The Best Things to Do in Sarasota Perfect For Your Next Trip

The Best Things to Do in Sarasota Perfect For Your Next Trip

Once a hidden gem in the Sunshine State, Sarasota has quickly become a booming popular place for a leisurely vacation. Since Logan was young his family has visited Sarasota around the winter holidays to visit his grandparents and celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Once we started dating, I happily booked a flight there each year for part of my holiday break in college to escape from the cold Midwest winters.

While we don’t have the luxury of having those month-long breaks anymore, we still visited every other year for Christmas and other vacations too – we even lived there for a summer while Logan was doing a rotation for Optometry School. Then in 2021, Logan was offered a job in Sarasota so we packed up and moved here now calling this city home.

Despite being a smaller city, Sarasota boasts a number of unique things to do, shopping areas, a large art influence, beautiful beaches, and amazing restaurants. Regardless of what kind of traveler you are, these unique things to do in Sarasota are bound to interest you on your next trip to Florida!

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Where is Sarasota?

Sarasota is located one hour south of Tampa, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It is widely popular for its pristine beaches, artistic neighborhoods, shops, and the Ringling Museum which goes into the history of the Ringling Brothers Circus and their part in helping build Sarasota into what it is today.

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How to Get to Sarasota

There are a number of different ways to get to these things to do in Sarasota. We’ll break down each option from the easiest and time-friendly to the most economical.

Traveling to Sarasota by Plane

The easiest and most time-efficient way to get to Sarasota is by plane. You can choose to fly into Tampa International Airport and rent a car to drive to Sarasota (approximately an hour), Punta Gorda Airport then drive about one hour north to Sarasota, or Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and rent a car to get to your accommodations. If you fly into Tampa keep in mind to have some cash for the toll booth on the way to Sarasota or activate the Sunshine Pass on your rental car.

Traveling to Sarasota by Car

The most cost-friendly way, especially if traveling as a family is by driving your personal vehicle. We’ve driven a number of times from the Midwest and Southern U.S. to Florida and while the drive is long, you can also make some stops along the way depending on your route.

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When is The Best Time to Visit Sarasota?

Because of Sarasota’s location on the Gulf of Mexico, the weather is beautiful year-round. On average the temperature is 72 degrees.  June through September are the hottest and most humid months, but still tolerable with the sea breeze. Keep in mind that the summer months, especially June, are typically the rainy season so expect showers for a short while at some point each day.

Hurricane season is also during this time, starting June 1 and lasting until November 30 so if you don’t want to gamble with the rain or hurricane season we suggest visiting Sarasota another time frame. The best time to visit Sarasota based on the weather is in December, January, or February. During the winter, the weather is milder with temperatures usually in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. It is also the time that you can see manatees in the bay! However, the downfall of this time of year is that it’s the most popular time to visit. If you want nice weather with fewer crowds I recommend Late April-May or early November!

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Where to Stay in Sarasota

Sunset view at Sun Outdoors Resort

There are a number of hotels in Sarasota that you can choose to stay at. One of our favorite family-friendly places to stay in Sarasota is Sun Outdoors Resort where you can rent a park model or bring your RV. Sun Outdoors offers great amenities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness club, mini-golf, shuffleboard, laundry facilities, and more to all of its guests.

Another option is the Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota University Park. This location is within walking distance from the huge shopping and dining area at UTC Mall and is close to many of the best things to do in Sarasota. I love that the rooms here are spacious which is nice if you are planning a longer trip. Our king room had a nice kitchenette area perfect for those wanting to have some drinks, snacks, or store leftovers at the hotel.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many budget hotels in Sarasota but for something a bit more budget-friendly consider the Regency Inn & Suites which is located just north of Downtown Sarasota but still in a great location for visiting many things to do in Sarasota and beaches. The rooms have been recently remodeled and there are rooms with kitchenettes making your stay more comfortable.

Sarasota also has a number of mid-range luxury hotels located downtown like the Art Ovation Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, and The Westin Sarasota. All four of these spectacular properties are located within walking distance of many Downtown Sarasota attractions and restaurants and are just minutes from some of the most popular Sarasota beaches.

If you are wanting to stay in a luxury property for your Sarasota vacation then I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. This astonishing hotel allows access to its own private beach, onsite spa, golf course, and very spacious suites with epic views. There are also four onsite restaurants featuring fresh, local cuisine and waterfront dining. One other amazing feature at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is they also have a number of pet-friendly rooms making it the only luxury hotel in the area with this option.

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THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA: THE BEST BEACHES IN SARASOTA & NEARBY

I can’t talk about Sarasota without having a whole section on the beaches in Sarasota and nearby. After visiting many places across the United States and the world, I have to say that I still think Sarasota has some of the finest beaches around.

Things to Know About Sarasota Beaches Prior to Visiting

• Glass containers and fishing are not allowed on public swimming beaches for safety reasons. No one wants to step on glass in the sand or get a fish hook in their foot so save your fishing pole for beaches reserved for fishing!
• Florida beaches, including many in Sarasota, are home to 80% of Loggerhead turtles in the United States from the months of May to October making it one of the most important nesting areas. You may see certain areas taped off on the beach which denotes a turtle nest. Make sure to not disturb these areas.
• If you’re interested in looking for shark teeth, Venice is considered to be the shark’s tooth capital of the world due to the many stark teeth that wash up frequently on the shore.
• Pets are not allowed on Sarasota beaches so make sure you leave your pup at home. However, if you do want to visit a dog-friendly beach check out Brohard Beach in Venice.
• It is illegal to remove living shells and marine life from beaches including sea urchins, sand dollars, and starfish. If you do plan on collecting shells be sure to check and see if shells are inhabited.
• You’ll find numerous lifeguard stands on beaches in Sarasota and it’s important to know what the flags on these lifeguard stands mean.
  • Two red flags: Water closed to the public. No swimming or wading is allowed and all water activity is prohibited.
  • One red flag: High Hazard – High surge and or strong currents knee deep is too deep.
  • Yellow flag: Medium hazard – Moderate surf and or strong currents.
  • Green flag: Calm conditions, exercise caution while swimming
  • Purple flag: Dangerous marine life present – Man o’ war, jellyfish, stingrays, sharks etc.

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Siesta Key Beach

With its baby powder white sand (which is 99% pure quartz) it’s easy to see why Siesta Key Beach has been rated the #1 beach in the United States for many years. This is definitely one of our favorite beaches to visit but it can get crowded during the holidays and spring break season. Make sure you grab a spot on the beach early and enjoy the sunrise – you can take a nap on the beach later! If you prefer to visit Siesta Key Beach later in the day, consider going on a Sunday for the drum circle. It starts approximately one hour prior to sunset.

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Lido Key Beach

Close to the popular St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Key is another fun beach spot for locals and tourists. Though the beach is smaller than Siesta Key and has more shelly sand than powdery sand, Lido Key is also our favorite beach to watch the gorgeous Florida sunsets.

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Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach is our personal favorite in the Sarasota area. It’s a popular spot among locals that usually isn’t nearly as busy as other nearby beaches. Although I have to say, it seems to be gaining more and more popularity over the years. This beach is perfect for those who love Siesta Key but want less traffic because it has beautiful white sand as well. It is also a popular nesting spot for sea turtles and if you’re lucky you might see them! Just remember to keep a good distance from them and never disturb a turtle or a turtle nest.

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Nokomis Beach

Nokomis is known to be Sarasota’s oldest beach. It’s less busy than Siesta Key and is also the perfect spot for a picnic or fishing. If you happen to be at Nokomis Beach we recommend spending the day here and then stopping by Venice Beach to look for shark teeth that have washed up on the shore!

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Venice Beach

While Venice Beach isn’t the BEST beach for laying out on your beach towel, you can spend a nice amount of time here hunting for shells and shark teeth that have washed up on the shore or fishing from the pier. If you are a diver, this is also a terrific spot to explore the reef when the waves are calm. Just be careful with the big drop-off from the beach to the water!

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Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is a family-friendly beach perfect for a relaxing day. There is a terrific beachside playground as well as horseshoe and volleyball courts. It also has a boat ramp nearby that allows easy access to the bay. While it doesn’t have the baby powder sand that Siesta Key does, it’s a much quieter place to relax.

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Anna Maria Island Beach

Anna Maria Island is further north of Sarasota, but it’s well worth a day trip to enjoy this more secluded beach. There is also a beautiful pier and is very close to The Donut Experiment, a yummy place to create your own hot, cake donut (see more about Sarasota dining in this post).

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Manatee Beach

We’ve visited Manatee Beach a few times while visiting Sarasota. Since Anna Maria Island can get crowded at certain times of the year, this is another option if you are wanting to stay close to the Anna Maria Island area but enjoy a less crowded, clean, and beautiful beach.

READ MORE: 12 Simple Beach Checklist Tips

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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SARASOTA

Explore The Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan

The Ringling Museum is one of the most expansive and unique museums that Sarasota, Florida has to offer. With multiple exhibits, including collections of art, circus paraphernalia, beautiful gardens facing the bay, and their own 56-room mansion, the Ca’ d’Zan.

As you might have guessed based on the name, the Ringling Museum was first built by John & Mable Ringling. But despite their business in the circus industry, John and Mable Ringling were actually considered to be some of the most prolific collectors of art in the early 20th century. Together they began purchasing and collecting paintings, furniture, tapestries, pottery, and more from auction houses and art dealers. They grew to love collecting art so much that in 1925 they hired John H. Phillips, an architect, to build a museum on Ringling’s Sarasota property to house their collection.

In his will, Ringling left his museum to the people of Florida, in hopes that it would build Sarasota into a cultural and educational center with an emphasis on the arts. Today you can visit this Renaissance-style museum and admire the impressive collection of Baroque, Classical, and Renaissance fine art.

In addition to the art museum, it is only natural that there is a circus museum on the grounds of the Ringling too. After all, his start was in the circus industry. Although I do not personally endorse circuses because of their long-standing history of human and animal exploitation this museum is an interesting take on the history of the American circus.

The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was established in 1948 and was the first museum to document the history of circus entertainment. This museum became possible with the many donations of circus memorabilia and wardrobe collections gifted by former performers that had moved to the area. Many of these performers ended up in Sarasota in 1927 because John Ringling made Sarasota the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Inside the Circus Museum, you’ll find a number of parade wagons, costumes, props, posters, and the Wisconsin, the railroad car that John and Mable Ringling used for travel.

Perhaps the most interesting place to visit at The Ringling is the Ca’ d’Zan, which is the Ringling’s former 56-room, 36,000 sq. ft mansion. After traveling through Europe for 25 years acquiring circus acts, collecting art, and admiring architecture, John and Mable decided that they wanted to build a home in Sarasota. They both loved the architectural styles of Venice’s Ducal Palace, Ca’ d’Oro, and the Grunwald Hotel so they decided to implement these elements in their own home on Sarasota Bay.

They hired Dwight James Baum as their architectural designer and Owen Burns to build the home however it was Mable that saw it to fruition. Using the postcards, sketches, and photos she collected from her travels she oversaw every tiny detail of the construction. In fact, her involvement in the project was so great the original architectural plans called it “The Residence of Mrs. John Ringling.” The building project began in 1924 and was soon finished in 1926. At the time it cost $1.5 million, a fortune for the time.

Tragically, three years after the completion, Mable Ringling died from complications of Addison’s Disease and diabetes. When John Ringling died in 1936 he left his estate to the people of Florida. Considering how massive the Ringling estate is, it took a lot of funding to keep it up, and over the years it was left in disrepair until it was finally restored in 2002 at a cost of $15 million.

Other than the museums and Ca’ d’Zan, you can also enjoy the bayfront views from the back of the mansion, the beautiful bayfront gardens where Mable Ringling had her rose garden, and visit the Historic Asolo Theater. The Ringling is by far one of the best things to do in Sarasota you simply cannot miss on your visit!

Location: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Cost: Adult Tickets: $25, Seniors 65+: $23, Students 18+ with ID: $5, Children 6-17: $5, Children under 6: FREE, Active US Military: $10 Bonus: FREE entrance on Mondays to the art museum and gardens.

READ MORE: The Best Places to Eat in Sarasota, Florida

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Enjoy the Outdoors at Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest state parks that is well known for its diverse wildlife that you can find on the Myakka River which flowers through 58 miles of the park. Typically you can see alligators, turtles, and many varieties of birds wading in the water or making their homes in the large oak and palm trees.

Once you are inside the park there are many places to park a vehicle and go for a hike, bike ride, or walk. If you are interested in a guided tour Myakka State Park offers tram and boat tours that offer a unique perspective of the park and education on the park’s history. Tram and boat tours typically last anywhere from 45-60 minutes and are first come first serve.

At the Myakka Outpost, you can find a souvenir shop that sells memorabilia and camping supplies plus information on bike, kayak, and canoe rentals to explore more of the park.

All of the kayaks at Myakka are single-occupant boats and the canoes can hold up to three adults or two adults and two children. All boats cost $20 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour. Life jackets and paddles/oars are provided to all guests. In addition, there is a $50 refundable deposit.

For biking in Myakka, I personally think that there are cheaper bike rental prices outside of the park but if you don’t have a means of transporting them to Myakka then it’s a good option. The prices are as follows.

Single Bicycle	Tandem Bicycle
Two-Hours: $15	Two-Hours: $30
Four-Hours: $25	Four-Hours: $50
Four-plus Hours: $40	Four-plus Hours: $80

If you get hungry while at Myakka State Park there is a restaurant on-site called the Pink Gator Cafe. They have menu items like seafood gumbo and alligator stew plus a variety of sandwiches, wraps, hamburgers, hot dogs, and appetizers. We have yet to eat here because we typically bring our own lunch in a cooler with us but it’s usually pretty busy every time we have gone by.

One other thing to do in Myakka State Park is to take a short hike to the two scenic walkways. The first is the Myakka Canopy Walkway which, in 2000, was the first public treetop trail in North America. The walkway is located down the Boylston Nature Trail which is an unpaved walking trail. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy. As you cross the bridge you’ll notice a taller tower located at the end of the bridge (or front depending on which way you climbed up). This tower is 74 feet tall and offers terrific views of the treetops and wetlands. Because of its height, you’re bound to see a number of birds or other fauna through the trees.

Note: The Myakka Canopy Walkway is currently closed due to damage it sustained during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. We will update you when it reopens!

The second walkway to visit in Myakka State Park is the Birdwalk at Myakka. Because Myakka has flourishing freshwater wetlands you can easily enjoy a glimpse of this beautiful ecosystem from the Birdwalk. While a lot of people stop at the entrance bridge to view alligators and other creatures, I personally think the Birdwalk is the best place to view wildlife. If you are a bird watcher be sure to bring your binoculars!

Location: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 8am-8:30pm daily
Cost: $6/vehicle (2-8 people), camping fees: $26/night, cabin fees: $70/night

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Learn About Marine Life at Mote Marine Laboratory & Museum

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is an independent, nonprofit marine research institution with marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education. Although currently, Mote is a small aquarium they have a big passion for research and preservation of the world’s oceans and the creatures that live there. Animal tourism is a tricky thing to write about and I often veer away from promoting it unless I know it’s ethical, but Mote Marine Aquarium is one of the good ones.

When they first opened, their primary focus was on sharks but has since expanded to include studies of human cancer, the effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and the environment, the health of wild fisheries, the development of sustainable fishing techniques and so much more. Their research programs allow us to get a glimpse of the fragile ocean ecosystem and implore visitors to think more constructively about their impact on our world’s oceans and our planet.

Inside the aquarium, you’ll find a number of amazing exhibits where you can get up close with a number of sea creatures. There are exhibits for stingrays, reef animals, sea turtles, manatees, and more. From my discussions with one of the staff, a lot of the creatures that come to Mote are unable to live successfully in the wild. Therefore they are kept here to live the remainder of their life comfortably. However, there are also a lot of creatures that come to Mote to be rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to their natural habitat.

Another activity you can enjoy at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is the Mote Boat: Eco-tours which offers an interactive charter cruise on Sarasota Bay. On this cruise, you will learn more about the ecology, history, and even folklore of the Sarasota area while observing Florida manatees, Bottlenose dolphins, and if you’re lucky, the occasional sea turtle.

As of November 2020, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium broke ground on what will be their new location called Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park near UTC Mall. The new aquarium will be 110,000 sq. ft. and allow Mote to expand their current outreach and science education. It is expected to be completed sometime in the fall or winter of 2024!

Location: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 9:30am-5pm daily
Cost: $26 Ages 13 and over, $18 Children 3-12, Children 2 and under: FREE

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Browse Rotating Art Exhibits at the Sarasota Art Museum

Since Sarasota as a city is heavily influenced by the arts it only makes sense that they have a few terrific art museums. Sarasota Art Museum is located at the Ringling College of Art and Design within the historic former Sarasota High School. At the time of its founding, it was the region’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art and continues to offer thought-provoking, dynamic exhibits from the 20th and 21st centuries.

There are currently two floors of exhibition gallery spaces and an outdoor arts and sculpture area, as well as a terrific bistro perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat or a coffee and a gift shop that has a wide array of items available for purchase. While the Sarasota Art Museum may not have as extensive of a collection of art as the Ringling Museum but they carefully curate all of their rotating exhibits making it worth visiting anytime you come to Sarasota to see what’s new!

Location: 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: Sunday 11am-5pm, Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Closed Tuesdays
Cost: $15/adults

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Walk Through the Flowers and Trees at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite things to do in Sarasota. I love it so much that I even placed membership there so I could visit as much as I wanted. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has 45 acres of bayfront gardens within its two campuses. There are 15 acres at the Downtown Sarasota campus which has elements of rainforest, deserts, and native Florida as well as a lush mangrove walkway. The Historic Spanish Point Campus has 30 acres alongside Little Sarasota Bay. When visiting Spanish Point you can learn more about Sarasota’s Native and pioneer history.

Downtown Sarasota Campus Attractions:

• Tropical Conservatory: The conservatory is one of eight greenhouses on-site and is located just off the main entrance. You can enjoy a lush green forest of tropical plants and views of orchids and bromeliads.
• Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden: This garden is for children but I enjoyed it as an adult all the same! There is something so magical about being able to travel through the trees on swinging bridges!
• Banyan Grove: I have always seen Banyan Trees but I didn’t know how much I’d love them until I went to Selby Gardens. There is a beautiful banyan grove here that was planted over a century ago. It is centered around one large banyan tree that reminds me of the tree from the movie Ferngully.
• Steinwachs Family Foundation Mangrove Walkway: Mangrove trees are another tree species that have me equally as fascinated. At Selby Gardens you can examine their intricate root systems and learn more about their impact on our ecosystem. From here you can also enjoy beautiful views of Sarasota Bay.
• Fern Garden: A smaller circular walking trail will take you to the lush, fern garden where you can see many different species of ferns in spectacular sizes.
• Bamboo Garden: While the bamboo garden at Selby Gardens isn’t as impressive as the bamboo grove in Kyoto, you can still enjoy walking through a path of over a dozen species of tropical clumping bamboo. Marie Selby even planted some of the giant bamboo you can see here!
• Bromeliad Garden: If you’ve ever been into houseplants chances are you’ve seen bromeliads before. Well, bromeliads are one plant that started it all for Selby Gardens! Bromeliads inspired the mission and focus of the gardens and were then studied and researched in their labs. Now you can experience a variety of different species at Selby Gardens.
• Butterfly Garden: Near Payne Mansion you’ll find a small butterfly garden that was specifically designed to reestablish the local butterfly population.
• Koi Pond: One of my favorite gardens at Selby Gardens is the koi pond. This spot is exceptionally picturesque due to the black-painted pool which provides ample contrast to the colorful koi fish.
• Selby House: This two-story, Spanish-style home was built in the early 1920s as Marie and William Selby’s residence. Today it remains open as Selby House Café (a great spot for lunch) and has weekly activities and programs for kids.
• Museum of Botany & the Arts: Another structure you’ll find at Selby Gardens is the Museum of Botany & the Arts (also referred to as Payne Mansion). You can take a break from the Florida heat and enjoy nature-related art exhibits in this living museum.

Historic Spanish Point Campus Attractions:

• White Cottage and Sunken Garden: This cottage was originally built in 1884 by Jack Webb for him and his wife, Emma Andrews Webb. Later it was used to house guests and now serves as a piece of history alongside beautiful views of Little Sarasota Bay.
• Guptill House: The Guptill house was built in 1901 by Frank and Lizzie Guptill. Originally it was built almost exclusively with Florida yellow pine. After years of wear and tear it was restored in 1989 and now serves as a historical home where visitors can learn about early pioneer home life.
• Mary’s Chapel: Mary’s Chapel isn’t an original structure to this homestead however it is a reconstruction of one that was built there in the late 1800s. The chapel you’ll see today features stained-glass windows and stunning high ceilings.
• Duchene Lawn: The Duchene Lawn was first built in 1912 as part of the winter guesthouse estate. It is a Victorian-style garden that has columns and beams and pretty palm trees.
• Webb Packing House: This reconstruction of the original packing house shows how citrus and produce that was grown by the Webb family was shipped to markets in Key West and Cedar Key. This is also a great place for a hands-on activity with kids as they can try citrus packing on their own!
• Cock’s Footbridge: In 1904, Daniel Cock, an innkeeper from Virginia, built a footbridge that connected his home site to the Webb homestead, post office, and the boat docks on the point. Today, the reconstructed footbridge allows visitors to tour this area with beautiful waterfront views.
• Archaic Shell Ring: At over 4,500 years ago, this is the oldest shell mound on the Historic Spanish Point campus. It is said that this area emerged from a freshwater spring and contains shells from thousands of years of seafood consumption! This ring is special because it is one of the rarest types of mount construction and is believed to have belonged to Native people in this area. It gives us insights into the rising sea levels that were once witnessed here.
• Shell Ridge Midden: Similar to the Archais Shell Ring, this shell mound dates back to around 2,000 years ago. It was here that Webb found human remains and contacted the Smithsonian Institution which visited in 1874. In this exhibit, you can learn more about what we know about those who lived in this time period.

Locations: Downtown Sarasota Campus: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota // MAP, Historic Spanish Point Campus: 337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey // MAP
Hours: 10am-5pm daily, closed some holidays
Cost: $15/adult, $10/child, Children under 4 are free

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Rent A Boat From CB’s Saltwater Outfitters

Not only a place to shop for outdoor goods, but CB’s Saltwater Outfitters is also a place to rent a boat or jet ski to spend a half-day or full-day on Tampa Bay. In the past, we have rented pontoons from CBs to enjoy a leisurely ride or go fishing with family but there are also center console and deck boat options. The routes from CB’s are within Tampa Bay so you have access to a variety of beaches and attractions plus dockside boat parking to well-known restaurants like Old Salty Dog, Marina Jack’s, and Casey Key Fish House.

When we rent a boat we usually bring our own cooler with drinks and items to make sandwiches as well as a bag with other snacks. And while our dog Bentley doesn’t like swimming in the water, he LOVES being on the boat so we let him tag along too.

Keep in mind that all boat renters must have boating experience and a current boating license as well as be at least 23 years of age. If you plan to go fishing, a current Florida fishing license is also required and can be purchased at the tackle shop at CBs. If you don’t know how to drive a boat or would prefer to have a guide, CB’s also offers fishing charters and parasailing experiences.

Location: 1249 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key // MAP
Hours: 7am-6pm daily
Cost: Boat rentals starting at $189

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Rent A Kayak and Go Through the Mangroves

Another one of my all-time favorite things to do in Sarasota is kayaking through the mangrove trees on the bay. One of the best ways to experience the mangroves is by renting a kayak or going on a kayak tour through them. If it’s your first time kayaking or your first time kayaking in mangroves I recommend doing a tour first. Not because I don’t have faith in your kayak skills, but because you can learn so much about the mangrove ecosystem and other fascinating facts about Tampa Bay.

The company I have done a few tours with is Liquid Blue. They are a reputable kayak rental company that offers guided tours through the Mangrove Trees and leads out to the bay where you can view the spectacular homes and if you’re lucky, see a few majestic manatees. Nearly every time I’ve kayaked I always spot at least one manatee. Liquid Blue has single kayaks and tandem kayaks available for rent or the tour so this is the perfect activity for all ages.

Location: 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Cost: $45-60/person

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Take A Distillery Tour & Enjoy A Rum Tasting at Siesta Key Rum

Siesta Key Rum is a local distillery in Sarasota that started in 2007. They offer daily tours and rum tastings for free! During our tour, we learned that while Siesta Key Rum started in 2007, it wasn’t first bottled until 2010 because Troy, the owner wanted it to be perfect. Once he felt confident in his Silver Rum he decided to enter the Miami Rum Renaissance Tasting Competition and at the end of the day, he won first place!

After that, he decided to create infusions and took the silver rum and used real baking spices like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and honey to create a spiced rum. That same spiced rum won a Rummy Award from the Caribbean Journal 6 years in a row! After that, the Toasted Coconut Rum was created and made with real shredded coconut and a Coffee Rum infused with Colombian coffee beans. It tastes like a cold brew but with rum instead of water.

Now we’ve done a lot of distillery tours but this is by far one of the most informational tours I’ve been on and the rum is delicious!

Location: 2212 Industrial Blvd, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: Sunday 12pm-5pm, Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm (Be sure to book your tour in advance)
Cost: Free

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Enjoy One of Many Performance Arts Options

Sarasota is known for its dedication to the arts and another way you can enjoy this is by getting tickets to a live show or performance. There are many different options from theater, orchestra, opera, other live music, and comedy so you’re bound to find something to enjoy! Here are just a few options to check out for your visit to Sarasota.

• Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Sarasota’s main performing arts center features over 100 events each year including Broadway musicals, comedians, world-class symphony orchestras, music artists, and more.
• Sarasota Opera House: This historic theatre turned opera house features classic and new-age opera performances that will leave you speechless.
• Westcoast Black Theatre Trope: This theatre celebrates and promotes Black history and experiences through a variety of performance mediums including musical productions, live shows, a young artist showcase, and much more!
• McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: This theatre opened in 1988 as a place dedicated to the art of stand-up comedy. The theatre has cabaret-style seating creating a more intimate setting for comedy shows.

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Enjoy A Game of Putting at PopStroke

PopStroke isn’t your average putt-putt course. In fact, this putting course was designed by Tiger Woods and TGR Design! PopStroke features two 18-hole putting courses, a restaurant and bar, alongside many outdoor spaces. The best part is that you can play all day on the day you purchase so you can test your luck on both courses or even play for a bit and come back later in the day. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be as good of a golfer as Tiger Woods to have fun. PopStroke is for all ages and can be enjoyed with family, friends, or even by yourself! Be sure to check out their website or social media to see weekly specials and discounts.

Location: 195 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 9am-12am daily

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THE BEST SHOPPING IN SARASOTA

St. Armands Circle

If you are looking for a quaint and unique place to shop or dine St. Armands Circle will fit the bill. It has many local restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops all within walking distance from Lido Key Beach.

Some of our favorite stores include:

• Garden Argosy: This store just screams tranquility and whimsy! It’s got a little bit of everything and is the perfect place to shop for a gift for yourself.
• The Met: If you want to be pampered and styled, The Met has upscale clothing and a full-service spa and salon. When we walked in we were greeted with champagne and cupcakes to enjoy while browsing the clothing. Another time I went with my mom to get pedicures. If you’re looking to treat yourself to some R&R on vacation, this is a great place to do so.
• Shore: A boutique with upscale, beach-inspired clothing.
• Salty Stitch: Casual, modern coastal wear with many women’s and men’s fashion brands.
• The Spice & Tea Exchange: There are many locations of this in the United States but it’s a great place to shop for spices, especially ones that are harder to find.

If you want to know some of our favorite restaurants on St. Armands Circle check out our Sarasota dining guide!

Location: 431 St Armands Cir, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: 10am-9pm daily, store hours vary

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Siesta Key Village

Siesta Key Village is a more laid-back shopping area than St. Armands Circle. It has a variety of eccentric stores and novelty restaurants located right next to America’s #1 Beach. Keep in mind that since it is close to Siesta Key Beach, parking at Siesta Key Village can be hard to come by. In fact, we hardly even try to visit here during the busy season.

Some stores to check out at Siesta Key Village:

• Island Boutique: They have a mix of beach, everyday, and special occasion clothing inspired by island living with Italian flair. In fact, many of their clothing items were made in Italy.
• Siesta Key Beach Shack: While there are a number of kitschy souvenir shops in Sarasota if you want something a little more personalized you can craft your own piece of jewelry at the Siesta Key Beach Shack.
• Gidget’s Coastal Provisions: This store has mainly upscale beach apparel and ocean-inspired gifts but you won’t find any of those corny shot glasses here. Instead, you’ll find nice jewelry, coffee mugs, and housewares.
• The Gallery: This stop is one of the most unique things to do in Siesta Key. Here you’ll find paintings, jewelry, and other art pieces most of which are provided by local artists.

Location: 5199-5155, County Rd 789 Alt, Siesta Key // MAP
Hours: Store hours vary

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Downtown Sarasota Shopping

While Downtown Sarasota is most known for its restaurants, there are some excellent places to shop too! A few of my favorites are Italian Idea, a leather goods store with affordable and well-crafted handbags, wallets, and more all designed and created in Italy. Bookstore1, a local independent bookstore to support over the big box companies and A Parker’s Books, a used bookstore with some unique and rare books as well.

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Ellenton Premium Outlets

If you are a bargain shopper but also love high-quality brands then head over to Ellenton Premium Outlets which is located just outside of Sarasota. Ellenton Premium Outlets has over 117 stores to shop at in an outdoor setting. Some of the popular stores to shop at are Cole Haan, Le Creuset, Levis, Columbia, Brooks Brothers, Johnson & Murphy, and more.

Location: 5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton // MAP
Hours: Sunday 10am-7pm, Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-9pm

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The Mall at University Town Center

University Town Center is another place to shop for upscale clothing, home goods, and has many great restaurants. I consider UTC t be a one-stop-shop for everything you might want to shop for. Inside the Mall at UTC you’ll find stores like Anthropologie, Lush, Arhaus, Flabletics, Free People, Urban Outfitters, an Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more.

Besides the shopping and dining areas, UTC also has a number of events that take place throughout the year. I personally love driving through here during the winter holiday months when they have all of the pretty lights around the palm trees and holiday music playing! As a bonus, on the third Thursday of every month, they have a small night market that features a few vendors, live music, and some food.

Location: 257 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Hours: Sunday 11am-6pm, Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm

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Are you ready to escape to the Sunshine State? Sarasota is a perfect stop for your Florida road trip!