50+ Best Things To Do In Sarasota Florida

Best Things To Do In Sarasota Florida

Looking for the best things to do in Sarasota Florida? If you’re planning a trip to Sarasota, this guide will help you plan the best way to spend your time in this city.

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is a beautiful city just south of Tampa.

Here, you can sunbathe at one of the most highly rated beaches in Florida, visit a world famous museum with incredible works of art, learn all about the history, and capture the beauty of Florida’s nature.

These are our top picks of the best things to do in Sarasota Florida.

1. The Ringling Museum

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of art is one of the top things to do in Sarasota. It is called after the Ringling brothers who owned and operated a circus.

The circus became extremely successful at the time and John Ringling, one of the brothers, purchased the waterfront property with his wife.

They went on to build the magnificent home and museum to store all of the art that he had accumulated.

After some time, the estate was passed on to the Florida State University and was allocated funds for renovations. After that, it was opened to the public to be able to tour the grounds.

Exploring the 66 acre estate, you will find the museum with galleries of Renaissance, Classical, and works from other eras, now also including modern art.

Once you view the 21 different galleries make sure to walk around the museum building and gardens as it is a work of art in itself.

If you are interested in visiting the museum while in Sarasota, the access to the museum is free on Mondays while all other days there is an admission fee.

If you have just one day to spend in Sarasota, then this should be on the top of the list of things to do in Sarasota for your one day itinerary.

2. St. Armands Circle

In the middle of Sarasota Bay, this island is a one of a kind shopping center with a circle of shops and restaurants. While crossing the bridge over Sarasota Bay to the island, make sure to take in the incredible views of the bright turquoise water.

St. Armands Circle was originally purchased by Charles St. Amand in 1893. The name was misspelled on the deed to include an “r” and has since been known as the St. Armands Circle. Later, John Ringling bought the island in 1917 and had big plans for developing an upscale shopping experience around a circle.

Today, St. Armands Circle is all that and more, where you can stroll the shops, sit at an outside table at one of the fine restaurants, or go straight to the nearby Lido Key Beach where you can enjoy the perfectly white sand and the warm gulf.

3. Ca’d’Zan

Sarasota has been forever stamped with the historical significance of the circus magnate John Ringling. Ca’d’Zan was the personal home of John and his wife Mable Ringling.

Having a great admiration for the architectural style of the Venice Doge’s Palace, Ca’d’Oro and the Grunwald Hotel in Venice Italy, they decided to build their dream home in Sarasota. The home was built to resemble this Venetian Gothic style of the palazzi on the canals and the Sarasota Bay was to resemble the Grand Canal itself.

The couple hired a famous architect, Dwight Baum, however Mable oversaw every aspect of the construction making sure every detail of the 36,000 sq. ft. house was perfect. The interiors of the home displayed paintings, had fine china and a collection of silverware, and an organ installed that continued to impress their guests.

Today, you can tour the home along with the other buildings on the grounds such as the Ringling Art Museum. The grounds are open daily from 10am to 5pm except for holidays. The ticket prices vary based on what you want to explore.

4. Siesta Key Beach

Having been named as one of the top beaches in the United States, it is one of the best things to do in Sarasota. The sand at Siesta Beach is made up of 99% quartz which results in a very fine, soft, white sand. The powdery sand is what made Siesta Key Beach popular and different from many of the beaches in Sarasota.

It is one of the best beaches to have the perfect beach day where you can stretch out on the sand, swim in the emerald water, or have some fun playing games and building sand castles with the family.

If you choose to snorkel in the clear blue water, be sure to experience the Point Of Rocks, that is about a fourth of a mile south along the beach shore. There you will find limestone rocks that have algae, coral and shells that naturally attract a variety of fish and crabs.

A big advantage to Siesta Beach is that the parking is free. However, being so popular, it does fill up fast, so be sure to arrive earlier in the morning to get a spot of your choosing. Once you have your car parked you can head over to the Siesta Key Village where there are shops and restaurants for snacks before the beach or fine dining after a great day at the beach.

If you happen to be there during April, you will catch the Siesta Fiesta, a festival with food stands, arts and crafts displays, and musicians.

5. Myakka River State Park

If you love nature and wildlife, Myakka River State Park is one of the best places to visit in Sarasota.

With the river winding through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies and pinelands, it is no surprise that the park is filled with wildlife. During your visit, you’ll be able to see plenty of alligators in the river, along with wild boars, deer, and turkeys roaming in the grass and woodlands. For a more observant eye, there are a wide variety of bird species in the park as well.

During the dry season, the “Deep Hole” is the perfect place for alligator watching. When the water runs low, they congregate into the this area where the water is deeper. To get there, you need to hike a 2-mile trail and one you get to the area, be sure to stay a safe distance away at all times.

While swimming is not allowed, there are still plenty of water activities you can do at the park such as kayaking, canoeing and boating. There are trails and backroads throughout the park that hikers and bicyclists can enjoy along with a Birdwalk for viewing nature and beautiful sunsets.

An activity at the park that’s fun for the whole family is the Canopy Walkway. The walkway is suspended 25 feet in the air allowing you to view the canopy and its inhabitants up close.

6. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are the former home of William and Marie Selby. They are located in downtown Sarasota on 15 acres of peaceful scenery amidst the bustle of the city. This garden is known as one of the few botanical gardens displaying and studying epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns.

Although these species make the garden unique, there are other collections of tropical plants and the magnificent banyan trees. While visiting the gardens, you will be able to see the focus on the study of plants, education, and the preservation of the environment.

The gardens have special exhibitions and events that change throughout the year. A few features that stay the same are the koi pond, butterfly garden, and rainforest garden.

Part of the Selby Gardens is the Historical Spanish Point, a 30-acre campus in the Osprey area. Together, they are 45 acres of beautiful gardens to explore.

7. Historic Spanish Point

With 30 acres to explore, Historic Spanish Point is full of history. On the site, there have been found prehistoric middens and mounds that have been proof that people have occupied the site in the earlier years.

In 1867, the ownership transferred to John Webb who heard about the land from a Spanish trader in Key West therefore naming it Spanish Point. The last owner was Mrs. Potter Palmer who purchased the land around 1910. The land was part of a 360-acre estate owned by Mrs. Palmer where she preserved the pioneer buildings and planted lavish gardens.

The 30-acre site was deeded afterward by her family to the Gulf Coast Heritage Association which has continued the preservation and restoration of the gardens and historical elements of the site.

The bayfront sanctuary is an ideal place to have a relaxed stroll among the gardens and enjoy the beauty of nature. With so much beauty it is one of the best and most beautiful places for a destination wedding in Florida.

8. Farmer’s Market

Do you love to visit farmer’s markets for the fresh vegetables, fruits and local delicacies? If so, you will love visiting the Sarasota farmer’s market.

It takes place every Saturday at 7am until 1pm in Downtown Sarasota.

Started by Paul Thorpe and the Downtown Merchants Association, the original goal was to bring more foot traffic to the downtown area. Today, the market is thriving with many vendors that sell produce, gourmet foods and snacks, jewelry and accessories, crafts, and art.

Always getting bitten up by mosquitos and no-see-ums? Stop by the Greenway Formula 7 vendor and pick up an all natural essential oil formula product that will keep those pesky bugs away.

9. Jungle Gardens

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens has more than 200 native and exotic animals. Many of the animals have been rescued or donated to be taken care of by the Jungle Gardens.

This attraction first opened up its door in 1939 by the vision of David Breed Lindsay who had plans to create a beautiful botanical garden. It started out as a small botanical garden with imported exotic plants on 10 acres of land and has gone on to include a wide variety of animals as popularity of the gardens grew.

Some of the animals include small mammals, alligators, crocodiles, iguanas, and birds, including he pink flamingos. The pink flamingos are a favorite among visitors who get to see these exotic birds up close.

Be sure to catch the daily bird and reptile shows, pose for pictures holding an animal, and experience one on one interactions with a variety of animals. It is one of the best things to do in Sarasota with kids.

10. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a world-renowned research and conservation center.

The center’s focus is on the ocean and the marine animals. They do research on the effects of man-made toxins on the ocean, developing ocean technology and making

Part of the interactive touch pools and the high-tech exhibits, is the Mote Aquarium that boasts an over 100,000 gallon shark habitat. Since opening their doors, Mote first started studying sharks and have now expanded the study to include all shark species.

You can also see manatees, stingrays, otters, turtles, lobsters, seahorses and many exotic fish including the Scorpionfish, Toadfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish and the French Angelfish. You will get to learn all about the coral reefs and can even have some fun digging out treasures from the sea sand at the Fossil Creek interactive activity.

Mote has many programs for children to help them learn all about the ocean so if you are in Sarasota with the entire family, it is a great place to visit. You can even follow them on Instagram to see their latest updates and discoveries before you go.

11. Water Activities

What is a visit to Florida without having some fun in the water? If you are ready to jump in the water, there are many activities to choose from.

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you have the option to go parasailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, and even going on a boat tour or renting a boat. If you want a calm and peaceful time out on the water, you also have the option of kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boarding.

Siesta Key Aqua Adventures and Siesta Key Watersports are one of the many companies in the area that you can rent from for various water activities.

12. Unconditional Surrender Statue

The 25-foot tall statue is an inspiration of one of the most iconic photos in recent history that was taken in celebration of the end of World War II.

Originally the statue was displayed in Sarasota as a temporary exhibit, but later was purchased by a World War II veteran Sarasota resident and loaned to the city. It then became part of the city’s public art collection.

Today, the statue stands in Bayfront Park where you can park and walk up to the statue to take pictures.

After posing with the statue, you can walk around the Bayfront park and take in the views, stroll through the marina, or dine in one of the restaurants along the marina.

13. Sarasota Classic Car Museum

If you are a car enthusiast, and even if not, this is one of the most unique things to do in Sarasota. This museum is recognized as the second oldest operating antique car museums in the nation.

The museum goes back in history to one of the earliest types of cars all the way to the modern day, showcasing styles of cars spanning over one hundred years. You will see a horseless carriage from the earlier days as well as some very unique modern automobiles. With over 75 cars, some of the featured cars include Bentley, Cadillac, and Ferraris.

Don’t miss the antique camera collection and the gift shop where you will find rare collectibles, automotive books, and miniature car souvenirs.

The museum operates daily from 9am to 6pm with self guided tours.

14. Gamble Mansion

The Gamble Mansion is a beautiful, white, antebellum mansion that was home to Major Robert Gamble. It was the headquarters of a sugar plantation and it is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida.

Unfortunately, the mansion also has a dark past of slavery that built the mansion and ran the sugar plantation. The museum displays a Census Bureau document that lists every one of them by name to honor them.

The historic mansion dates all the way back to 1844 when it was built. The home has endured a lot over the years including the civil war and hurricanes. One of the prominent historic moments of the home was when the secretary of state, Judah Philip Benjamin, used it as a hideaway after the war ended to escape back to England.

At a certain point it was greatly decaying until the United Daughters of the Confederacy purchased the property and deeded it to the state that restored it to its former glory.

You’ll find the mansion with furnishings portraying mid-19th century style such as a 19th Century piano, a Confederate Uniform, and a carpet bag.

The visitor center and museum are open Thursday through Monday 9am-5pm closing for lunch from 11:45am-12:45pm with the exceptions of holidays. You can enjoy the park, however, 365 days a year. The admission costs are $6 for adults and $4 for children.

15. Lido Key Beach

Lido Key Beach is the next key after St. Armands Circle and has a beautiful, large beach area. So if you are ready to spend the rest of the day at the beach after walking around town, then this is the perfect beach to enjoy the evening.

If you are looking for romantic things to do in Sarasota, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset and have a picnic at the beach. The beach is large enough where it doesn’t get too overcrowded considering how popular the beach still is so you can enjoy your time there.

16. Celery Fields

The Celery Fields have become a place of enjoying nature, birdwatching, walking, biking, and fishing. Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the Celery Fields which are a 400+ acre site perfect for getting out in nature and viewing wildlife.

If you’re wondering why they are called Celery Fields, it is because in earlier years the land was used to farm celery and the name has stuck.

Today, however, the land has been restored to wetlands and trees planted to attract even more wildlife to the area.

17. Sarasota Opera

In the heart of downtown Sarasota is the Sarasota Opera House, a beautifully renovated theater. One of the historic significances about this opera house is that Elvis Presley once performed here.

You can view all of the events and purchase tickets on their site. On certain days of the week they also have showings of classic movies, many from the 1900’s.

There is plenty of public parking around the city with a short walk to the theater or you can use the free valet parking available for performances.

18. The Bazaar On Apricot and Lime

This is considered as one of the more unique things to do in Sarasota. The Bazaar is a indie indoor market featuring over 40 local creators and vendors.

As you walk inside the 5,000 square foot space, you’ll be overwhelmed with choices of gifts, art, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, home decor, plants and many more things to browse.

Since it is an experience to browse the stalls, grab a bite to eat from the Hamlets Eatery food truck. There is even live music from 12-3pm to make the experience complete.

The Bazaar is open from 10am-3pm Thursday to Saturday.

19. Beer Can Island

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach getaway, Beer Can Island is a beautiful island off of the northern part of Longboat Key.

There is a bridge that connects the islands but you can also get there by boat. What makes this island unique is that there is big, beautiful, driftwood along the beach. Although as of recent, they have cleared away some of the big driftwood along the beach, however, the island is still beautiful and worth a visit.

Make sure to pack what you need for the day since if you spend the time getting out onto the island, you will want to spend some time exploring it. Sunset time lights up the island in beautiful colors so be sure to stay until the evening.

20. Sunset Cruise

Want to enjoy the sunset in a more fun way? Taking a sunset cruise is a relaxing way to spend the evening and enjoy the stunning combination of sunset colors on turquoise water.

LeBarge Tropical Cruises provides an affordable option at $35 per person. The cruise starts at 7pm and lasts for two hours but check-in time starts an hour earlier and boarding at half an hour before departure.

As you watch the sun setting, treat yourself to drinks, relax, and watch for dolphins and other marine life around you.

If you want a complete dinner cruise then the Marina Jack is a great option. You’ll enjoy a more luxurious atmosphere and be served a delicious menu of steaks, seafood, or pasta.

21. Kayak Through Mangroves

While kayaking out in the ocean can be fun, kayaking in the mangroves is a different experience. Here, you’ll encounter more wildlife including birds, reptiles, and maybe even manatees and dolphins.

Another unique things to see in the shallow waters of the mangroves are shells and sometimes even starfish, urchins, and sea anemones.

A great place to kayak among the mangroves is Lido Key, in the Sarasota Bay. The water is usually very clear which makes it easy to spot the wildlife around you.

When getting out on the water, make sure to bring sunscreen, hat, water and bug spray. In some areas of the mangroves there may be more mosquitos so you will want to have bug spray or wear long sleeve shirts to protect yourself.

22. Go On A Tour

Sarasota has a large variety of tours. You can take a kayaking tour, a cruise tour, sea life encounter boat tour, culinary tours, hop on hop off trolley tour, and even a shark teeth adventure tour that teaches the best ways to find them with the opportunity to turn the shark tooth you find into a necklace.

With Discover Sarasota Tours you have the option to go city sightseeing, learn about the Amish culture, view incredible examples of Sarasota’s architecture, enjoy the city’s vibrant art scene, and many more.

With so many options to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

23. Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail runs from Sarasota and all the way to Venice. It is the perfect way to enjoy a little bit of the outdoors by going on a bike ride or a walk for the whole family.

The trail is miles of nicely paved paths that makes it easy access to everyone. The trail has benches and restrooms at the trailheads as well for anyone who wants to take a break.

One of the best stretches is through the Oscar Scherer Park that offers beautiful scenery. However, every part of the trail is worth exploring which can be done from sunrise to sunset.

24. Big Cat Habitat

The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an animal rescue center in Sarasota. It was founded by Kay Rosaire in 1987 who had the goal of rescuing exotic big cats and other native and exotic wildlife who needed rescuing. There are tigers, lions, ligers, tigons, bears, monkeys, and birds.

The sanctuary includes three indoor and outdoor habitats to house the animals. Each habitat has a swimming pool, toys, and plants that make for the best environment for every animal.

They are open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. The live animal demonstrations are usually at 2pm every day and a bird demo at 1pm.

One of the things not to miss while at the habitat are the cat and bear feedings. There are also private encounters available that you can book with a sloth, silver fox, lemur, and wallaby. At the petting zoo you will find goats that you can pet.

The Big Cat Habitat is a non-profit organization so by visiting you are supporting the rescue of animals in need. You can also purchase merchandise on their site to support them as well.

25. Mixon Fruit Farms

Mixon Fruit Farms is full of fun for the whole family. Here you can treat yourself to a fresh-squeezed cup of juice that is made right in front of you in the packinghouse. Then go touring the grove and learning about the citrus industry.

The Orange Blossom Express takes you through the grove where you will also get to see rescued Florida animals. After, you can enjoy the beautifully landscaped gazebo, Koi pond area and the Magical Maze.

For kids, the most memorable place is the Mixon’s Amazing Play Place. The 20 ft. waterslide, tire hill, and inflatable obstacle course all add to the fun and can all be requested for special events.

Before you go, pick up some fresh fruits and treats to enjoy when you get home. Their shop is filled with specialties like tea, honey, marmalade and unique gifts. And while you’re there, don’t forget to taste their famous Mixon Orange Twist Ice Cream.

26. Van Wezel Performing Arts

The Van Wezel Performing Art Hall is known for its unique shape resembling a seashell and purple color, inside and out, prompting nicknames such as the “Purple Cow” and “Purple People-Seater”.

Since the building of it, it has been home to many performances. Their mission is to bring a wide variety of performing artists into the community. This includes Broadway musicals, national and international performers, comedians and symphony orchestras.

Even if you choose not to attend a performance at the center, it is still worth a visit to marvel at the building itself and the grounds surrounding it.

27. Nathan Benderson Park

Located on 600 acres and a 400 acre lake, this isn’t just a park. It is the home of aquatic sports programs and competitions.

You can join in on the fun by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or a bike to ride on the trails surrounding the lake. If you want to experience more of what the lake activities have to offer, you can sign up to learn how to row or drop a line to see what kind of fish you can catch.

Whatever you choose to do, the park is a great place to get out in nature right by the city which makes it a hidden gem in Sarasota.

28. Marietta Museum Of Art and Whimsy

This museum is one of the more unique things to see while in Sarasota. After personal life experiences, the founder Marietta Lee found herself getting more lost in art to get away from the world.

Delving more into the art world, Lee found many inspiring and that she would’ve wanted to display. That’s where the idea was born and in 2010, the museum doors opened.

The museum displays various artists with many colorful pieces of artwork with the hopes that visitors will find the experience joyful and enjoy the present moments.

It reopens on November 26th and is usually only open from November to May during the year.

29. Ritz Carlton Resort

The Ritz Carlton is one of the most luxurious hotels in Sarasota. A splurge during your stay will get you a pet-friendly guest room or suite with balcony, exclusive beachfront services, luxury spa, restaurants featuring fresh seafood and more.

For an additional fee you can also include complimentary fitness classes, bike rentals, umbrellas and chairs at the beach club, and use of masks, fins, boards, kayaks, and fishing poles.

This elegant coastal retreat is the perfect way to enjoy your time in Sarasota.

31. Oscar Sherer State Park

Starting from 8am to sundown, you can get out in nature at Oscar Sherer State Park. The fee to get in is $5 per vehicle.

Even though it is a little out of Sarasota, it is worth the drive to enjoy the serenity of nature. You can go kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and even camping at the park. The kayaks and canoes are available for rent at the park.

If you like birdwatching, you might be able to spot bald eagles especially during the winter nesting times.

The park has many amenities if you choose to camp there with restroom, laundry, and shower facilities, as well as picnic pavilions.

32. Florida Maritime Museum

At the Florida Maritime Museum you will learn all about the history of the area. The museum tells stories of the past through a variety of engaging exhibits.

The history is portrayed all the way down to the building the museum is housed in which used to be an old schoolhouse in 1912. It is nestled in the historic village of Cortez which was established as a small fishing village.

Part of the exhibition are displays on maritime navigation, boat building, and seashell collections. The museum provides guided tours with completely free admission.

33. Mall

Sarasota has a nice mall and many different stores around where the mall is located. So, if you’re in the mood for shopping, head over to the Mall at University Town Center.

The mall has over 100 stores and 20 dining options to choose from. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon, and something to do indoors if it is raining.

34. Bishop Museum

Along with the Ringling Museum of art, this is one of the most exciting museums around the Sarasota area and the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The highlights of the museum is the Planetarium, the Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe. A number of other exhibitions are always changing so there is something new at the museum with every visit.

A part of the exhibition displays fossil remnants of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants. You will also learn all about Florida’s ecology and biodiversity.

The museum is open 10am-5pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays with hours of 12pm-5pm on Sundays. The admission cost is $25 per person.

35. Lake Manatee State Park

If you’re looking for more options where you can camp out while enjoying the park then this is a great park close to the Sarasota area. With just a $5 entrance fee per vehicle, visitors can enjoy the park extending three miles along the lake shore.

The campsites provide amenities like restrooms and showers, picnic pavilions, kayak launch, boat ramp, and campgrounds with water and 30-amp electricity.

The beautiful Manatee Lake offers enjoyable boating, kayaking, and fishing experiences as well as beautiful views from the hiking trails.

Despite the name, there are no manatees at this park because the lake was created when a dam was built across the Manatee River so it blocks their access. However, there is still wildlife to be enjoyed including gopher tortoises which is one of the parks endangered species.

36. Florida Studio Theater

This theater is located in downtown Sarasota. So, if you are spending time around the Sarasota downtown it will be a short walk to the theater to see a show.

You can find all of the shows and plays on their site and purchase tickets to the shows you want online. The theater prides itself on making the arts accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.

They have many different programs including mainstage, cabaret, children’s theater and improv.

37. Visit Another Art Museum

Sarasota is a city of the arts so its the perfect place to visit art museums and view the many exhibitions and galleries.

Other than the world famous Ringling Museum and the whimsical Marietta Museum, there are a few more art museums in Sarasota that you can visit.

One of these is the Sarasota Art Museum. The building itself is magnificent and used to be the Sarasota High School. Since then, it has been transformed into a contemporary art museum with new exhibits coming to the museum often.

It has varying hours of operation so be sure to check before going. The normal admission price is $15 dollars with the exception of the second Sunday of every month for free entry.

Another place to enjoy artwork in Sarasota is the Sarasota Art Center.

38. Asolo Repertory Theater

The Asolo Thearer is one of the most luxurious and biggest theaters in Sarasota with a beautiful, intricate interior. The theater is located right next to the Ringling and produces up to 15 productions every season.

As the red curtains give way, you’ll find yourself immersed in a play that presents interpretations of other contemporary or classical works.

39. Taste Of Amish

There is a small community of Amish in Sarasota and you can get a taste of it by visiting Yoder’s Restaurant and Amish Village.

You’ll find homemade comfort food and huge variety of delicious homemade pies to choose from.

The village gift shop is filled with one-of-a-kind handmade treasures including things like granola, apple butter, mugs, and t-shirts.

At the produce market you will be able to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh dairy, and other various pantry items.

If you can’t get enough of Amish food, another great restaurant option in Sarasota is Der Dutchman.

40. Segway Ride

Sarasota Segway Tours takes you through some of Sarasota’s popular destinations. The guide will explore the Sarasota Bayfront, Downtown Sarasota, Ringling Bridge, St. Armands Circle, and Lido Beach.

It’s a fun way to explore the city with a small group and a guide who can tell you all about the city.

41. Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island has beautiful beaches to explore and is just a short ride away from Sarasota. It can be the perfect getaway for the day and one of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida.

One of the best things to do is to go on a kayaking tour or on a snorkeling charter around the island. While getting out in the water is one of the top activities, you can also explore the island on foot.

Before you leave the island, a stop at the Rod & Reel Pier restaurant which has delicious Florida favorites is a must.

42. Crowley Museum and Nature Center

Established years ago, the museum and nature center is a 191-acre farmstead. On the site you’ll find a pioneer village with a boardwalk and trails surrounded by Florida’s nature.

The home at Crowley is one of the oldest examples of pioneer architecture in Sarasota County. It has period artifacts from the Crowley family as well as from other donations.

If you take a walk on the boardwalk, at the end there is a two story observation tower that provides panoramic views of the land and a great spot to watch for wildlife.

The center has many programs to participate including a guided history tour or nature walk, youth programs and wilderness survival skills training.

43. Livingston’s Amusements

Have the ultimate fun at the Livingston’s amusement center where you can play Arcade games, Billiard, and ride Go-Karts and Bumper Cars.

First, you need to load up your Fun Card with credits, then you can use it to swipe on their color coded swipers. You can win e-tickets on the green swipers, and play for fun on the purple swipers. You can also see the cost of the game and how many credits you have left.

Once you spend 1200 credits, you will be upgraded to the VIP status and get a 10% discount on all arcade games.

44. The Artful Giraffe

Gaze at the masterpieces in the gallery, find a special handmade gift, or perhaps the most fun of them all, try your hand at creating art yourself.

The studio offers many different types of art classes from pottery to drawing and painting. You can book private classes or something for the whole group.

Group bookings available to book are ceramic painting, mini resin ocean shells, suncatcher creations, macrame feathers, mosaic stained glass, mandala painting and learning how to paint with acrylics and watercolors.

45. Eat At A Sarasota Restaurant

While everyone’s taste is different, there are some restaurants that make it to the top of the list and are the locals favorites.

One of these restaurants is Owens Camp. If you ask what you should try at this restaurant you will mostly get an answer to get the fresh, seared scamp with the brown butter sauce.

Some other notable places are the Indigenous Restaurant, Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood, Marcello, Kojo, and Ophelias.

If you happen to be visiting in June, Savor Sarasota is an annual event of participating restaurants that offer multi-course lunch and dinner menus at a fraction of the price.

46. Hop On The Bay Runner

A hop on hop off trolley can be a great way to see more of the city without having to walk or drive everywhere.

The Bay Runner is an open-air trolley that runs seven days a week from 8am to midnight. The trolley has frequent and convenient stops at some of Sarasota’s most popular places arounds downtown and St. Armand’s Circle.

Take a look at the route map to better plan out your day at Sarasota.

47. Rent A Slingshot

While vacationing in Sarasota, you will more than likely see one of these riding around town. They are a fun way to get around town, fast, and unique.

To be able to rent a slingshot you need to be at 25 years old and know how to drive a 5-speed manual transmission. Once you choose how long you want to rent it for, reserve a day and time, purchase insurance and sign waivers, you will be all set to pick up the slingshot at your designated time.

The rental has a time limit but provides unlimited miles so you can explore Sarasota as much as you want.

48. TreeUmph

TreeUmph is an outdoor adventure park with climbing, suspension bridges, and zip lines. It is an adventure you can have with the whole family.

Look out for discounts when purchasing your tickets. They often run sales so you can get half off the ticket price.

Make sure to be prepared before you go by wearing closed-toed shoes, tying back long hair, and not wearing baggy clothes for safety.

TreeUmph dreams to bring the enjoyment of nature and the thrill of adventure into a fun package for everyone.

49. Popstroke

Popstroke is a family-friendly golf and outdoor dining experience. They are a fun place for an event featuring two golf courses, restaurant, outdoor gaming area, and rooftop space. They also have a space designated for private events.

Golf is a popular activity in Florida but Popstroke takes it to the next level and makes it a different experience.

50. Escape Room

Escape rooms are a popular, new activity and Sarasota has a few fun ones. Test your skills and your teams ability to solve clues.

Some of the best escape rooms in Sarasota are Escape Room Sarasota and Escape Reality. Make sure to bring your out of box thinking to escape before the timer runs out.

51. Check Out Current Events

There’s always something going on in Sarasota. A quick search of events can bring up shows, plays, and festivals.

During the holiday season, you can get into the holiday spirit by seeing what Christmas events Sarasota is a part of.

Whether it’s a food festival or an art event, be sure to Google Sarasota events and find the best thing to do for you.

Looking for even more things to do? These are the best day trips from Sarasota.