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

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HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥22,040 per adult
HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 13 activities
Private Luxury Boat Charter

Private Luxury Boat Charter

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥56,696 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour

Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 40 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,800 per adult
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History & culture

See all 8 activities
Palmetto Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours

Palmetto Ghost & History Tour by Silent Slayer Ghost Tours

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,048 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Taste of Downtown Sarasota- A Walking/Culinary Tour

Taste of Downtown Sarasota- A Walking/Culinary Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,984 per adult*
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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

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
Mall at University Town Center

Mall at University Town Center

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
St. Armands Circle featuring a statue or sculpture

St. Armands Circle

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
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
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium featuring signage

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

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
Nice pathway in front of Goldstein Hall. This IS an art school so you will always see a continuously changing landscape of public art displayed around campus. #localgem

Ringling College of Art and Design

Walk around the campus at Ringling College of Art and Design as part of your travels around Sarasota. In the area, take in the fascinating museums and beautiful sunsets.

Ringling College of Art and Design
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

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

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
Ed Smith Stadium

Ed Smith Stadium

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

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
St. Armands Circle featuring a statue or sculpture

Saint Armands Key

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about Saint Armands Key. A stop by St. Armands Circle is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Saint Armands Key
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Southgate

4/5(2 area reviews)

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

Southgate

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

Photo by throwingsofas

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.