THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sarasota
Things to Do in Sarasota
Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Kayaking Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Kayaking Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sarasota.
On the Waterfromper adultC$82
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$163
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$103
E-Bike Toursfromper adultC$126
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$92
Craft Classesfromper adultC$171
Extreme Sportsfromper adultC$216- fromper group (up to 6)C$1,185
Likely To Sell Outfromper group (up to 6)C$519
Private and Luxuryfromper adultC$92
Speciality Museums
Shopping Malls
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.
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Historic Walking Areas
Botanical garden with diverse tropical plants and historical significance. Features Orchid House, butterfly garden, children's area, and serene bay views.
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Beaches
White sand beach with relaxing waves and space for shelling, complemented by a groomed coastline and shuttle service to nearby shopping and dining. Ideal for a serene beach day.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Wildlife haven with diverse trails for hiking and birdwatching, featuring a canopy walk and observation tower. Enjoy nature's serenity on a scenic boat tour or tram ride through the park.
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Historic Sites
Historic mansion showcasing ornate architecture, bay views, and a blend of cultural exhibits including a circus museum and Italian-inspired gardens.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and humane care of exotic animals, providing interactive encounters and educational shows. Enjoy close-up views of lions, tigers, and a petting zoo.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Charming beachside village teeming with shops, dining, and bars amidst white quartz sands. Features live music, romantic vibes, family-friendly spots, and a free trolley for easy exploration.
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Art Museums
Art and whimsy converge in this museum with a collection of indoor and outdoor pieces, sculptures, and orchids, providing a tranquil and colorful ambiance for art enthusiasts.
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Interactive animal park with hands-on flamingo feeding, lush gardens, and engaging wildlife shows. Ideal for family visits and bird enthusiasts.
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Arenas & Stadiums
Central ballpark renowned for spring training games, panoramic views, and Orioles-themed ambiance, complete with private picnic areas and a classic barbecue spot.
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Other Top Attractions around Sarasota
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- M A BDetroit Lakes, MN194 contributionsThis was more than I expected! I learned so much! It was a big deal in so many people’s lives! I also appreciated all the art the Ringling’s acquired! Go, you won’t be disappointed!Written January 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lucy's travelsLas Vegas, NV16 contributionsIt's a low key self guided tour of lots of tanks full of fish and coral reef life. Some of the healthiest reef life I've ever seen in captivity. Not a huge selection of fish. No petting that I saw anywhere. The facility is a little shabby after the hurricanes, but a brand new state of the art aquarium is due to open in May this year, so I see why they're not spending money to polish this old place up. The bird sanctuary is in pretty bad shape. The staff was fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable.
All in all, it was a good pass time for a few hours.Written January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Brittney5 contributionsSt Armand’s Circle is open !!!!! every day it’s getting livelier , every day more and more businesses are opening , the circle will come back 1000% the same as it was. Everybody is even saying it’s coming back better than ever . so much to do out there , so much fun .please support local. please shop at st Armand’s circle .Written December 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BeautifulbrandyFort Myers, FL149 contributionsWhat a beautiful garden! We got there about noon. The garden was not packed at all. It was a beautiful day. They were setting up for their Christmas lights. Some areas still little damaged from hurricane but they are working on it. It was very peaceful and inviting. We ended up buying the membership so we can go back and enjoy more later!Written December 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- szyq20251 contributionLido Resort is a great property. Everyone at the resort were so very friendly. We loved the access to the beach and the adult only pool. The Drift kitchen restaurant and bar had the most amazing food. There is a tiki bar pool side which is great for food and drinks.Written January 1, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jonzy666Worcester, Massachusetts42 contributionsBest ADA campsites and bathrooms we have ever seen. Hosts were amazingly friendly. The park itself is beautiful and wild. great trails where the gates are closed to vehicles but just wide enough to accommodate adaptive tricycles. My partner got to use the all terrain wheel chair to go where her trike couldn't. It was great. Highly recommended for anyone with mobility issues or even just anyone who loves beautiful wild NatureWritten January 18, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KCx439 contributionsThe Cà d'Zan is a must see if you are in the Sarasota area. It’s an architectural wonder where no expense was spared.
We opted for the private tour so we could see the entire home. For a family of 4, this is quite pricey. Most folks will not opt for this. We chose to, since it’s a part of family history.
It will be one of the most interesting homes tours you could take, especially due to the grandeur of the build for the circus magnate.
The property also has an art museum, circus museum, ample vegetation (many exotic), and even a Starbucks.
It’s amazing to see the what was accomplished in the emerging city of Sarasota in the early 1900s. Sarasota and the surrounding barrier islands have a rich history of art and architecture, likely stemming from this project and those involved in it.
If the back patio or windows look familiar, that is because this was the home of Miss Havisham in the 1998 film Great Expectations.Written August 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diva Dog MommyPort Charlotte, FL311 contributionsI am the first one to carry on if animals are not being cared for or treated right. Big Cat habitat not only cares for the animals but has rescued many. The enclosures are large, many with pools and other enrichment items. The cost to get in is great and we added on a few things in the spot like capybara feeding and pics with the tiger (Barry white is treated like a big baby and loves his trainer) at the end of the show, Barry gets into a glass like enclosure for pics $10 per group. He is only in the small enclosure for 10-15 minutes and is being treated the entire time.
The show host Clayton is so funny but i got his message about regular folks should not have exotics. Big cat is big about adopting from local rescues (which i am a rescuer). I went with my bff and goddaughter. They were just as excited as i was.Written January 3, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Dan FishCenterville, OH10 contributionsNice place to walk around and shop and plenty of places to eat.
It was close to our condo, plenty of parking places, some even free.Written October 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PSUMOM613Blue Bell, Pennsylvania49 contributionsAmazing! So glad we found this museum that is like none that I've ever been to. Marietta Lee has a vast collection of unusual and whimsical artwork, hence the name! If you have some time in your schedule, I would definitely recommend checking this place out- you won't be disappointed! Check the website as their hours are limited.Written January 12, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- csb14Saint Cloud, MN335 contributionsWe brought the grandkids here since we weren't getting beach days. (too cold). They ranged in age from 21-11. All of them had fun. We really enjoyed the bird show and getting to hold a little alligator. Feeding the flamingos was the absolute highlight! (50 cents for a handful of food.) We were disappointed that the reptile building wasn't open.Written January 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carolina_Traveler_7Charlotte127 contributionsEnjoyed the Birds play Detroit at this stadium. The ushers and other staff were very friendly and helpful.
Parking is confusing - don’t use google maps directions. Official parking is in a grassed lot on 12th street across from the stadium. Ignore google’s
directions to go to 10th, as the neighborhood has barricaded a lot of the neighborhood streets, and you will have to go a mile or two out of the way to get back to 12th.
The stadium concessions, parking and so on are card-only, no cash.
There is a Boogs barbecue by the picnic tables just past the outfield, which was founded by Boog Powell, who was part of the great Orioles teams in the late 60’s/early 70’s.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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