The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Engage your teens with some mind-bending fun at Sarasota's escape rooms, including Escape Room Sarasota, Escape Reality, and Escape Room Countdown. Its a must for nature lovers. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. The building is located directly on the bayfront and its bright colors and seashell design make it a popular local landmark. The two parks couldn't be more different and definitely offer something unique to do in Sarasota for those who love the outdoors. Mrs Palmer built a great home at the Historic Spanish Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens. This restaurant specializes in local seafood but also offers a variety of other dishes including pasta, pizzas, snacks, and a childrens menu. You can also attend comedy shows, symphony orchestra performances or dance recitals given by national and international artists, many of them world-renowned. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Escape rooms. 1. 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. A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. It is one of a series of computer-generated sculptures created by American artist Seward Johnson. This cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites. This is the second most important antique car museum in the United States and one of the best Sarasota attractions to visit with kids. Top Things To Do In Sarasota, Florida 1. Trying a bit of Andy Warhol on my own image. It has been putting on side-splitting shows in the city since 1988 and is dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. When we were there, Andy Warhol prints came to life in six foot high florals while music pumped out over the sound system. An upscale, beautiful one with more than 130 locations in a well organised wheel thats close to the beach and with ample parking. A little farther away is Clearwater, best known for its dolphin-watching opportunities and the many chances to enjoy the waterfront. There is also a gift shop which offers unique souvenirs. Then end your day with a chance to feed the alligators. They include Bownes Lab Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the John C. Court Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre, and the Keating Theatre. Lovers of beautiful automobiles from bygone eras are in for a treat in Sarasota, which is home to its own Classic Car Museum. With 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, it's a quick stop off from the Legacy Trail. 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. The campus is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. From The Ringling to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota offers a variety of rainy day activities and other fun things to do indoors including 52 indoor attractions with ratings over 90%. Whether you are a total beginner or a regular Indiana Jones there is a course here for you. The options are endless! Myakka River State Park opened in 1942 and the Myakka River was designated a Florida Wild and Scenic River by the State legislature in 1985. You May Also Like. Theres also a flag assembly area, a memorial walkway, a donations area, committal shelters, and a ceremonial amphitheater. Imagine that! 7. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. For years, it was the winter residents of John Ringling and his wife, Mable. #12. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium. Closer inspection reveals antique statues and a sign that links Sarasota to its philanthropic millionaire heritage once more. 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. Here is our list of the best things to do in Tampa if youre planning a visit there. Copyright 2023 TourScanner | All rights reserved. Unusual Attractions in Sarasota Sarasota, Florida John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment. The city boasts an enticing cocktail of white sandy beaches, year-round great weather, fresh seafood, and a wealth of cultural venues. The building also houses an all-digital planetarium and manatee rehabilitation center. Hidden within the mangrove tunnels you can often see manatees, dolphins, clams, crabs and osprey. Made up of pure quartz sand, Siesta Key Beach is Sarasotas premier family beach and the best destination for great views and water activities. 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! With many parks, nature reserves, and gardens nearby, you won't struggle to find fun things to do in Sarasota. And another lucky highlight of a visit on holiday? 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. Perhaps one of the best things to do with teens in Sarasota might be dining through Savor Sarasota . Then, adventure the water by kayak or go fishing for freshwater catches. Take a free tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room and gift shop afterward for a true taste of the Caribbean. The company was originally based in an 18th-century Italian theatre, reconstructed near the Ringling Museum of Art. Theres nothing that specifically links this artwork to the area except for the fact that, well, its there. Savor Sarasota is an annual event in June (and in some restaurants longer) that offers prix fixe menus at the area's restaurants. How to swim with manatees in Florida, the ethical way, What surprised me about the Marie Selby Gardens, Weird things to do in Daytona Beach, Florida, The Ultimate West Coast Florida itinerary, A fly-drive itinerary for the west coast in Florida, Driving Massachusetts: road trips from Boston, Two weeks in Alabama: the most surprising road trip, The pre-travel checklist you can print and download. These unique activity ideas in Sarasota will ensure your spring is full of fun surprises. 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. Trying to find great activities and attractions in Circus City? Visit the Ringling Museum One of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling fine art museum. This Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest in the country. Drum Circle Siesta Key Beach 2. A boat tour has to be one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota. They amassed a huge collection of artworks from the medieval, renaissance and baroque periods, including works by the old masters. This was voted in 2020 as the best beach in the United States and should be a must visit when staying here. Sample Local Goods at the Sarasota Farmers Market 5. In addition, guided tours are available every Tuesday for an informative tour of the commissioned artwork found within Patriot Plaza. As well as fantastic food the Dry Dock also offers a beautiful location. 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. Showcasing a diverse range of productions, the organization aims to make theatre accessible and affordable to all. There are also cabins to rent if camping is not your thing. Whether your interest is shopping, dining or culture you can find it all here. Day or night, Sarasota is filled with unexpected thrills. Sarasota is a gorgeous town to visit in spring and not just for the beaches! Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? The United States National Cemetery, the Sarasota National Cemetery, is the sixth of seven national cemeteries established in Florida. All you can see from here used to be their land. Explore Myakka River State Park 4. The park has extensive areas for kayaking, hiking, cycling and camping grounds located throughout. Whether you're looking for attractions for kids or fun for teens, there are tons of family things to do in this Florida city. Fun Places to Stay in Sarasota The latest Sarasota hotel we stayed (February 2023) and absolutely adored is Art Ovation Hotel. Address. Great for the entire family, including kids! Next, join a historic walking tour to learn more about downtown Sarasotas impressive architecture and hidden gems. This Sarasota art museum features European pieces and iconic sculptures meant to inspire and engage visitors wishing to learn more about the arts and culture. Half fun in the sun, with visitors replicating the pose. A lot. It has a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions as well as a large permanent collection. Or simply settle down on the fine sand of Lido Beach and simmer in the sun for a nice suntan! If you have more time, heres a crazy idea. All rights reserved. Whimsy art exhibits are exposed inside the museum and through the garden, where you may also find the artists posing next to their pink dragon piglets or fish plants. Some were hosted, some were not. 1) See Reptiles Up Close At The Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This is a must-see for all car enthusiasts. Take on the crystalline ocean waters on a sunset cruise, or dip your toes in the sand while bathing in the sun. It's architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota. 1. 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. Then, reserve a romantic sunset cruise with your beau. Expect to see over 100 years of motoring history represented by the likes of Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, Ferrari and Edsel to name a few. St. Armands has high fashion stores, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes and museums all nestled within its shaded patios and walkways. Thousands of spectators descend on the shores of Sarasota Bay to witness an array of spectacularly decorated and lighted boats cruising across the waters. This is one of the top Sarasota attractions for active travelers! John Ringling founded the museum to build a legacy and memorial for his beloved wife, Mable, and to present his and his wifes exceptional art collection. Located just off the bustling South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarasota county! Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 Discover an enticing range of flavored rums including spiced rum, toasted coconut, coffee and beer barrel-aged spirits. These guided trolley tours will show you all the most haunted sites of Sarasota. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota at night. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This is a great place to unwind. Phone +1 941-355-9805. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. Theres an air of intimacy as you step inside the 1119-seat theatre, together with opera lovers from around the world. Within walking reach of St Armands Circle, parking at Lido Beach is a little busier than elsewhere but still easy to manage. The Myakka Canopy Walkway offers a unique opportunity to witness life up in the tree canopy. LOCATION 5401 Bay Shore Road HOURS Fri-Weds 10am-5pm Thus 10am-8pm, Medieval treasures at the the Ringling Museum (Photo: Ringling Museum of Art). Save Our Seabirds is open to the public every day. 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. An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. Theres much to see and explore at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! Housed within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a colossal 27-foot long corpse of a giant squid that grabs the attention of everyone who sees it. 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. A natural marvel of lakes and land, of birds and human engineering. The attraction is at 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240. With so much to see and do, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. 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. 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. Use an app to find objects, score points and complete challenges, all under the supervision of a local host. Sarasota also has year-round competitions for the competitive angler. For the best in local foods and ingredients dont miss the Sarasota Farmers Market. Best known for its scrubby flatwoods, the large Oscar Scherer State Park attracts plenty of wildlife, including a large population of Florida scrub-jays as well as more than 200 other bird species, cotton-tail rabbits, bald eagles, and American alligators. 1538 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA Open in Google Maps Meet outside of State Street Garage outside of the elevators next to Rise & Nye's. Your guide will be waiting with a big smile at 3:30 p.m. Check out our other American road trip itineraries: Disclosure My trip to Florida involved many partnerships, including with Hertz UK, Visit Sarasota and Visit Florida. It sounds like a scavenger game is right up your street. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts. The top tourist attractions in Sarasota, FL, include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling, Marie Selby Gardens, and Lido Key. 6. Not exactly. And since the course has 18 holes instead of the usual 9, youll end up spending more time out and enjoying the surroundings. Whatever you reason for choosing to visit Sarasota, therell be something to keep you entertained. The gentle tides of Ted Sperling Park are a great place for beginners to learn the ropes. Founded by the head of one of the nations greatest circus empires, John Ringling, this place has it all. Theres also a gift shop where you can pick up rare collectibles, unique memorabilia and hard-to-find automotive books. Look out for the Sarasota County Historical Commission signs on segregation in the 1950s. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Sarasota National Cemetery is expected to reach total capacity in 2065 as the final resting place for more than 150,000 veterans. Expect festive music and you might even spot Santas elves dancing aboard some of the boats. The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up with friends and even has weekly live music at either end of the market. Watch the competitive beach volleyball tournaments hosted almost every weekend. Siesta Key Seaplanes 8. When: Every Wednesday 6-9pm Where: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch UTC Night Market The UTC Night Market offers live music, food trucks, local food vendors, outdoor drinking, outdoor dancing, kids games, cornhole, building blocks for kids, handmade goods, jewelry, local art and more. Dont forget to keep your eyes peeled for curious groups of dolphins and manatees. Below are 14 things to do in and around Sarasota, Florida that shouldn't be passed up when you're in the area. Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. Instead of driving from A to B and on to C, stop for a while in Sarasota. This cookie is used by Facebook to control its functionalities, collect language settings and share pages. If you are still seeking attractions why not visit the animals at Zoo Tampa or cool off at Adventure Island, Tampas largest water park. The Ringling 4. Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend Free events including ones with live music, food, beer, wine and cocktails in Sarasota-Manatee. The Siesta Key distillery produces outstanding, award-winning rums. 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.