22 Fun & Cool Things to Do in Sarasota On Your Southwest Florida Trip

Planning a road trip through the west coast of Florida? Make time to explore all the best things to do in Sarasota. Located on Sarasota Bay in Southwest Florida, this historic Spanish-influenced seaside city is famed among travelers for its sandy beaches, nature parks, and museums. Whether you want to while away the day on the soft sands of Siesta Key Beach, get your cultural fix at The Ringling, or enjoy the beautiful scenery at Marie Selby Gardens, supercharge your perfect Florida Gulf Coast trip with this complete Sarasota attractions guide!

Coolest places to visit in Sarasota, FL

Myakka River State Park

Looking to explore one of Florida’s beautiful state parks? Myakka River State Park is one of the state’s oldest and largest. Based in Manatee County between Bradenton and Sarasota, this scenic river paradise is home to alligators, ospreys, and turtles.

The city of North Port hosts almost all 58 square miles of Myakka River State Park. In the perfectly preserved wetlands, you can canoe, kayak, fish, or explore by boat.

One of the park’s highlights is to bring along some binoculars and take an hour-long boat tour of the park to experience its stunning wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. You can also hike along some of the paths on foot or rent a bicycle to ride through them.

Siesta Key Beach

For several years in a row, Siesta Key Beach was named the most beautiful beach in the United States and consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the entire world. With its turquoise water and amazing amenities, Siesta Beach is one of the coolest places to go in Sarasota and a must-see for any visitor.

Located close to Siesta Key Village, Siesta Key Beach is most famous for its quartz sand from the Appalachian mountains. The small surrounding town is just an 8-mile-long island, making everyone feel at home as soon as they arrive.

Siesta Key Beach is a perfect destination for families with kids or couples visiting Sarasota. Don’t forget your favorite swimsuit to tan and swim in. Also, bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes to spend the evening browsing the top Siesta Key attractions, including shopping at its boutique shops or checking out the nightlife options.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, bring your rhythm to the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Taking place right on Siesta Beach, the popular weekly festival assembles a barrage of dancers and musicians to entertain the crowds at sunset to a backdrop of beautiful ocean views. It could well become one of the coolest experiences on your Florida trip!

The Ringling (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art)

Hearing the name Ringling might lead you to believe this is just a circus. But The Ringling (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art) has a wide variety of activities & exhibits that are among the must-see attractions in Sarasota.

The main attraction at The Ringling is its art museum. The famous museum features 21 galleries based on the lives of the Ringlings, founders of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Located on Bay Shore Road, the circus museum also charms with serene landscaping and beautiful palm trees that are part of the Bayfront Gardens. Take a self-guided tour or join one of the group tours to hear about its history from a professional guide.

The photo exhibits at the Ringling Museum of Art are constantly changing; there’ll be plenty of cool new exhibitions to see every time you visit. The museum is also on the National Register of Historic Places, offering history, art, and beaches all in the same place.

While visiting The Ringling, also save time to check out the Ca d’Zan Mansion. The eye-popping five-story home was built in 1926 in a Mediterranean Revival architectural style, serving as the winter home of Mable and John Ringling. Remiscinent of a mix between Doge’s Palace and Cà d’Oro in Venice, Italy, the Venetian-style Ca d’Zan Mansion is well worth a peek for architecture buffs.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum

After visiting The Ringling, gearheads might want to squeeze in a visit to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. Located opposite the art museum on North Tamiami Trail, the niche museum is the second-oldest of its kind in the country.

At the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, visitors will find everything from classic muscle cars to exotic European roadsters by Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Bentley. There’s even a handful of celeb-driven cars, including picks from the Ringlings’ Rolls Royce collection and two Mercedes cars owned by John Lennon.

Lido Key

Located off the Gulf Coast in Sarasota County, Lido Key is one of the coolest places to see in Sarasota. Take a scenic drive to this barrier island to enjoy amazing seafood and take in breathtaking sunsets. Lido Key Beach also has some of the best hotels and resorts in the area if you want to stay overnight.

Located on Benjamin Franklin Drive, South Lido Park sits on one hundred acres of coastal land. Visit this beautiful seaside park to take a relaxing swim in the clear Gulf waters. It’s also a great place to take the family hiking and picnicking.

Next to South Lido Park, experience Florida’s unique natural beauty at Ted Sperling Park. The park is famed for its lush mangroves, transporting you to a world miles away from Sarasota’s bustle.

Launch your Ted Sperling Park visit with a kayaking or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure. Wind your way through the narrow mangrove tunnels, letting the wilderness calm your senses. (If you didn’t bring your gear along, several companies nearby offer kayak tours and kayak/SUP rentals.)

Looking for more luxurious Sarasota beach vibes? Longboat Key is located just below Bradenton Beach. It’s reachable in just a few minutes from Lido Key. Visit to enjoy the golf courses, tennis clubs, fine dining, and beautiful residential houses & neighborhoods.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Searching for a nature center the whole family can enjoy? Marie Selby Botanical Gardens delivers beautiful views of the shores of Sarasota Bay. The gardens feature 15 acres of rare flowers and tropical plants.

Conveniently located on South Palm Avenue, these beautiful gardens showcase some of the most diverse plant life in the United States. Make sure your children see the koi pond and jungle exhibit, featuring interactive plants and art.

Climb to the top of the treehouse to get a full view of the entire botanical garden. The Butterfly Garden is also a must-see Sarasota attraction. Take it all in as hundreds of species of butterflies flutter about. Don’t forget your camera: There are tons of great photo ops for the family here!

Oscar Scherer State Park

Located on Tamiami Trail close to Interstate 75, Oscar Scherer State Park is one of the area’s most beautiful nature parks. Despite being close to so many urban spots, it’s one of the most secluded parks in Southwest Florida.

Strap on your most comfortable hiking boots to hit Oscar Scherer State Park’s over fifteen miles of hiking trails. If visiting in the winter, be on the lookout for bald eagles. You can also swim, canoe, and kayak in the state park if you have your own equipment.

Take heed: Some parts of the hiking trail are challenging and secluded. Don’t forget your water bottle, a trail map, and your phone in case you get lost! 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Want to get close to Florida’s famous pink flamingos? Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers the chance to feed and take photos with its colorful, free-roaming flamingos. There’s also a large variety of birds and parrots to spot around the gardens.

Located on Bay Shore Road, Sarasota Jungle Gardens also has alligators and lemurs that you can get your photo taken with. The numerous large trees in this beautiful rainforest environment also provide just enough shade to keep you comfortable in the hot Florida weather.

Don’t forget to check the events at the garden and make sure to take the opportunity to grab a seat for the most popular shows: Jungle Trails and Bunny Trails. If you’re feeling hungry, grab some delicious treats at the Flamingo Cafe.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Exploring Sarasota in one day? If seeing marine life is on your to-do list, visiting the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a must! Mote Aquarium is located on Ken Thompson Parkway, close to both Lido Beach and Downtown Sarasota.

The marine animals can be seen up close through the touch pools and hands-on exhibits. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium also has floor-to-ceiling water tanks to let you see the sea creatures.

Marvel at the 135,000-gallon outdoor shark tank before heading inside to see other sea life like otters, manatees, jellyfish, and some of the world’s oldest sea turtles.

Anna Maria Island

Searching for the area’s finest white-sand beaches? Anna Maria Island is another barrier island gem located off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Bean Point Beach is a popular sunset spot and dazzles with its stunning blue waters.

Anna Maria Island is one of the most interesting historic Spanish cities in Sarasota County. The city pier was built in 1911, and the Anna Maria Historic Museum sits in a cottage dating back to the 1920s.

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After spending a day tanning on Anna Maria Island’s beautiful beaches and visiting historic landmarks, head to Pine Avenue. Along the strip, you can eat freshly caught seafood, buy souvenirs to take home, and visit an art gallery or two.

Caspersen Beach

Looking to be active at the beach and not just suntan? Caspersen Beach in South Sarasota County is a great place to go canoeing and fishing. It’s also one of the largest shelling beaches in the area. (Even shark’s teeth are often found washed up along the shore!)

Caspersen Beach is close to downtown Venice, an interesting town in its own right. Grab a drink or dinner in Venice’s laid-back city center after spending the day at the beach. There are also several challenging hiking trails or serene walking nature trails for a more laid-back experience.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Obsessed with Tiger King? Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary lets you get up close to the tigers without all the drama that comes with Carole Baskin. Even though it’s similar in name, the habitat in Sarasota is not the same as the sanctuary located in Tampa from the popular Netflix show.

Located just off Palmer Boulevard, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is home to several exotic animals. In the park, you’ll encounter wild species like tigers, lions, bears, and lemurs. There’s also a petting zoo for the smaller, friendly animals. You and your children will love getting a chance to hold cute animals like sloths and wallabies.

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On certain weekends, the sanctuary even has special events. (Yoga with tigers? Yep, sounds good!) The habitat is a great place to bring the whole family for interactive fun. 

Bayfront Park

Ready to explore the more local parts of Sarasota? Bayfront Park on Sarasota Bay is a fun part of the city.  At the park, you can learn about Florida’s history, enjoy a relaxing walk among the trees and boats, or set the kids loose to burn off a little energy in the playground.

Looking for some of the tastiest food in town? Head over to O’Leary Tiki Bar & Grill, a waterfront restaurant serving tropical drinks and seafood right on the shore.

Near Bayfront Park, you’ll also be able to peruse the Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday morning. Fuel up with a morning coffee at nearby C’est La Vie, and head to the market to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, produce, locally-made crafts, and souvenirs from local artisans.

If you’re a barbecue fan, don’t miss the chance to sample the juicy goodness of Perry’s Original Roadside BBQ. Serving up pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked chicken at the weekly farmer’s market, the “Smokeman” himself will charm your taste buds with his distinctive Georgia-style tomato-based barbecue sauce.

The park also has large murals where you can learn about the culture and history of Sarasota Bayfront Park. Throw on some comfortable walking shoes with your bathing suit to spend the day exploring and swimming.

Sarasota Art Museum

Want to escape the summer heat? Sarasota Art Museum is one of the most popular indoor activities in Sarasota. The museum offers over 15,000 square feet of paintings, sculptures, pottery, and artifacts. 

The museum’s collection of art is one of the biggest in Florida. It features rotating exhibits, including art from famous people as well as local artists and students. The museum also hosts performances and educational workshops for aspiring artists. 

Grab a bite at the bistro when you’re done, shop for souvenirs at the gift shop, and take a walk through the sculpture courtyard before leaving.

Legacy Trail

For amateur hikers or anyone wanting a simple walk outdoors, Legacy Trail tops the list of where to go in Sarasota. The entire 12.5-mile trail is paved and runs from Sarasota to Venice. Leave your car at one of the nine trailheads and spend the day exploring on a hiking or biking adventure.

The most popular places to begin the journey are Palmer Ranch and Payne Park. If you don’t feel like walking the Legacy Trail, load up your bike and helmet in the car and cycle down the path. 

Lake Manatee State Park

Planning a day of boating? Lake Manatee State Park offers numerous boat ramps and places to launch boats, canoes, and kayaks. Throwing in a fishing line from the boat or casting out at one of the many fishing piers are among the most popular things to do in Sarasota.

Lake Manatee State Park is located near the dam in Bradenton. Unfortunately, you won’t see any manatees. Many other freshwater animals, however, can be seen in their natural habitats. 

There’s also a swimming beach area in the south part of the park. It’s the perfect place to chill if you just want to tan, lay in the sun after canoeing or fishing, or let the kids cool off.

Nathan Benderson Park

Trying to find a place to exercise while on vacation? Nathan Benderson Park is a 3.4-mile-long track where you can bring your running shoes and have a nice morning jog. The park’s canoe launches can also be used to canoe or kayak in the lake.

Nathan Benderson Park is a 600-acre community park with a 400-acre lake. The lake is often used for champion racing events. If you time your Sarasota trip right, you might even catch a race or two!

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Bring a picnic and your pets, as food and animals are welcome in the park. You’ll find many beautiful spots to eat around the lake and trails with your family or friends.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is just a few miles south of Siesta Key Beach and Manasota Key Beach. It’s known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” Every year, hundreds of shark teeth wash up on the shore on the beaches around Venice, FL. Make sure to search through the sand to take one home as a souvenir.

Venice Beach also has a reef just a quarter-mile offshore. Bring snorkeling or diving equipment to explore the reef in full. Kid-friendly Venice Beach is also one of the only beaches near Sarasota with lifeguards. You and the family will be in good hands while swimming.

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If you’re an architecture fan, make sure to hit up Downtown Venice. In Venice’s historic downtown, buildings are reminiscent of northern Italian cities. With the water, small cobblestone streets, and old architecture, you may even feel like you’re in the real Venice in Italy!

Florida Maritime Museum

Located in the historic Cortez Fishing Village, the Florida Maritime Museum explores the entire history of Florida’s maritime industry, from its native settlers to the present day. More than just a museum, the FMM is settled on a beautiful 4-acre nature preserve in a historic Old Florida schoolhouse dating back to 1912.

The permanent exhibits at the Florida Maritime Museum cover everything from maritime navigation to boat building. You’ll also get a walkthrough of the area’s fishing history, including a private collection of unique finds from local fisherman Captain Blake Banks.

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The Florida Maritime Museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Tuesday through to Saturday. Admission to the museum is free.

Florida Studio Theatre

Looking for a unique night out in Sarasota? Opt for an evening at the Florida Studio Theatre. Opened in 1973, the performing arts venue covers five different theaters. Each theater offers an intimate setting for the theatre’s world-class performances, attracting more than 230,000 guests every year.

The performances at the Florida Studio Theatre cover everything from Broadway and Off-Broadway hit plays to improv comedy to cabaret. Check out their official schedule to see what’s on during your visit to Sarasota.

Big Top Brewing Company

Need a break from the hot Florida sun? Quench your thirst with some craft beer at Big Top Brewing Company. Located 15 minutes from the city center in Fruitville, Big Top was Sarasota’s first craft brewery, swinging open its doors in 2013.

Slide over to the Fruitville taproom to imbibe in Florida-inspired craft brews like Intercoastal Amber Ale, Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Ale, and the locally-inspired Circus City IPA.

Pair your craft brew experience with some mouthwatering Southern BBQ from BubbaQue’s BBQ, served on-site. Every second Saturday, the craft brewery also hosts a Food Truck Rally, offering more delicious local food favorites and live music.

Sarasota Opera House

Add a smidge more culture to your itinerary by catching a performance at the Sarasota Opera House. Occupying a historic Mediterranean Revival-style theater, the striking building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Sarasota’s must-visits for culture lovers.

With only 1,100 seats, the Sarasota Opera House offers the perfect blend of excellent acoustics and intimacy. Check the theater’s events calendar to see what’s on during your visit.

Recommended places to stay for sightseeing

For travelers, many of the best places to stay in Sarasota for sightseeing lie in the areas around Downtown and the Rosemary District. If you’re looking to soak in its seaside pleasures, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key are great options for accommodation, too.

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