With so many things to do in Sarasota, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular vacation destination. Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water make the beaches a big draw, but there is so much more to do in the cultural capital of the Sunshine State.
We used to visit the Sarasota area once a year or so before making the jump to move there. Every time we would get on that plane to come home, we would talk about how we were not looking forward to the cold of Maryland, and even discuss dates of when we could go back.
The best decision we ever made was to move! We love the warmer climate, the beaches, and the lifestyle. As much as I travel, I always look forward to coming home to this area.
In 2023, Reedy Press reached out to me because of this website and asked me to write the book, 100 Things To Do In Sarasota Before You Die. In the year or so it took to write it, I visited a plethora of restaurants, museums, places for outdoor activities, and shopping destinations, and fell even more in love with this beautiful stretch of Florida.
Where is Sarasota Florida?
Florida is a long state, and you don’t realize how wide it is in places until you drive across it. If you look at a map, just about halfway down the state, you’ll see a spot that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico. Right there at the tip is Bradenton. Below Bradenton is Longboat Key, and below that, you’ll see Sarasota.
Our airport is the Sarasota Bradenton airport, and I hope you’re lucky enough to have a good flight that brings you there as it’s one of the easiest airports on the planet! Flights to Tampa International Airport are sometimes less expensive, but it’s a much larger airport to navigate.
I like to think of this whole area as one big happy family. This side of the state is considered Florida’s Gulf Coast, versus the ocean coast on the other side. Let me know which of these activities are your favorites!
The Ringling
The Ringling was the first place I thought of when Reedy Press asked me to write my book. I tell everyone this is probably my favorite place to visit because you can spend an entire day on the grounds.
Between the home of John & Mable Ringling, the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and the Howard Bros. Circus Model, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can to see it all. Take a break at some point and have lunch at the Ringling Grillroom.
- Ca’ d’Zan: The winter home of John and Mable Ringling is a must-see glimpse into their lives in the 1920s.
- Ringling Museum of Art: A mind-blowing collection of art from many different techniques, mediums, cultures, and stories, including magnificent art from the medieval period through the 19th century.
- Gardens: Bayfront Gardens Tour, Secret Garden, Dwarf Garden, Trees of the Estate
- Circus Museum: See what the circus was like on the road. Don’t miss the Howard Bros. Circus Model in the Tibbals Learning Center.
If you are in town over the Christmas holidays, make sure you get to Ca’ d’Zan!
Stroll St. Armands Circle
St Armands Circle in Lido Key is a historic circle of 130 shops and restaurants. It is said that in 1893, Charles St. Amand purchased three tracts of land totaling 131.89 acres for… get ready for this…$21.73! If you’re thinking about sending me an email to correct the spelling, it would have been great if someone hadn’t spelled the name wrong back in 1893 when Amand first bought the property! The misspelling is still used today.
In 1917 John Ringling (yes, of the Ringling Brothers) purchased the land. Ringling planned to turn St. Armand’s Key into a planned development of residential lots and shops organized in a circle. He even used circus elephants to haul some of the timber that made the bridge connecting the key to the mainland. You can read the rest of this fascinating story as well as see a schedule of events on the St. Armand’s Circle website.
Our favorite way to explore the Circle is to have an appetizer and a glass of wine at one of the many restaurants, do a little shopping, have another appetizer and glass of wine, and repeat! Lido Beach is close by if you want to take a break and get your toes in the sand. It’s a recipe for a perfect day! Blu Kouzina is a great spot to stop for a bite!
Spend a Day at the Beach
Sarasota is known for white sand beaches and beautiful clear water. Even in January, you can spend a day on the beach! In fact, we often spend New Year’s Day with our toes in the sand.
Siesta Key Beach is the most popular spot in our area because Dr. Beach named it the best beach in the country twice. That doesn’t happen a lot. In 2024, TripAdvisor named it the #2 beach in the country, and top 10 for best in the world. There are a lot of good reasons to choose Siesta Key:
Restrooms: Siesta has large, clean bathrooms.
Vending: There’s an onsite cafe.
Lifeguards: You’ll find lifeguards from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., 7 days per week.
Lots of free parking: One complaint I hear from visitors is that it’s hard to find a parking spot and sometimes it can be expensive. Don’t park where you shouldn’t as it can be very expensive if you get a ticket.
Restaurants are also close by in Siesta Key Village and in other spots around the area. In fact, you’ll find a lot of other things to do in Siesta Key besides the beach. You might even find my book in one of the beach-themed stores! If you’re in town in November, check out the Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand sculpture festival.
Other beaches around the area include Longboat Key beaches and Anna Maria Island beaches.
Experience Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch
The newest spot on this list is Waterside Place. You won’t find the brand name stores here, but you will find local boutiques and shops with Florida-style items.
Visit Monkee’s to buy my book and browse their fabulous clothing and gift items. Check out Florida Provisions, where you can pick up necessities like local beer and Margarita Mixers, tropical-style clothing, sunglasses, hats, and more. At Marmalade Salon & Boutique, you can browse the home decor and furnishings along with bohemian-style clothing and accessories.
The beauty of shopping at Waterside Place is that when you’re ready for a break, you’ll have several restaurants within walking distance to take a load off and enjoy a cold drink, appetizer, or meal.
We love Good Liquid for a local beer and brunch, lunch, or dinner. For Mexican food, check out Agave Bandido. It’s fabulous!
For Italian, visit Osteria 500. The food is incredible and they have an amazing wine and cocktail list.
We were thrilled to get a Kilwins location closer to home at Waterside. They make it all right in the store. You can watch them make fudge in the front window, too. If you’re lucky, you might even be offered a taste. The chocolate-covered orange peels are phenomenal. My daughter loves the chocolate-covered pineapple. Though Kilwins is known for ice cream, the candy counter is just unbelievable. See if there is one near you by visiting their website.
On top of all the shops and places to eat, Waterside was named the #2 place in the country to play cornhole by the American Cornhole Organization! Never played? Head to Waterside Place and grab your spot!
Visit a Local Farmers Market
Fresh produce, handmade artisan goods, and piping-hot prepared foods are just a few of the wonders you’ll find at the #1 Farmer’s Market in Florida, the Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch. Seeing the colorful tents and over 100 local vendors will make you feel like you’re a part of one big community. Our family has been to this market in Waterside plenty of times, and we keep coming back for more.
While you stroll through the sunlit streets, grab a bite at a food truck like The Empanada Girl or Hobson’s Choice BBQ, or sample local flavors at Dynasty Guacamole or Sarasota Honey Company. Once your appetite is satisfied, browse homemade goods at Big Top Baskets or Untamed Tallow; you’ll even find stalls dedicated to products for pets, catering to those who walk their dogs along Waterside. You’ll find no lack of friendly faces, all the while supporting local businesses and families.
Visit the Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Still want to shop ‘til you drop? Here are some more Farmer’s Markets you may want to visit:
Take a Walk on the John Ringling Bridge
Looking to get some exercise on a route that never gets old? Pack a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle for this one, and enjoy the view of the Sarasota Bay from the John Ringling Causeway. This historic bridge was rebuilt in 2003, but the original causeway was built in 1925 by the local American entrepreneur John Ringling, who donated the bridge to the city in 1927.
The bridge itself spans a little over half a mile and connects Downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Key. For a longer walk, you can double the distance and walk the causeway back to Sarasota, or continue all the way to St. Armands Circle to do some window shopping (for a total of 2.5 miles). The bridge is equipped with color-changing LED lights and is just as scenic at night.
Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge
You don’t need to travel back in time for that authentic island vibe— Bahi Hut Tiki and Cocktail Lounge has perfected their own exotic ambiance, and has been serving up tradition since 1954. Get a taste of Sarasota’s nightlife the old-fashioned way by ordering up an ice-cold Mai Tai and let your worries be a thing of the past. Mai Tais are limited to two per person. You’ll understand why with one sip!
Boasting a fan-favorite Happy Hour menu and skilled staff, Bahi Hut is a classic stop for locals and visitors alike. And with live events throughout the week, each visit is a little different than the last. Happy Hour is every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m., and you can groove through the night with live music every Friday and Saturday after 7 p.m.
Taste Local Rum at Siesta Key Rum Distillery
While this next stop may look ordinary on the outside, inside is where the magic happens. Once inside the Siesta Key Rum distillery, not only can you see how they brew their famous liquor, but you can also taste it for yourself! True lovers of their craft, the distillery is complete with its own Infinity Room Tiki Bar and gift shop
Siesta Key Rum prides itself in brewing an authentic, delicious rum infused with real food ingredients. While you do need to register online, the tours are free, and you’ll want to visit the Tasting Room before you’re through!
The distillery’s hours, including the tasting room, gift shop, and bar, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Book your tour today!
Play Mini Golf at Smuggler’s Cove
Mini Golf should feel like an adventure— so if you’re looking for an excursion for the whole family, look no further than Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf. You’ll feel like you’re trekking through the jungle while you’re putting past waterfalls, exploring artificial caves, and observing the 25 to 30 live Alligators living on location!
Kids will love the charming decor— and yes, you can feed the alligators! Don’t worry, you won’t have to get up close and personal. Your purchase of alligator food comes with a bamboo fishing pole, so kids and adults alike can interact with the animals without worry. A clubhouse and snack bar are available if you get hungry, complete with beer and wine for adults. It can get hot during the day, so we recommend you bring your own water bottle and use plenty of sun protection.
Selby Gardens
When I wrote my book, Selby Gardens was one of the spots I knew I would have to include. A few months after my book was released, Time Magazine named Selby Gardens One of the World’s Greatest Places for 2024.
With 45 acres of bayfront beauty, there is a lot to explore at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. You’ll have two different locations to visit within the Gardens, and it’s easy to see both in the same day.
Downtown Sarasota
You’ll have 15 acres to traverse at the Downtown Sarasota Campus. A handful of our favorites to see:
- Tropical Conservatory: Similar to a tropical rainforest, this is where to view the famous orchids and bromeliads.
- Anne Goldstein Children’s Rainforest: Kids can explore a 12-foot waterfall, caves, a swinging bridge, and more.
- Banyon Grove: See the beautiful banyons, some centuries old. This is a great photo spot.
- Mangrove Walkway: With stunning views of Sarasota Bay, downtown Sarasota, and Bird Key, this is where you can learn more about the species of mangroves native to South Florida.
- Butterfly Garden: Designed to reestablish the butterfly population, this is a guest favorite.
- Koi Pond: Watch the colorful fish swim around the waterfall.
Historic Spanish Point Campus
Learn about Sarasota’s pioneer history along 30 acres on Sarasota Bay at Historic Spanish Point.
- Explore Historic Spanish Point: See the White Cottage, Window to the Past, Mary’s Chapel, Packing House, and Guptill House.
- Tours: Take a walking tour or boat tour for an extra fee.
- More Outdoor Activities: Explore the Native American Sand Mound, Butterfly Garden, Sunken Garden, and Pergola.
Both campuses are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and both have dining. See the Selby Gardens website for details.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The world’s only purple shell-shaped theater, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is the place to go for top-name performances including Broadway-style musicals like Come From Away and world-class symphonies like the Czech National Orchestra. Fans of 60s and 70s music should check out the Temptations and Four Tops 40th Anniversary show. Not into the music scene? Check out the acts like comedian Lewis Black or Jay Leno with special guest Arsenio Hall.
There is so much happening at Van Wezel, you might want to check out season passes to save and have better seating options. Either way, check out your favorites and get tickets before they are sold out.
Spend the Day at The Bay
There is so much to do at The Bay that you really could spend the day. From free guided kayak tours to free nature walking tours to fitness and yoga to movies under the stars, it’s hard to choose!
Check out The Bay website and print out a map before you go. Look at the programs and activities and decide what you’d like to participate in. Though most events are free, you’ll still need to register. Take a kayak tour to explore the mangroves, join in salsa dance lessons, or take a yoga class.
For families, check out Astronomy at the Bay, family movie nights under the stars, or visit Sara and Zota at the Ibis Playground.
See a Circus Performance
Sarasota has a long history with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, so there’s no better place to see a performance. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might be able to see a Sarasota Circus performance or a performance from Sailor Circus, which is referred to as The Greatest Little Show On Earth, and is the longest-running youth circus in the United States.
Visit the Circus Arts website to see a list of shows. Performances take place at different venues around the Sarasota area. You may even be able to see a show with Nik Wallenda, international high-wire celebrity and Sarasota’s local hometown hero.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
For animal lovers, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a must. A 10-acre attraction is home to over 200 native and exotic animals. Strolling through the winding roads, you’ll see parrots and macaws, small mammals, primates, lizards and iguanas, alligators and crocodiles, and so much more.
For families, this is a fantastic way to spend the day. The Jungle Trails are perfect for strolling among the tropical plants. The Reptile Exhibit is fun for learning about snakes, turtles, frogs, and lizards.
Kids will love exploring the petting zoo and seeing the animal shows. Want to see alligators up close and personal? Head to the Alligator Feeding Pond. And speaking of feeding, you can also hand-feed the free-roaming flock of flamingos.
Check out the schedule for shows as there’s nothing worse than arriving late for your favorite animal encounter.
Dive Wine & Spirits
One of my favorite spots in Sarasota for adult beverages, this speakeasy is hidden away and I have a feeling they want to keep it that way! When I wrote my book, 100 Things to Do in Sarasota Before You Die, I knew I had to include this fun experience.
Tucked away in the back of a liquor store, this hidden gem has a diving theme (hence the name) and is accessorized with all kinds of scuba equipment and tropical decor. The low lighting gives it a secretive feel, but now that the word is out, the bar can fill up pretty quickly.
Grab a seat, order a specialty cocktail, and enjoy the camaraderie. The Dive Wine & Spirits secret is out, but don’t tell them I sent you!
Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has always been one of our favorite activities in Sarasota. When our girls were teens we visited pretty regularly. In fact, our oldest daughter was an intern there for a year and loved it.
Though their doors opened in 1955 in Cape Haze, the aquarium is now located on Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota.
Home to resident otters, seahorses, sea jellies, and sea turtles, kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Mote. Check out the 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Don’t forget to stop by and see the American alligators, only found in coastal wetlands from North Carolina to central and southern Florida.
The Aquarium has all kinds of fun events, like breakfast with the sharks, animal encounters, and day camps. Check out the website for details.
A larger facility is in the works (you can’t miss it if you visit University Town Center) and is expected to open at Nathan Benderson Park sometime in the first half of 2025.
Experience an Authentic Drum Circle
Every Sunday, about an hour before the sun sets, you’ll see people start to gather on the beach in Siesta Key. Simply search for the crowd with drums.
If you have never been to a drum circle before, this is the place to experience it. I’ve visited more than 40 countries on five continents, but I’ve never seen anything like the Siesta Key drum circle.
You never know who will show up at this event as it’s totally organic. What’s fun is that it’s never the same. The drums could be professionals or first-timers who visited the week before and wanted to participate. Along with the drumming, there are always those who like to move with the beat. You don’t need to know how to dance to participate. If you feel led, join the fun while watching the sunset over one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
You can find free parking in the lot near the circle. There’s also a playground and a concession stand.
Eat Local
Though you’ll find a plethora of fantastic restaurants in Sarasota, I’m only sharing a handful here.
- Sage: For an upscale dining experience, make a reservation at Sage. Located in the historic Sarasota Times building, the restaurant is upscale but still cozy. The rooftop bar is lively with a fantastic view, The food is outstanding, with award-winning chef Christopher Covelli at the helm. Sage is not just a meal, but an experience.
- Indigenous: Another upscale spot you shouldn’t miss, Indigenous is where to go for mind-blowing seasonal menus and amazing seafood. Chef Steve Phelps is known for sustainability and using local ingredients that will wow your tastebuds.
- New Pass Grill & Bait Shop: If you’re looking for fancy, go to Sage or Indiginous. If you want a fantastic burger and fries while looking over Sarasota Bay, this is your spot. In fact, it’s right around the corner from Mote Marine Aquarium, so go for lunch before or after.
- Selva Grill: If you haven’t tried Peruvian food, you’ve got to dine at Selva Grill. The food is authentic and the menu has so many choices. We always order the Tuna Tiradito, at least one ceviche, and the empanadas. We’ve only ordered entrees here once or twice, and though you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the starter menu makes us happy with a couple of glasses of their proprietary red blend.
- Percoco’s: We had been going to Main Street Trattoria for years, but somewhere along the way, it lost its charm. We were thrilled to try the new Percoco’s recently. The beet salad was amazing and the pizzas are incredible (and huge)! We took so much food home, which is always a good thing in our house. Who doesn’t love cold pizza for breakfast?
What are your favorite things to do in Sarasota? Let me know so I can check them out!
More Sarasota Area Things To Do
These are all close to the Sarasota area, so be sure to check them out when you’re there.
Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
