9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota

Pitch your umbrella, roll out your beach blanket, and get ready for some sea-breezy rest and relaxation at the idyllic white-sand Lido Key Beach. It’s located less than 15 minutes away by car from downtown Sarasota.

Gaze at the seagulls swirling overhead as your toes sink into the powdery sand. Go for a refreshing dip in the sea, or try a bit of surfing or surf fishing. Walk to nearby St Armand's Circle for a breakfast break at the Blue Dolphin Café and a bit of shopping. Do keep an eye out for “no swimming” warning signs as the currents are strong in some places in Sarasota.  

Imagine paddling your kayak through a maze of mangrove trees rising from the sea with only birdsong and the gentle splashing of paddles disturbing the peace. Look for fish and crabs in the clear sea water, or search for manatees bobbing through the water as they graze for sea grass. Watch as hungry cormorant birds dive for fish or just enjoy the scenic surrounds as you glide through the water.

The Ted Sperling Park runs guided kayaking tours daily, or you could rent a kayak and set off on your own mangrove adventure. Tours and rentals by private operators are also easy to arrange.

Found in the former home of famed circus entrepreneur John Ringling and his wife, the collection at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a true treasure trove. It features antiquities and Asian art, more than 300 paintings by Old Master artists, plus thousands of circus art pieces and artifacts.

Entry tickets include admission to both the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum, and to the stunning Bayfront Gardens. Stroll through the impeccable rose gardens, or pay a bit extra for a tour inside Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the 56-room Venetian Gothic palace that was once the Ringlings’ winter home.

With the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ tens of thousands of plants and trees spread over 15 acres, you could spend hours just wandering around in awe. Take in the fresh scented air and floral scenery, get lost in the tropical conservatory, butterfly garden or bamboo garden or set the kids loose in the children’s rainforest garden.

You’ll also find a rich variety of epiphyte species including ferns, bromeliads and orchids, all those sneaky plants that latch onto trees or other plants in order to thrive. 

Whether you’re into astronomy, archeology, or aquatic life, you’ll find something of interest at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Found in downtown Bradenton, just 12 miles (20 km)away from Sarasota, the museum’s exhibits give you an engaging look at the natural and cultural history of Florida dating back to prehistoric times.

After greeting the (long dead, skeletal) Mastodon, you could check out the (live, swimming) manatees at the attached aquarium. Then stay to watch one of the awe-inspiring shows in the Bishop Planetarium that’ll take you to the stars, around distant planets and across lunar landscapes.

Learn more about Sarasota’s history as you ride along this historic trail built on a network of century-old railway lines that fell into disuse in the 21st century. Starting at Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, the 10 miles (17 km) paved trail takes you over bridges and through scenic landscapes south to Venice, Florida.

Along the way you'll find roof-covered rest areas with benches, informative signs about the railroads and local history, and an assortment of wildlife including eagles, butterflies, snakes and squirrels. Bicycle rentals are available at shops in both Sarasota and Venice. Walkers and joggers are welcome to use the trail, too. 

If you're looking to get your arts and culture fix in Sarasota, don’t miss a visit to the Van Wezel. This busy performance hall hosts dozens of shows throughout the year, from Broadway musicals to comedy nights, Sarasota Ballet performances to concerts by pop, R&B or country music stars. 

Don’t hesitate to bring the kids along, with Sleeping Beauty and Peter Pan among the many family-friendly shows put on here over the years. Found at the fringe of Sarasota Bay, the hall’s striking exterior design resembles a purple seashell in homage to its seaside location. 

While the beach is the main attraction on the barrier island of Siesta Key, you could spend a leisurely day here just exploring the village. Discover quaint shops and boutiques, go for a spa treatment or sip cocktails while relaxing at a bar. Dining choices are aplenty, with places like the Lobster Pot and Siesta Key Oyster Bar serving fresh local seafood.

Visit on a Sunday to catch the farmer's market with tasty food and local arts and crafts for sale. Later on, head to the beach to dance on the sand at the drum circle session, which happens every Sunday an hour before sunset, just south of the main Siesta Beach pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4.

The long-running restaurant Columbia House will tempt you with tapas and tasty Spanish fare in a vibrant Mediterranean style setting. A must-try menu item includes the Cuban sandwich: a sandwich of roasted pork, ham, and cheese unique to Florida borne from its immigrant Cuban community.

Complement your sandwich with Columbia’s signature 1905 salad, prepared tableside with the family owner’s secret dressing. Dine inside to escape the heat or sip a refreshing mojito or sangria at an outdoor table on the patio. Walk off your meal afterwards with a browse through the shops and art galleries of St Armand’s Circle.