Things to do in Sarasota

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Venice showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Ca’ d’Zan showing heritage architecture and a garden
Central Sarasota showing outdoor art and street scenes as well as a couple
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art featuring art and interior views
Central Sarasota which includes interior views as well as an individual male
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Most popular activities in Sarasota

Tours & day trips

See all 51 activities
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥23,017 per adult
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing TourOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 15 activities
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota

City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥13,517 and current price is ￥11,489 per adult
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of SarasotaOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 10 activities
Myakka State Park E-bike Safari

Myakka State Park E-bike Safari

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,421 per adult
Myakka State Park E-bike SafariOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Siesta Key Epoxy Resin Workshop

Siesta Key Epoxy Resin Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
4.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,631 per adult
Siesta Key Epoxy Resin WorkshopOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Taste of Downtown Sarasota: History and Tasting Walking Tour

Taste of Downtown Sarasota: History and Tasting Walking Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,834 per adult
Taste of Downtown Sarasota: History and Tasting Walking TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Sarasota

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sarasota

Lido Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach

Lido Beach

4.5/5(1,225 reviews)

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Lido Beach, a popular beach in Sarasota. Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Lido Beach
St. Armands Circle featuring a statue or sculpture

St. Armands Circle

4.5/5(1,234 reviews)

Consider this area as a circular outdoor mall. Like any mall, you can shop, dine, browse or just people-watch. Unlike most malls, this one never closes to walkers.

St. Armands Circle
Mall at University Town Center

Mall at University Town Center

4.5/5(363 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Mall at University Town Center during your visit to Sarasota. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this family-friendly area.

Mall at University Town Center
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium featuring signage

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

4.5/5(297 reviews)

See hungry sharks and delicate seahorses at this research aquarium that specializes in the sea life that flourishes on Florida’s central west coastline.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Ringling Museum Complex showing a park

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

You can spend time studying the exhibits at John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art during your trip to Sarasota. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Ed Smith Stadium

Ed Smith Stadium

4/5(8 reviews)

Catch an event at Ed Smith Stadium during your trip to Sarasota. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Ed Smith Stadium
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

4/5(3 reviews)

See a diverse range of exciting musical, dance and comedy shows at this architectural landmark inspired by the jagged shape of seashells.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens featuring a park

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

4.5/5(169 reviews)

See a world-class collection of orchids and tropical bromeliads and walk through peaceful mangrove and palm gardens in this botanical park.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens which includes signage and a park

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

4/5(207 reviews)

Chatter with a parrot, watch lemurs swing by, meet a flock of flamingos and explore a tropical oasis in this extensive botanical park.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Sarasota

Beautiful Bruny... home to amazing cheese, oysters, wine... all the good stuff.

South Sarasota

While visiting South Sarasota, you might make a stop by sights like The Landings and Coconuts Family Entertainment Center.

South Sarasota
Causeway Park featuring general coastal views

Central Sarasota

4/5(911 area reviews)

Gardens, art galleries, and theaters are some highlights of Central Sarasota. Make a stop by Sarasota Opera House or Marina Jack while you're exploring.

Central Sarasota
Sarasota which includes a sandy beach as well as children

Downtown Sarasota

If you're spending some time in Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota Opera House and Regal Hollywood - Sarasota are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Sarasota
Legacy Trail

Palmer Ranch

When in Palmer Ranch, you can plan a visit to Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club and Turtle Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Palmer Ranch
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Southgate

4/5(2 area reviews)

When in Southgate, you can plan a visit to Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southgate
Finally got around to trying out another coffee house on Florida's west coast. The Clever Cup in Sarasota did not disappoint. Very good latte with an extra shot and a tasty turkey and cheese sandwich in a toasted croissant. Good seating and local jewelry and art. Worth the stop and several nearby places looked interesting for later exploring.

Gulf Gate Estates

4/5(71 area reviews)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Gulf Gate Estates. Make a stop by top sights like Gulf Gate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Gulf Gate Estates

Popular day trips from Sarasota

South Florida Museum featuring signage

Bradenton

Siesta Key Public Beach showing a sandy beach

Siesta Key

Longboat Key

Longboat Key

Venice Fishing Pier featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a couple

Venice

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

Frequently asked questions

Is Sarasota worth visiting?
Offering a mix of fishing and walking trails, there are many things to do in Sarasota. While you're here, check out Siesta Key Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sarasota?
After you've checked off top attractions like Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring Sarasota's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sarasota?
Siesta Key Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Sarasota and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sarasota?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach and Crescent Beach with a three-day stay in Sarasota. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to St. Pete Beach.
Is Sarasota a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Sarasota is a great destination to experience on foot. Wander between Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Then take a stroll through Central Sarasota, located 2 kilometers from the center, and Bayou Oaks, which is about 5 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Sarasota with kids?
Deciding what to do in Sarasota with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Sarasota for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Sarasota for adults including McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Are there free things to do in Sarasota?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Sarasota. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Siesta Key Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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