With such a lot of issues to do in Sarasota, it’s simple to peer why it’s this kind of standard holiday vacation spot. Stunning white sand seashores and crystal transparent water make the seashores a large draw, however there may be so a lot more to do within the cultural capital of the Sunshine State.


We used to discuss with the Sarasota space every year or so prior to making the bounce to transport there. Each and every time we’d get on that airplane to come back house, we’d discuss how we weren’t taking a look ahead to the bloodless of Maryland, or even talk about dates of after we may return.
The most productive determination we ever made was once to transport! We like the hotter local weather, the seashores, and the way of life. Up to I commute, I at all times look ahead to coming house to this space.
In 2023, Reedy Press reached out to me as a result of this web site and requested me to put in writing the ebook, 100 Issues To Do In Sarasota Prior to You Die. Within the 12 months or so it took to put in writing it, I visited a plethora of eating places, museums, puts for out of doors actions, and buying groceries locations, and fell much more in love with this pretty stretch of Florida.
The place is Sarasota Florida?
Florida is an extended state, and also you don’t notice how extensive it’s in puts till you pressure throughout it. When you have a look at a map, almost about midway down the state, you’ll see a place that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. Proper there on the tip is Bradenton. Underneath Bradenton is Longboat Key, and under that, you’ll see Sarasota.
Our airport is the Sarasota Bradenton airport, and I’m hoping you’re fortunate sufficient to have a just right flight that brings you there because it’s probably the most very best airports on the earth! Flights to Tampa Global Airport are occasionally more cost effective, but it surely’s a miles better airport to navigate.
I love to think about this entire space as one large satisfied circle of relatives. This aspect of the state is thought of as Florida’s Gulf Coast, as opposed to the sea coast at the different aspect. Let me know which of those actions are your favorites!
The Ringling
The Ringling was once the primary position I considered when Reedy Press requested me to put in writing my ebook. I inform everybody that is most certainly my favourite position to discuss with as a result of you’ll spend a whole day at the grounds.


Between the house of John & Mable Ringling, the Museum of Artwork, the Circus Museum, and the Howard Bros. Circus Fashion, you’ll wish to spend as a lot time as you’ll to peer all of it. Take a ruin someday and feature lunch on the Ringling Grillroom.
- Ca’ d’Zan: The wintry weather house of John and Mable Ringling is a must-see glimpse into their lives within the Nineteen Twenties.
- Ringling Museum of Artwork: A mind-blowing selection of artwork from many alternative tactics, mediums, cultures, and tales, together with magnificent artwork from the medieval length in the course of the nineteenth century.
- Gardens: Bayfront Gardens Excursion, Secret Lawn, Dwarf Lawn, Timber of the Property
- Circus Museum: See what the circus was once like at the street. Don’t leave out the Howard Bros. Circus Fashion within the Tibbals Studying Heart.
In case you are on the town over the Christmas vacations, you should definitely get to Ca’ d’Zan!
Walk St. Armands Circle
St Armands Circle in Lido Key’s a ancient circle of 130 retail outlets and eating places. It’s stated that during 1893, Charles St. Amand bought 3 tracts of land totaling 131.89 acres for… get able for this…$21.73! When you’re fascinated about sending me an e-mail to right kind the spelling, it might were nice if somebody hadn’t spelled the call unsuitable again in 1893 when Amand first purchased the valuables! The misspelling continues to be used nowadays.
In 1917 John Ringling (sure, of the Ringling Brothers) bought the land. Ringling deliberate to show St. Armand’s Key right into a deliberate construction of residential a lot and retail outlets arranged in a circle. He even used circus elephants to haul probably the most bushes that made the bridge connecting the important thing to the mainland. You’ll be able to learn the remainder of this interesting tale in addition to see a time table of occasions at the St. Armand’s Circle web site.
Our favourite solution to discover the Circle is to have an appetizer and a pitcher of wine at probably the most many eating places, do some buying groceries, have every other appetizer and glass of wine, and repeat! Lido Seaside is shut by way of if you wish to take a ruin and get your ft within the sand. It’s a recipe for a super day! Blu Kouzina is an excellent spot to prevent for a chew!


Spend a Day on the Seaside
Sarasota is understood for white sand seashores and wonderful transparent water. Even in January, you’ll spend an afternoon at the coastline! In reality, we frequently spend New Yr’s Day with our ft within the sand.
Siesta Key Seaside is the most well liked spot in our space as a result of Dr. Seaside named it the most efficient coastline within the nation two times. That doesn’t occur so much. In 2024, TripAdvisor named it the #2 coastline within the nation, and peak 10 for perfect on the earth. There are numerous just right causes to select Siesta Key:
Restrooms: Siesta has massive, blank bogs.
Merchandising: There’s an onsite cafe.
Lifeguards: You’ll to find lifeguards from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., 7 days every week.
Numerous loose parking: One grievance I listen from guests is that it’s arduous to discover a parking spot and occasionally it may be pricey. Don’t park the place you shouldn’t as it may be very pricey for those who get a price ticket.
Eating places also are shut by way of in Siesta Key Village and in different spots across the space. In reality, you’ll to find numerous different issues to do in Siesta Key but even so the coastline. You could even to find my ebook in probably the most beach-themed shops! When you’re on the town in November, take a look at the Siesta Key Crystal Vintage sand sculpture competition.


Different seashores across the space come with Longboat Key seashores and Anna Maria Island seashores.
Revel in Waterside Position at Lakewood Ranch
The most recent spot in this checklist is Waterside Position. You received’t to find the emblem call shops right here, however you’ll to find native boutiques and retail outlets with Florida-style pieces.
Talk over with Monkee’s to shop for my ebook and skim their fabulous clothes and reward pieces. Take a look at Florida Provisions, the place you’ll pick out up prerequisites like native beer and Margarita Mixers, tropical-style clothes, shades, hats, and extra. At Marmalade Salon & Boutique, you’ll browse the house decor and furniture at the side of bohemian-style clothes and accessories.
The wonderful thing about buying groceries at Waterside Position is that while you’re able for a ruin, you’ll have a number of eating places inside of strolling distance to take a load off and experience a chilly drink, appetizer, or meal.
We like Excellent Liquid for a neighborhood beer and brunch, lunch, or dinner. For Mexican meals, take a look at Agave Bandido. It’s fabulous!


For Italian, discuss with Osteria 500. The meals is implausible and they’ve a great wine and cocktail checklist.
We had been overjoyed to get a Kilwins location nearer to house at Waterside. They make all of it proper within the retailer. You’ll be able to watch them make fudge within the entrance window, too. When you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll also be introduced a style. The chocolate-covered orange peels are extra special. My daughter loves the chocolate-covered pineapple. Even though Kilwins is understood for ice cream, the sweet counter is solely incredible. See if there may be one close to you by way of visiting their web site.
On peak of all of the retail outlets and puts to consume, Waterside was once named the #2 position within the nation to play cornhole by way of the American Cornhole Group! By no means performed? Head to Waterside Position and take hold of your spot!
Talk over with a Native Farmers Marketplace
Contemporary produce, hand-crafted artisan items, and piping-hot ready meals are simply among the wonders you’ll to find at the number one Farmer’s Marketplace in Florida, the Farmer’s Marketplace at Lakewood Ranch. Seeing the colourful tents and over 100 native distributors will make you’re feeling such as you’re part of one large group. Our circle of relatives has been to this marketplace in Waterside a variety of instances, and we stay coming again for extra.
When you walk in the course of the sunlit streets, take hold of a chew at a meals truck like The Empanada Lady or Hobson’s Selection BBQ, or pattern native flavors at Dynasty Guacamole or Sarasota Honey Corporate. As soon as your urge for food is glad, browse home made items at Giant Most sensible Baskets or Untamed Tallow; you’ll even to find stalls devoted to merchandise for pets, catering to people who stroll their canines alongside Waterside. You’ll to find no loss of pleasant faces, all of the whilst supporting native companies and households.
Talk over with the Farmers Marketplace at Lakewood Ranch each and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to two p.m. Nonetheless wish to store ‘til you drop? Listed below are some extra Farmer’s Markets you might wish to discuss with:
Take a Stroll at the John Ringling Bridge
Having a look to get some workout on a course that by no means will get outdated? Pack a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle for this one, and benefit from the view of the Sarasota Bay from the John Ringling Causeway. This ancient bridge was once rebuilt in 2003, however the unique causeway was once in-built 1925 by way of the native American entrepreneur John Ringling, who donated the bridge to the town in 1927.
The bridge itself spans just a little over half of 1 mile and connects Downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Key. For an extended stroll, you’ll double the gap and stroll the causeway again to Sarasota, or proceed all of the solution to St. Armands Circle to do a little window buying groceries (for a complete of two.5 miles). The bridge is supplied with color-changing LED lighting fixtures and is solely as scenic at evening.


Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Front room
You don’t wish to commute again in time for that original island vibe— Bahi Hut Tiki and Cocktail Front room has perfected their very own unique environment, and has been serving up custom since 1954. Get a style of Sarasota’s nightlife the old fashioned approach by way of ordering up an ice-cold Mai Tai and let your worries be a factor of the previous. Mai Tais are restricted to 2 in keeping with particular person. You’ll perceive why with one sip!
Boasting a fan-favorite Satisfied Hour menu and professional personnel, Bahi Hut is a vintage forestall for locals and guests alike. And with reside occasions all the way through the week, each and every discuss with is just a little other than the remaining. Satisfied Hour is each and every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to six p.m., and you’ll groove in the course of the evening with reside tune each and every Friday and Saturday after 7 p.m.
Style Native Rum at Siesta Key Rum Distillery
Whilst this subsequent forestall might glance bizarre at the outdoor, within is the place the magic occurs. As soon as throughout the Siesta Key Rum distillery, no longer best are you able to see how they brew their well-known liquor, however you’ll additionally style it for your self! True enthusiasts in their craft, the distillery is whole with its personal Infinity Room Tiki Bar and reward store
Siesta Key Rum prides itself in brewing an original, scrumptious rum infused with actual meals components. When you do wish to sign up on-line, the excursions are loose, and also you’ll wish to discuss with the Tasting Room prior to you’re via!


The distillery’s hours, together with the tasting room, reward store, and bar, are 10 a.m. to five p.m. Monday via Saturday, and 12 p.m. to five p.m. on Sundays. Ebook your excursion nowadays!
Play Mini Golfing at Smuggler’s Cove
Mini Golfing must really feel like an journey— so for those who’re in search of an tour for the entire circle of relatives, glance no additional than Smuggler’s Cove Journey Golfing. You’ll really feel such as you’re trekking in the course of the jungle when you’re striking previous waterfalls, exploring synthetic caves, and looking at the 25 to 30 reside Alligators residing on location!
Children will love the captivating decor— and sure, you’ll feed the alligators! Don’t fear, you received’t must stand up shut and private. Your acquire of alligator meals comes with a bamboo fishing pole, so children and adults alike can have interaction with the animals with out fear. A clubhouse and snack bar are to be had for those who get hungry, whole with beer and wine for adults. It could actually get scorching all over the day, so we suggest you convey your individual water bottle and use a variety of solar coverage.
Selby Gardens
Once I wrote my ebook, Selby Gardens was once probably the most spots I knew I must come with. A couple of months after my ebook was once launched, Time Mag named Selby Gardens One of the most International’s Largest Puts for 2024.


With 45 acres of bayfront good looks, there’s a lot to discover at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You’ll have two other places to discuss with throughout the Gardens, and it’s simple to peer each in the similar day.
Downtown Sarasota
You’ll have 15 acres to traverse on the Downtown Sarasota Campus. A handful of our favorites to peer:
- Tropical Conservatory: Very similar to a tropical rainforest, that is the place to view the well-known orchids and bromeliads.
- Anne Goldstein Youngsters’s Rainforest: Children can discover a 12-foot waterfall, caves, a swinging bridge, and extra.
- Banyon Grove: See the gorgeous banyons, some centuries outdated. This can be a nice picture spot.
- Mangrove Walkway: With surprising perspectives of Sarasota Bay, downtown Sarasota, and Fowl Key, that is the place you’ll be told extra concerning the species of mangroves local to South Florida.
- Butterfly Lawn: Designed to reestablish the butterfly inhabitants, it is a visitor favourite.
- Koi Pond: Watch the colourful fish swim across the waterfall.


Historical Spanish Level Campus
Know about Sarasota’s pioneer historical past alongside 30 acres on Sarasota Bay at Historical Spanish Level.
- Discover Historical Spanish Level: See the White Cottage, Window to the Previous, Mary’s Chapel, Packing Area, and Guptill Area.
- Excursions: Take a strolling excursion or boat excursion for an additional charge.
- Extra Out of doors Actions: Discover the Local American Sand Mound, Butterfly Lawn, Sunken Lawn, and Pergola.
Each campuses are open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., and each have eating. See the Selby Gardens web site for main points.
Van Wezel Appearing Arts Corridor
The arena’s best red shell-shaped theater, the Van Wezel Appearing Arts Corridor is where to head for top-name performances together with Broadway-style musicals like Come From Away and world-class symphonies just like the Czech Nationwide Orchestra. Lovers of 60s and 70s tune must take a look at the Temptations and 4 Tops fortieth Anniversary display. Now not into the tune scene? Take a look at the acts like comic Lewis Black or Jay Leno with particular visitor Arsenio Corridor.
There may be such a lot taking place at Van Wezel, you may want to take a look at season passes to save lots of and feature higher seating choices. Both approach, take a look at your favorites and get tickets prior to they’re offered out.
Spend the Day at The Bay
There may be such a lot to do at The Bay that you simply truly may spend the day. From loose guided kayak excursions to loose nature strolling excursions to health and yoga to films beneath the celebrities, it’s arduous to select!
Take a look at The Bay web site and print out a map prior to you cross. Take a look at the methods and actions and make a decision what you’d like to take part in. Even though maximum occasions are loose, you’ll nonetheless wish to sign up. Take a kayak excursion to discover the mangroves, sign up for in salsa dance classes, or take a yoga category.
For households, take a look at Astronomy on the Bay, circle of relatives film nights beneath the celebrities, or discuss with Sara and Zota on the Ibis Playground.
See a Circus Efficiency
Sarasota has an extended historical past with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, so there’s no higher position to peer a efficiency. Relying at the time of 12 months you discuss with, you could possibly see a Sarasota Circus efficiency or a efficiency from Sailor Circus, which is known as The Largest Little Display On Earth, and is the longest-running early life circus in america.


Talk over with the Circus Arts web site to peer an inventory of presentations. Performances happen at other venues across the Sarasota space. You might even have the ability to see a display with Nik Wallenda, world high-wire superstar and Sarasota’s native native land hero.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
For animal enthusiasts, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a should. A ten-acre appeal is house to over 200 local and unique animals. Walking in the course of the winding roads, you’ll see parrots and macaws, small mammals, primates, lizards and iguanas, alligators and crocodiles, and so a lot more.
For households, that is an improbable solution to spend the day. The Jungle Trails are ideal for walking a number of the tropical crops. The Reptile Showcase is amusing for studying about snakes, turtles, frogs, and lizards.
Children will love exploring the petting zoo and seeing the animal presentations. Need to see alligators up shut and private? Head to the Alligator Feeding Pond. And talking of feeding, you’ll additionally hand-feed the free-roaming flock of flamingos.
Take a look at the time table for presentations as there’s not anything worse than arriving past due to your favourite animal stumble upon.
Dive Wine & Spirits
One in all my favourite spots in Sarasota for grownup drinks, this speakeasy is hidden away and I’ve a sense they wish to stay it that approach! Once I wrote my ebook, 100 Issues to Do in Sarasota Prior to You Die, I knew I needed to come with this amusing enjoy.


Tucked away at the back of a liquor retailer, this hidden gem has a diving theme (therefore the call) and is accessorized with a wide variety of scuba apparatus and tropical decor. The low lights offers it a secretive really feel, however now that the phrase is out, the bar can replenish lovely briefly.
Grasp a seat, order a area of expertise cocktail, and benefit from the camaraderie. The Dive Wine & Spirits key’s out, however don’t inform them I despatched you!
Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has at all times been one in every of our favourite actions in Sarasota. When our women had been teenagers we visited lovely incessantly. In reality, our oldest daughter was once an intern there for a 12 months and liked it.
Even though their doorways opened in 1955 in Cape Haze, the aquarium is now situated on Ken Thompson Expressway in Sarasota.
House to resident otters, seahorses, sea jellies, and sea turtles, children and adults alike will experience exploring Mote. Take a look at the 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Don’t fail to remember to prevent by way of and spot the American alligators, best present in coastal wetlands from North Carolina to central and southern Florida.
The Aquarium has a wide variety of amusing occasions, like breakfast with the sharks, animal encounters, and day camps. Take a look at the web site for main points.
A bigger facility is within the works (you’ll’t leave out it for those who discuss with College The town Heart) and is anticipated to open at Nathan Benderson Park someday within the first part of 2025.
Revel in an Unique Drum Circle
Each and every Sunday, about an hour prior to the solar units, you’ll see other folks begin to collect at the coastline in Siesta Key. Merely seek for the gang with drums.
When you’ve got by no means been to a drum circle prior to, that is where to enjoy it. I’ve visited greater than 40 international locations on 5 continents, however I’ve by no means observed the rest just like the Siesta Key drum circle.
You by no means know who will display up at this tournament because it’s completely natural. What’s amusing is that it’s by no means the similar. The drums may well be pros or first-timers who visited the week prior to and sought after to take part. At the side of the drumming, there are at all times those that like to transport with the beat. You don’t wish to know the way to bop to take part. If you’re feeling led, sign up for the thrill whilst gazing the sundown over one of the vital gorgeous seashores on the earth.
You’ll be able to to find loose parking within the lot close to the circle. There’s additionally a playground and a concession stand.
Consume Native
Even though you’ll discover a plethora of incredible eating places in Sarasota, I’m best sharing a handful right here.


- Sage: For an upscale eating enjoy, make a reservation at Sage. Situated within the ancient Sarasota Occasions development, the eating place is upscale however nonetheless comfortable. The rooftop bar is energetic with an improbable view, The meals is exceptional, with award-winning chef Christopher Covelli on the helm. Sage is not only a meal, however an enjoy.
- Indigenous: Any other upscale spot you shouldn’t leave out, Indigenous is the place to head for mind-blowing seasonal menus and wonderful seafood. Chef Steve Phelps is understood for sustainability and the use of native components that can wow your tastebuds.
- New Move Grill & Bait Store: When you’re in search of fancy, cross to Sage or Indiginous. If you need an improbable burger and fries whilst taking a look over Sarasota Bay, that is your spot. In reality, it’s proper across the nook from Mote Marine Aquarium, so opt for lunch prior to or after.
- Selva Grill: When you haven’t attempted Peruvian meals, you’ve were given to dine at Selva Grill. The meals is original and the menu has such a lot of possible choices. We at all times order the Tuna Tiradito, a minimum of one ceviche, and the empanadas. We’ve best ordered entrees right here a few times, and despite the fact that you’ll’t cross unsuitable with the rest at the menu, the starter menu makes us proud of a few glasses in their proprietary crimson mix.
- Percoco’s: We were going to Primary Side road Trattoria for years, however someplace alongside the best way, it misplaced its appeal. We had been overjoyed to take a look at the brand new Percoco’s lately. The beet salad was once wonderful and the pizzas are implausible (and enormous)! We took so a lot meals house, which is at all times a just right factor in our area. Who doesn’t love bloodless pizza for breakfast?
What are your favourite issues to do in Sarasota? Let me know so I will be able to take a look at them out!
Extra Sarasota House Issues To Do
Those are all on the subject of the Sarasota space, so remember to take a look at them out while you’re there.
Issues to Do on Anna Maria Island