The Best Things to do in Sarasota

 

Sarasota, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and weather, but what else is there to do here? As a Sarasota resident for the past 5 years, I can honestly say there is more to the city than overpriced hotels and lazy beach days. Here are the best things to do in Sarasota.

 

Visit Ringling Circus History

The Ringling Brothers ruled Sarasota and shaped it into what it is today. Their circus, when not traveling, was based in Sarasota. The troop performed with P.T. Barnum and James Anthony Bailey, eventually merging to become the Ringling Company. The winter quarters for the Ringling Co. was located in Sarasota, Florida. John Ringling’s mansion is now College Hall at New College of Florida, the college I attended for my undergraduate degree. Since it is a public school, the building can be entered, and it is truly beautiful!

 

John Ringling’s enormous art collection can also be viewed in another of his mansions next door to the college at the Ringling Museum of Art. The mansions, and other historic buildings, are built on the beautiful Sarasota bayfront.

Tour the Ringling Museum of Art

The Ringling Museum is one of the best and most unique museums I have ever visited. The grounds include two separate museums, a huge rose garden, historic architecture, and statuaries. Both the art museum and the circus history museum are well worth the visit, and are both included in your admission!

 

The Ringling Museum of Art contains thousands of works by artists such as Rembrandt, Veronese, and Gainsborough. Every major painting era is represented, from countries such as Italy, France, Northern Europe, and Southeast Asia.

 

The Circus History museum contains costumes, props, and videos of the historic Ringling Brothers Circus, from its founding to their performances today. For those who love the performing arts, it’s incredibly interesting!
The Ringling is free to visit on Mondays, and those with a student ID admission is free! Dust off those old IDs, and visit the museum and massive grounds of John Ringling!

 

Hike Myakka State Park

Myakka State Park is one of my favorite places in the world. The enormous natural park is home to wildlife such as alligators, birds, and wild boar. The trails are extensive, and the views are breathtaking. If you aren’t much of a hiker, take a boat tour, or rent a kayak and view the park from the water! You are almost guaranteed to see a gator or two while visiting.

 

Become Tarzan at Treeumph! Adventure Course

Treeumph! is a high rope and zipline park located just outside of Sarasota. The park has 5 insanely fun courses built up in the trees, and a huge zipline that runs through the entire park. For a challenging and fun day outside, check out the park! You can read about my visit here.

 

Get Close with Sea Creatures at Mote Marine Aquarium

Mote Marine Aquarium is one of the most highly regarded marine research facilities in the United States. Visitors can observe ocean life with touch tanks, shark habitats, and observe scientists conducting research within the facility. The aquarium is home to over 100 species, including sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, jellyfish, manatees, and more. During sea turtle hatching season, there is even an area dedicated to baby sea turtles waiting to be rehabilitated and released!
Mote Marine Aquarium is an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited establishment and is one of the most highly regarded aquariums in the country. Animals are treated well here, and they do amazing work with the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea life. Check out their site here for information on boat tours, events, and exhibits!

Observe Local Birds up Close and Personal at Save Our Seabirds

Save Our Seabirds is a nonprofit wild bird rescue, located right next to Mote Marine Aquarium. The group rescues, treats, and releases sick, injured, and orphaned birds found around Sarasota. They are also called home by birds that were too injured to be released, or invasive species that cannot legally be released into the wild. Visitors can walk through the small park and observe birds up close with knowledgeable guides.
I used to volunteer in the bird hospital at the park, and can honestly say this rescue is incredible. The staff are passionate about the local wildlife and are good at what they do: treating injured wildlife. You will even get to see birds that have been fitted with prosthetic limbs during your visit! Check out their site here.

 

Catch an Incredible Sunset

Sarasota has some of the best sunsets I have ever seen. For the best views, head to the bayfront! You can enjoy the colors light up the sky from the Ringling Museum, or from Charles’ Ringling’s pink marble mansion at New College of Florida.

 

Flaunt your Beach Days

Sarasota is home to some of the country’s best beaches. Siesta Key, in particular, is a very popular beach for visitors. The white sand is some of the softest I have ever felt, and the Gulf is calm and warm. There are plenty of places to rent jet skis, boats, and scuba gear around the Key as well.
Other notable beaches include Lido Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key, and Casey Key. Depending on what you want to see, different beaches will offer different perks. Longboat Key is a popular spot for turtles to lay their eggs, Manasota is great for paddling through mangroves, and Lido and Casey Key are both great alternatives to the often crowded Siesta Key. Lido Key is also located near St. Armand’s Circle, a popular shopping center.

 

Head to the Medieval Fair

Sarasota hosts one of the country’s best Medieval fairs every November. The fair is full of incredible food, beautiful costumes, and some pretty amazing entertainment, ranging from jousting tournaments to mead tastings. It’s an excellent way to spend a day in the mild autumn season in Florida!

 

Take a Day Trip

Tampa, Florida is located about an hour from Sarasota, and Orlando is about 3 hours. Both cities have multiple theme parks and great nightlife that Sarasota lacks. Check out a festival at Disney in Orlando, or the animals at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Public transportation within Sarasota and to nearby cities is almost nonexistent. I recommend renting a car if you want to take a trip to a nearby city.

 

Sarasota is a lazy city, full of beaches, wildlife, and an overall relaxed atmosphere. There is not much nightlife here, but I encourage you to visit some of the natural landscapes around the city and view the incredible art collection at the Ringling Museum of Art. Try some of the local made Siesta Key rum while you’re here!

 

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