Top 14 Must-Do Activities in Sarasota, Florida

Overview

Sarasota Farmers Market
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Site
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Myakka River State Park
Lido Key/St. Armands Circle
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Mad Moe’s
Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy
Village of the Arts
Siesta Key Village
Ca’ D’Zan
Sarasota Opera House
Palma Sola Botanical Park

Positioned between St. Petersburg and Cape Coral in the Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota is a vibrant coastal city rich in natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

For many, Sarasota embodies pristine white sandy beaches, captivating entertainment, diverse shopping, and a myriad of family-friendly activities.

The city is conveniently located near other renowned destinations such as Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, and Tampa, providing an array of day-trip alternatives for those willing to travel a few hours.

Herein lies a curated list of 14 recommended activities in and around Sarasota, Florida that should not be overlooked while visiting the region.

1. Sarasota Farmers Market

The Sarasota Farmers Market has been a staple since 1979. It operates year-round, every Saturday from 7 AM until 1 PM, irrespective of weather conditions.

While the market is predominantly recognized for its impressive selection of fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, it also features a range of unique products not easily found elsewhere.

The atmosphere is vibrant, with interactions between vendors and customers, many friendly pets, and live musical performances every week.

Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, health and beauty products, freshly baked goods, and prepared delicacies such as honey, pasta sauce, and salsa. A refreshing cup of vitamin C-rich freshly squeezed Florida orange juice is a must-try.

2. The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Situated on Bay Shore Road in Sarasota, the extensive grounds of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art showcase a remarkable collection of both original and reproduction art and architecture reflective of the Classical Greek, Roman, and Renaissance periods.

The museum is celebrated as Florida’s official state art museum, boasting an impressive assortment of European artworks by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Rubens, Poussin, Gainsborough, and Boudin.

This unique establishment, named after one of the founders of the legendary Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus, merits several hours of exploration, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

Consider availing yourself of the complimentary tours, which last approximately 45 minutes.

3. Baltimore Orioles Spring Training Site

Although Sarasota and Baltimore are drastically different, Sarasota hosts the Baltimore Orioles during their spring training season, with Ed Smith Stadium serving as their home base for games.

The stadium is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Sarasota along Interstate 75. March is the optimal month to witness the Orioles in action, as the Grapefruit League is in full swing, offering approximately 15 games at Ed Smith Stadium.

For many, attending a game provides a delightful way to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening without the high expenses typically associated with major league stadiums during the regular season.

Refer to their official website for the latest game schedules and ticket details.

4. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Located on Ken Thompson Parkway, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium presents an intriguing range of exhibits featuring captivating marine creatures such as turtles, eels, and otters, including a dedicated shark tank holding over 100,000 gallons of water.

While the admission price may be relatively high, most visitors regard it as a worthwhile investment given the extensive array of what there is to explore. My experience included a remarkable encounter with a manatee, standing just inches away from this gentle Floridian symbol.

The facility also showcases an annual reptile exhibit featuring American alligators and crocodiles, which is popular among both adults and children.

Free onsite parking is available, with public transportation options situated within a short walking distance.

5. Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park encompasses nearly 60 square miles of diverse habitats, including prairies, lakes, riverbanks, and wetlands. It provides visitors with a variety of activities to foster a close connection with nature.

It is particularly noted for its abundant alligator population, ensuring that sightings are almost guaranteed—you will see countless specimens in every water body throughout the park.

Popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking, although numerous options exist whether on land or water.

What deeply inspires me about Myakka River State Park is its preservation of habitats that have remained unchanged since the time of Native Americans and early Spanish explorers.

Amenities include extensive trails, gift shops, a visitor center, and a dining facility.

6. Lido Key/St. Armands Circle

For idyllic beach experiences, Lido Beach is my preferred destination, located less than 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota. You’ll enjoy long walks on soft white sand, enchanting sunsets, and some of the most fruitful beachcombing you can imagine.

The commercial center of Lido Key is St. Armands Circle, notable for its stunning Mid-Century Modern architecture highlighting the Sarasota School style.

This European-style district offers outstanding outdoor shopping and al fresco dining, as well as opportunities to appreciate the tropical gardens situated in the center of the circle.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the adjacent South Lido County Park, featuring mangroves, a breathtaking beach, and frequent dolphin sightings.

7. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Situated on South Palm Avenue, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens opened to the public over four decades ago and houses thousands of plant species within various distinct gardens and greenhouses.

I found the Butterfly and Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest gardens particularly enjoyable during my family visit. The small caves, rope bridges, and beautifully themed oriental goldfish ponds are all worthwhile attractions.

Unfortunately, I wish I had more time to explore the expansive collection of orchids in the greenhouses, which includes nearly 5,000 varieties cultivated in meticulously managed environments.

These gardens provide a peaceful retreat and showcase natural beauty amid the bustling city, making it a perfect stop after visiting more commercial tourist attractions.

8. Mad Moe’s

Located on North Tamiami Trail in nearby Osprey, Mad Moe’s is an establishment where you might observe a Ferrari parked alongside a vintage family station wagon akin to the vehicle driven by Chevy Chase in the classic film, Vacation.

Although the ambiance is informal, Moe’s has earned a commendable reputation for its delectable, reasonably priced fare and relaxed setting.

From Cuban sandwiches and fish tacos to outdoor seating and a full bar, Mad Moe’s serves as an ideal spot for a quick lunchtime respite or to leisurely enjoy a few adult beverages while watching one of the many games broadcasted on over 20 screens.

9. Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy

If I were to select one location in Sarasota likely to uplift anyone’s spirits, it would undoubtedly be this distinctive art museum that commenced operations in 2010.

Inside, the gallery presents an intricate array of paintings, sculptures, and decorative artworks, each attracting attention at every turn.

All pieces are crafted by contemporary artists since the 2000s, displaying a spectrum that ranges from whimsical and kitschy to intricate and profound.

The enchantment continues outdoors in a delightful sculpture garden, where imaginative creations dwell beneath the elegant foliage of palms, bamboo, and live oaks.

10. Village of the Arts

Comprising over 100 residences, the Village of the Arts presents an eclectic mix of galleries, dining establishments, studios, and workshops, making it one of the area’s most distinctive destinations, particularly for those seeking an artistic and bohemian atmosphere.

The warm ambiance of this vibrant live-work community is truly admirable. Many buildings in the village have a history dating back nearly a century. Spanning approximately 40 acres, it offers an ideal setting for a leisurely walk while appreciating art or enjoying a cappuccino.

This unique location is positioned on 12th Avenue West in Bradenton, and is a must-visit for anyone aspiring to ignite their creativity or acquire a distinctive piece of locally produced art.

11. Siesta Key Village

Partly within Sarasota’s borders, Siesta Key is another enchanting barrier island, graced with breathtaking beaches that almost seem unreal.

Frequently lauded among Florida’s finest, Siesta Beach is a stunning spectacle with its immaculate white sand, comprised of 99% quartz.

This unique composition prevents the sand from retaining heat, allowing visitors to walk on the beach comfortably, even under the intense sun.

The island functions as a self-sufficient vacation destination, featuring numerous resorts along the beach, a complimentary trolley service, live entertainment, and a refined shopping and dining experience centered around Ocean Boulevard.

12. Ca’ D’Zan

I have intentionally included additional information about the Ringlings’ opulent winter residence, which plays an essential role alongside the art and circus museums.

Overlooking Sarasota Bay, this stunning 56-room Mediterranean Revival mansion was completed in record time in 1926, swiftly becoming a popular venue for the city’s social elite during the Roaring Twenties.

What resonated with me about Ca’ d’Zan was the opportunity to discover the personalities of Mable and John Ringling, who infused their character into the home’s decor to exhibit themselves as a sophisticated and cultured couple.

In an era when Gilded Age splendor was deemed unfashionable, many decorative items were secured at significantly reduced prices.

While general admission provides access to a self-guided tour of the first floor, opting for the comprehensive Ca’ d’Zan experience through a guided tour encompassing all five floors is highly recommended.

13. Sarasota Opera House

A historical landmark in downtown Sarasota, the Sarasota Opera House (1926) has been instrumental in establishing the city as a significant cultural hub.

This venue, previously known as the Edwards Theatre, originally showcased a combination of vaudeville and cinematic performances.

In 1951, Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth premiered at this location, following its filming in and around Sarasota. Additionally, in 1956, Elvis Presley graced the stage here during his meteoric rise to fame.

The Asolo Opera Guild assumed control in the late 1970s, and for over four decades, the venue has become synonymous with high-quality entertainment in Sarasota.

Renowned operas such as Madama Butterfly, Carmen, La Traviata, Tosca, and Rigoletto have graced its stage in recent seasons.

For those who find opera perplexing, the venue also features an outstanding classic movie series every summer; I personally enjoyed watching 2001: A Space Odyssey and Vertigo in this luxurious setting.

14. Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton was founded nearly three decades ago with the purpose of creating a serene green space while preserving a variety of trees from a municipal nursery.

The park features multiple distinct gardens, interconnected by trails that include picnic areas, gazebos, a playground, and three lakes with scenic bridges.

My time spent at this park was delightful, as I explored a unique assortment of rare fruit trees, most of which were entirely new to me.

The park staff also conducts numerous educational and instructional workshops, many geared towards children. Keep informed about the schedule of events through their website to ensure you do not miss out.

The park is open year-round, aside from major holidays.

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