Need a sunny cultural escape on Florida’s Gulf Coast? Head to Sarasota! With white-sand beaches, top-notch museums, and a lively arts scene, Sarasota offers the perfect mix of coastal beauty and sophistication. Whether you're lounging on Siesta Key or exploring circus history, Sarasota has something for everyone—from beach lovers to art buffs.
Sarasota, FL Highlights:
- For Beachgoers: Relax on Siesta Key Beach – Famous for its powdery white quartz sand and turquoise water.
- For Art Lovers: Tour The Ringling Museum of Art – Explore a vast fine arts collection, circus history, and bayfront gardens.
- For Shoppers: Stroll St. Armands Circle – Chic boutiques, local shops, and cafés in a stylish outdoor plaza.
- For Couples: Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf – Enjoy romantic ocean breezes, dolphin sightings, and golden hour views.
- For Families: Visit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Get hands-on with marine life exhibits and learn about ocean conservation.
Best Time to Visit Sarasota, FL
The best time to visit Sarasota is from February to May and October to early December. Expect warm weather without the summer humidity, smaller crowds, and ideal conditions for beach days, sightseeing, and outdoor dining.
How to Get to Sarasota, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Sarasota is located off I-75, about 1 hour south of Tampa and 2 hours from Orlando.
- By Plane: Fly directly into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), or nearby Tampa International Airport (TPA).
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional carriers connect Sarasota to other Florida cities.
Where to Stay in Sarasota, FL
- Recommended for Families: Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach – Budget-friendly beachfront access with pools and family amenities.
- For Couples: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota – Luxury downtown resort with a private beach club and world-class spa.
- For a Boutique Stay: Art Ovation Hotel – Artistic flair, rooftop pool, and walkable location in Sarasota’s cultural district.
Best Things to Do in Sarasota, FL
1. The Ringling
The Ringling is a fine art museum located on Bay Shore Road and one of the top Sarasota attractions. Established in 1927 from the artwork donated by Mable and John Ringling, it was designated as the state art museum of Florida and is maintained by Florida State University. The museum is made up of 21 galleries of American art, Asian art, contemporary art, European paintings, and ancient artifacts from Cyprus.
The collection consists of over 10,000 objects including decorative arts, drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures that range from antiquity to contemporary art. The museum contains works by Bernini, Boudin, Duchamp, Gainsborough, Poussin, Velaquez, and more. Its collection of Rubens paintings is world-renowned.
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-359-5700
2. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Located on South Palm Avenue bordering Sarasota Bay, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a large botanical garden in the Hudson Bayou neighborhood. Covering seven acres, the gardens are located on the grounds of the former home of Marie and William Selby. The gardens focus on collecting and presenting epiphytes such as bromeliads and orchids and their ecosystems.
The gardens have the most diverse collection of bromeliads in the world.
There are more than 20,000 plants that represent 6,000 species. The gardens feature more than 20 different habitats such as bamboo, live oaks, mangroves, succulents, and many more. Facilities include an herbarium, greenhouses, a research library, and others.
811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-366-5731
3. Ca d'Zan Mansion
Ca d'Zan Mansion was the Florida winter home of the American circus owner, John Ringling and his wife, Mable.
Built between 1924 and 1926, the waterfront mansion is five stories high and contains 36,000 square feet. The Ringlings were lovers of Venice and the waterfront site reminded them of the lagoon in Venice.
The style of the house is called Mediterranean Revival and shows the influence of the Doge’s Palace in Venice. The name of the mansion is Venetian for “House of John.” In addition to serving as a residence, the mansion also housed their large collection of art and artifacts. Docent led tours of the mansion are offered.
Ca d'Zan Mansion, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-359-5700
Recommended Activities for Families
4. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a marine research center located on Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island in Sarasota. Founded in 1955, it was called the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory until 1967 when it was renamed in honor of benefactors Lenore and William R. Mote and his sister Betty Mote Rose. The laboratory is involved in marine and estuary research. A must-see Florida attraction, the aquarium is the home of over 100 marine species, especially local marine animals. Opened in 1980, the aquarium contains jellyfish, manatees, rays, seahorses, sea turtles, and more. The narrated shark feedings are a popular attraction at the aquarium. If you are wondering what to do in Sarasota with kids, this is a great place to visit. Educational programs include field visits, school visits, and summer camps.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-388-4441
5. Siesta Key Village
Not far from downtown Sarasota, the small island of Siesta Key sits on the gleaming Gulf of Mexico and boasts one of the best beaches in the country. In the heart of this quirky, fun island is Siesta Key Village, a colorful, lively village near the beach that is full of restaurants, shops, bars, spas, ice cream parlors, and much more.
The village is all about shops, parties, and fun, and its festive atmosphere is just perfect for barhopping. The village really gets busy during the many festivals it hosts, so if you can, time your visit with one of them. The Siesta Fiesta is one of the more popular events. Check the nightlife as well; there is something for everyone.
6. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, located on Palmer Boulevard in Sarasota, is a safe haven for big cats and other animals.
Founded in 1987 by Kay Rosaire, the sanctuary became a non-profit organization in 2005. It focuses on rescuing and caring for exotic cats and other animals such as bears, birds, and, at the same time, educating the public about the importance of wildlife preservation.
The sanctuary features three large indoor/outdoor habitats complete with swimming pools and plants to create a natural environment. Training demonstrations with the big cats are presented to help visitors understand conservation and habitat preservation.
7101 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-371-6377
Attractions for Couples
7. Ed Smith Stadium
Ed Smith Stadium is a baseball field and the home of the Baltimore Orioles spring training. Built in 1989 to replace Payne Park as a Minor League Baseball site and as a Spring Training location, the stadium was the spring training home for the Chicago White Sox from 1989 to 1997; the Cincinnati Reds from 1998 to 2008; and the Baltimore Orioles since 2010.
The stadium was fully renovated and opened for spring training in February 2011. The seats in the newly renovated stadium are refurbished seats from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Oriole’s home ballpark. The seating capacity of the stadium is 7,428 spectators.
2700 12th Street, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-954-4101
Sarasota is a 1 hour and 45 minutes from Naples.
8. Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a garden and animal attraction located on Bay Shore RoadFounded in 1939, it is one of the oldest continuously operated attractions in the state. The gardens started with 10 acres of land which were planted with thousands of tropical flowers and trees from all over the world.
In the 1970s, the first Exotic Bird Show was created and featured cockatoos and macaws.
Gradually more animals and shows were added. Today, the gardens are home to a large variety of animals including parrots, small mammals, and primates as well as many reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, and snakes. There are also many pink flamingos in the garden.
3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, Phone: 941-355-5305
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