exploring more of the Sunshine State? The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.