11 Top Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida (2024)

Just south of Tampa, Sarasota is most famous as being the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus from 1927 to 1959, but there is so much more to see and experience in this Gulf Coast city today. A great getaway any time of year (although hurricane season can bring some unexpected weather), Sarasota offers beautiful white sand beaches, plenty of museums, gardens, restaurants, nightlife, and quite a few activities for the kids.

Read on for some places you’re sure to love in this sunny city.

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Put Your Horticulture Hat on at Marine Selby Botanical Gardens

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This bayfront botanical garden actually has two locations: a 30-acre campus in Osprey and a 15-acre campus in downtown Sarasota. The latter is the only botanical garden in the world where epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, and ferns—types of air plants that grow on the surface of other plants—are both studied and displayed. You could spend an entire day just strolling through the gardens and checking out the native Florida plants, some of which have a 5,000-year history! Pricing is different for each location, although both are free for children under the age of 4.

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Go Back in Time as You Tour the Ca d’Zan Mansion

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Address

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243-2161, USA

Phone+1 941-359-5700

Want to be transported to the Roaring Twenties? Just visit the former home of one of America’s wealthiest couples at the time. After traveling through Europe for a quarter of a century, John and Mable Ringling sought to settle down in Sarasota and build a home inspired by Venice's Ducal Palace, Ca' d'Oro, and Grunwald Hotel. Designed by New York architect Dwight James Baum, Ca d'Zan translates to “House of John”—fitting for a 36,000-square-foot waterfront mansion reminiscent of Italy’s canalside glitz and glamor.

Today, it’s been restored and remains one of the Suncoast’s most luxurious homes. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day), Ca d’Zan offers self-guided tours of the first floor for $35; admission includes entry to the Museum of Art,Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Address

7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240, USA

Phone+1 941-371-6377

A safe place for native and exotic wildlife in need, this nonprofit has been a Sarasota staple for 35 years. With three indoor and outdoor habitats that feature swimming pools, palm trees, and toys for the animals, Big Cat Habitat was built to stimulate the minds and bodies of all the creatures that call this place home. Visit to learn about the habitat’s conservation efforts and to experience some really fun and educational demonstrations, including a bird show, lemur yoga, and an animal teaching workshop.

General admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children, but tickets for separate events vary and need to be purchased in advance. Bonus: The cost of admission always goes to feeding and caring for the animals.

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Spend a Day Lounging and Checking Out the Wildlife at Lido Key Beach

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Just west of Sarasota by car, Lido Key Beach is a super picturesque place to spend a day. This beach is known for its sunset cruises and eco-tourism, but you can also go fishing, set sail, and stay on the lookout for dolphins—you’re sure to spot some if you hang around long enough. Catch the sunset at Lido Key before heading to dinner somewhere like Drift Kitchen & Bar at the Lido Beach Resort. Or, if you're in the mood for freshly caught seafood, hit up Lido Island Grill—there's no better place for it, to be honest.

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Witness the Most Spectacular White Sand at Siesta Key Beach

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Address

Sarasota, FL 34242, USA

Phone+1 941-861-5000

Located on the 8-mile-long barrier island of Siesta Key, this pristine beach is an approximately 16-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. Consistently named the best beach in the U.S., the sand here is made of 99 percent quartz, giving it the ultra-white color and powdery soft feel the beach is so famous for. In addition to barefoot walks along the shore, Siesta Key Beach is an excellent spot for dolphin watching. There are plenty of amenities available, including concession stands, a picnic area, volleyball courts, and beach wheelchairs.

If you want to explore outside the beach, you’ll find a lot of places to dine, shop, and stay around the island. Here with the whole family? Check out Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, where you'll find sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, and other aquatic life. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and cost $26 for adults and $19 for children.

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Catch a Game at Ed Smith Stadium

Address

2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237, USA

Phone+1 941-893-6300

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s nothing like spending a few hours dancing in the stands while enjoying a classic hot dog and an ice-cold beer. Home to the Baltimore Orioles spring training camp, Ed Smith Stadium was built in 1989 and has seen teams like the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds training here over the decades. Spring training practices are free to watch and open to the public beginning mid-February, with the games kicking off in March. Whether you stay for five innings or nine, it’ll surely be a good time.

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Experience a Show at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Address

777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236-4047, USA

Phone+1 941-263-6799

This Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation performing arts hall is a Sarasota staple, thanks in large part to its visually stunning aesthetic. At the 1,736-seat theater, you can see comedians like Daniel Tosh, musical groups such as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Broadway shows including "Chicago." To get the full experience, make a reservation at the on-site Mattison's for a pre-show dinner and co*cktail.

If you are local, consider booking a season package (Broadway, dance series, and subscriber specials are available). Note that the Van Wezel is family-friendly for those who want to bring the kids along; it is also wheelchair accessible.

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Get Dressed Up for a Night Out at the Sarasota Opera House

Address

61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236-5723, USA

Phone+1 941-328-1300

A historic theater erected in the 1920s, Sarasota Opera House was the brainchild of Sarasota’s first mayor, A.B. Edwards. The recently renovated 1,100-seat theater has been home to the Sarasota Orchestra since 1949, making it the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. You’ll find everything from holiday concerts to wind quintets, violin concertos, and even pop performances featuring hits from the likes of Billy Joel and Elton John.

Given its name, the theater is also well-known for its operas, with productions like Giacomo Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Don Giovanni" having been performed here.

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See a Circus Under the Big Top at Circus Arts Conservatory

Address

2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA

Phone+1 941-355-9805

There are many things you should do while visiting Sarasota, but if you only do one thing from this list, let it be a trip to the Circus Arts Conservatory. Home to Ringling, Sarasota is considered the “circus capital of the world," so why wouldn’t you run to see a live show by incredibly talented, acrobatic performers? The two-hour show is uninterrupted and runs from February through March every year.

Located near Siesta Key Beach, the Ringling Museum, and other fun attractions, the Conservatory offers circus arts classes for both children and adults, plus a summer camp that concludes with a costumed recital.

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Visit the Sarasota Classic Car Museum

Address

5500 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243-2112, USA

Phone+1 941-355-6228

What’s cool about the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is that it’s the second-oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the country. The 60,000-square-foot museum is home to 100-plus vintage, exotic, and European vehicles, including some celebrity cars—like a Rolls Royce collection that once belonged to John and Mable Ringling. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, except on Christmas. Admission is $18 for adults and $11 for children between 6 and 12; kids 5 and under can visit for free.

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Hang Out With the Flamingoes at Sarasota Jungle Gardens

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Address

3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA

Phone+1 941-355-5305

Florida loves its outdoor adventures and Sarasota Jungle Gardens is no exception. Since 1939, this 10-acre botanical garden has attracted visitors with its jungle bird and reptile shows, free-roaming flamingoes, petting zoo, and alligator feeding pool. Exciting and educational, animal shows here typically run for 20 minutes and almost always include audience participation. Tickets range from $15 for children to $22 for adults, with shows included in the cost of admission. Sarasota Jungle Gardens is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Sarasota best known for?

    Sarasota is best known for its wildlife and outdoor attractions—particularly Siesta Key Beach, which is frequently ranked the best beach in the U.S. The city also has a fantastic arts and culture scene, which includes multiple theaters and the Sarasota Orchestra, Florida's oldest continuing orchestra.

  • Does Sarasota have a nightlife?

    Yes! From bar hopping and live music to comedy shows and sunset cruises, there are plenty of things to do in Sarasota at night. Bars typically close around 2 a.m.

  • What is the best month to visit Sarasota, Florida?

    You can visit anytime, but March to May and September to November are milder climate-wise. There are also fewer tourists during those months. Remember that hurricane season runs from June to November, so if you do book a trip during that time, make sure to get cancellation insurance.

11 Top Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida (2024)

FAQs

What is Sarasota, Florida best known for? ›

Top Attractions in Sarasota

It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the… Elegant shopping and dining area with high-end boutiques, fine restaurants, and scenic views. Features a variety of unique stores, a relaxing park, and proximity to white-sanded beach.

Can you walk around downtown Sarasota? ›

Sarasota is most famous for its arts, beaches and dining, most of which are within walking distance of downtown or the famed shopper's haven of St. Armands Circle at Lido Key. Public transportation can deliver you between the two or to other parts of the city worth exploring.

Why is Sarasota so popular? ›

Sarasota County has it all: stunning beaches and sunsets that will take your breath away, lively festivals throughout the year, a vibrant arts and culture scene that rivals big cities, outdoor adventures for every taste, a variety of shops and restaurants to explore, and attractions for all ages.

How many days do you need in Sarasota? ›

The minimum recommended stay for you to experience at least a bit of everything would be a 3 day/2 night stay. However, a 5 day/4 night is about perfect. If you're planning a couples getaway or a romantic staycation in Sarasota, don't miss The Most Romantic Things to Do in Sarasota.

What's the famous beach in Sarasota? ›

Siesta Key Beach

Awarded America's Best Beach in 2011, as well as Best Family Beach and a long list of other accolades, you cannot visit Sarasota without stepping foot on Siesta Key.

Do any celebrities live in Sarasota? ›

Brian Johnson

The lead singer of the rock band AC/DC lives in Bird Key in Sarasota and is known locally for his love of cars and area car shows. Brian keeps a lowkey lifestyle but often collaborates with local musicians on various projects.

What food is Sarasota known for? ›

Like other Florida destinations, Sarasota's dining scene focuses primarily on American fare with regional seafood specialties like shrimp, lobster and octopus.

How do you spend a day in Sarasota? ›

There's something for everyone, from the art enthusiast to the science lover to the nature buff and everyone in between.
  1. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. ...
  2. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. ...
  3. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. ...
  4. Ca' d'Zan Mansion. ...
  5. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. ...
  6. Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

What to wear in Sarasota? ›

If you're planning to go straight from the beach to lunch, pack a pair of linen pants and a T-shirt to put on over your bathing suit. For more of a city look, go with a Florida casual outfit of jeans, a basic T-shirt, a scarf and a necklace.

Does Sarasota have a boardwalk? ›

Nature trails, boardwalks, natural setting, beautiful bay views, the perfect place to watch the sunset! Owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation District.

What salary do you need to live in Sarasota? ›

Typical Expenses
1 ADULT2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING)
0 Children1 Child
Required annual income after taxes$40,102$81,210
Annual taxes$6,013$9,623
Required annual income before taxes$46,114$90,833
8 more rows

How many millionaires live in Sarasota, FL? ›

As per the 2013 reading of Phoenix Marketing International, 5.3% of the 319,611 total households in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA have investible assets of at least $1 million. This translates to approximately 17,000 millionaires in this area.

What is the best month to visit Sarasota Florida? ›

The best times to visit Sarasota are from March to May and between September and November when crowds, temperatures and prices are manageable. (But keep in mind that you may encounter a hurricane should you visit between June and November, Florida's hurricane season.)

Is it better to stay on Siesta Key or Sarasota? ›

❓Is it better to stay in Siesta Key or Sarasota? Depending on what you're looking for: Siesta Key is perfect if you're looking for a beach vacation with many outdoor activities, and Sarasota (downtown) is better if you want to be close to the best restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions!

Is it expensive in Sarasota Florida? ›

Sarasota living expenses are approximately 6% greater than the national average. As a result, Sarasota ranks among the more expensive places to reside, with housing costs running about 22% higher than the average across the country.

Is Lido Beach as good as Siesta Key? ›

Lido Key and Siesta Key are both popular spots for beachgoers. Siesta Key gets more attention than Lido Key, but Lido does offer some great amenities and plenty of parking. Siesta Key's sugar sand beaches and clear waters attract tourists from all over the world.

What is the rich part of Sarasota? ›

Golden Gate Point. With a median home price of $2,652,477 and a median rent of $832, Golden Gate Point is the most expensive neighborhood on our list. Based on the growth in home prices in Golden Gate Point over the last 3 years, it ranks No. 1 among all the neighborhoods in Sarasota.

What is the least crowded beach in Sarasota? ›

Least Crowded Beaches in Sarasota

Armands Circle. With its unspoiled shoreline and beautiful dunes, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach. Another hidden gem is Manasota Key Beach, located south of Venice. This beach is known for its seclusion and is a great spot for shelling and birdwatching.

Is Sarasota, Florida a wealthy area? ›

Great restaurants, award-winning beaches and great weather (when it wants to be), is it any wonder Sarasota County made it on the list? Out of 67 counties, Sarasota County lands the 8th place spot for Florida's wealthiest counties, study shows.

Is Sarasota Fl Republican or Democrat? ›

Like most of Southwest Florida, Sarasota County has been a stronghold for the Republican Party.

What is a fun fact about Sarasota? ›

We bet you'll learn something fun and new! Money magazine called Sarasota “the best small city in the US”. Did you know that Sarasota is the only place in the world where you can walk through the treetops of a subtropical forest? Myakka Canopy Walkway is an 85-foot long boardwalk which is 25 feet above the ground.

Is Sarasota Fl expensive? ›

Sarasota living expenses are approximately 6% greater than the national average. As a result, Sarasota ranks among the more expensive places to reside, with housing costs running about 22% higher than the average across the country.

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