unique things to do in sarasota

Know Before You Go: The Ringling Museums are located at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. The spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, the Ed Smith Stadium, was previously the training location for the Chicago White Sox. Are you ready for a visit? Tampa Bay theme parks is just minutes away too if youre looking to get your heart pumping. Plus, the freshwater lake, Lake Osprey, is open for swimming! Visiting this museum is one of the many fun things to do in Sarasota, and it wont even take you a lot of time. The museum celebrates the rich traditions, quirks and history of the great American circuses. This is heaven for every kid who will have a great time in the petting zoo, playing with the rabbits or giggling in amazement with a primate on their shoulder. Founded by billionaires William and Marie Selby, a constellation of different gardens overlook Sarasota Bay: banyan groves, clumping bamboo, staghorn ferns and local Floridian mangroves. 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. Great fun for first-timers as well as the more experienced. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Port Charlotte. Just to the south of Sarasota, you'll so many fun things to do in Siesta Key, a lovely beach town in Florida. The first 2 hours is complementary parking, $3 for hours 2 and 3 and $1 additional per hour after. Near Tampa Bay in southwest Florida, Sarasota is a tropical paradise that satiates nature lovers, adventurers, and those looking to take a load off and relax in the tropical breeze. Annual passes are available. Sarasota Art Museum 7. Go kayaking among the mangroves, play a round of golf, or explore an adventure course high among the trees. Theres a type of sand that doesnt get hot in the sun. Shop till you drop. Try to get the most points and make it to the top of the leader board. Sarasota has its own airport but unless youre fairly local, it usually makes sense to fly in to Orlando and visit Sarasota as part of a larger trip through Florida. 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 spot is a great place to try new things. Check out beautiful cars of yesteryear at a Classic Car Museum. Guided nature walks and guided paddling adventures are also available. Activities for kids and families, youth sports, seasonal events, ongoing programs and summer camps! Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop and get yourself a miniature car souvenir, a work of art on its own. We hope you enjoy our carefully-made selection. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Save Our Seabirds is a rescue center for sick and injured birds. The Asolo Repertory Theatre is another cultural staple of Sarasotas artistic community. Small tours run on low pontoon boats, and children are allowed to board too as long as they dont fall in (! You can buy food for them as you enter the gardens or at a small shop on the premises called The Flamingo Caf. Open year-round, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is mere minutes from downtown! 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. 1. Contents 1. They have since moved to larger premises at the Mertz Theatre within the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts. Online streaming available any time. Choose from a number of themed escape games including a 1930s mafia club, a London townhouse, a cabin in the woods murder mystery or a modern-day Sarasota nightclub. In their lifetimes, John Ringling and his wife Mable were some of the worlds most avid collectors. Overview. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Each creates an intimate atmosphere and space to entertain different tastes. Expect burger stands and pizza podiums as well as arts and crafts markets and the young, the old and the beautiful (sometimes all at the same time, right? The sprawling 15-acre site is especially devoted to the conservation of air plants and houses 6000 species of orchids. Ed Smith Stadium is the spring training ground for the Baltimore Orioles and former training ground for the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Here's a list of 10 great things to do in and around Sarasota, with either a low-cost or FREE admission. Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Immerse yourself in a world of orchids For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended),. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxurious five-star resort settled perfectly in downtown Sarasota near attractions like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Bayfront Park, Sarasota Opera House, and more. Next, go dolphin-watching to see these majestic creatures leap through the oceans waters as they play. What can I say? Oh, and I did I mention that theyre number one in the world for research into orchids and her cousins? The Bishop Museum is the largest museum of natural history on Floridas Gulf Coast. But the biggest attraction by far is the feeding of the pink flamingos. And its a curious place to visit. It offers the best in contemporary theatre, cabaret, childrens theatre and improvisation. 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. With miles of beaches, coves and inlets theres an almost endless variety of places to fish. Ringling Museum of Art. For the serious fisherman, why not charter a boat and take the sport offshore. Want more than just unusual and unique things to do in Sarasota? There are a host of activities to take on at Lido Key Beach. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise sea in the country. They are farmers growing their own vegetables and fruits and selling them in the market. Pub crawl through Gulf Gate and take the "fire in your hole" wings challenge at Munchies 420 . A variety of classes can be taken with tigers, lemurs and foxes all while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. But they welcome everyone and you can, quite literally, get a taste of this intriguing culture through their food. 3 Awesome Reasons To Do Sand Castle University In Gulf Shores April 10, 2022. 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. Dine on brandied duckling at Cafe L'Europe. The theater is reputed for hosting one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the nation. On the Birdwalk, visitors can see the intriguing differences between each species and how to minimize environmental risks that harm these valuable animals. And for those not in the green-fingered know (like me) thats orchids, ferns and bromeliads. 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. Peer at the intriguing differences between European and American cars and how the design of automobiles changed throughout history. Meet shadowy characters and enjoy a theatrically spooky experience. We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. Feel underwhelmed at the suggestion of a botanical garden? The butterfly garden is one of the main attractions, so make sure not to miss it for wonderful photos and a great experience. People flock to Myakka River State Park to hit the river, from kayaking and fishing to canoeing and boating. One of the largest and oldest parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a primeval location that sets back visitors to the time of Spanish explorers and early Native Americans once trekked through. If youre looking for a downtown location close to major attractions, the Art Ovation Hotel is a great choice. The Legacy trail follows the route of the old Seaboard Air Line railroad and runs from downtown Venice up to Sarasota. This one is fun for all the family. Meet Tigers at the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary 3. Happily, many of the artistic endeavors from the age have been preserved and at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota visitors can enjoy a fabulous collection of some 80+ pieces created between the years of 1100 and 1500. Florida is not all about sandy beaches and palm trees. Sarasota Farmers Market. Throw into the mix almost a thousand natural springs, and Florida truly is a place with as much to explore both above water as below. Whats special about this market is that none of the vendors is a reseller. Join a free outdoor fitness class to stay active during your vacation. This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun. This impressive European-style structure is also home to contemporary works and regular exhibitions. Ride the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, shop at the nearby Siesta Key Village, join an e-bike tour along the beach, or rent a jet ski for a thrilling ride across the waters. The property even has an 82-foot-high tower. Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Tampa Itinerary. Mote is an independent, not-for-profit aquarium that strives to learn from and better educate us about our oceans. 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. Sarasota is home to a number of impressive public and private golf courses. Robin Hood Rentals 12. Discover the best of Sarasota, Florida as you embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. And you can still explore them today. If youre looking for fun things to do in Sarasota, FL, the Florida Studio Theatre should be high up on your list. Not exactly. Others wishing to remain on the dry land stick to the biking and hiking trails winding through the park. With playground facilities for children and an array of fountains, sculptures, and native plants theres enough to keep everyone entertained. Floridas overlooked Gulf Coast sweeps from live oaks and manatees to white sand and art routes. Why not head up to Pinecraft and take part in a tour of the local Amish community. Some were hosted, some were not. You May Also Like. But I promise, there is still so much more to do in this idyllic southwest Florida town. Escape rooms. Sarasota has its own airport, but many travelers arrive at the larger Miami International Airport or the Orlando (MCO) Airport instead. You will have the chance to meditate and relax with a certified yoga instructor whilst being surrounded by the curious animals. It offers units with a living area, their own kitchen, and a spa bath. 29. Its easily one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida! It is part zoo part garden with so much to see. 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. The seaside city is a must-visit destination for travelers roaming through the Southeast. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. With beautiful seafront pools to relax by and a variety of drinks and snacks for a high-quality al fresco dining experience. Meat, cheese, honey they are all from reliable sources. More than 200 species of native and exotic animals call the Sarasota Jungle Gardens home, including pink flamingos, alligators, iguanas, parrots, and crocodiles. Hey! You shouldnt miss the Ringling Circus Museum it is by far one of the most fun things to do in Sarasota, FL. 6. Nathan Benderson also has a couple of gentle cycling trails and paths surrounding the lake which make it a great, scenic place to walk and grab some fresh air. Quench the need for quality retail therapy at the various boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops. The Park has a couple of restaurants, including a tiki bar and grill, and also offers an outstanding view of the bay. The Sarasota Farmers Market is a lively social activity joining together locals and tourists to enjoy the best products!