15 Fun Things To Do In Sarasota Florida!

1. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

If you’re ready for a fun and unusual day, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the perfect place.

Walk among lush plants, encounter exotic animals, enjoy the butterfly garden, and check out the petting zoo. 

Coatimundis, Muntjac deer, Lemurs, African porcupines, and birds of prey wait along the curved path shaded by beautiful trees.

One of the best things to do is to feed the flamingos, but the reptile and bird shows are lots of fun as well.

In the past, they’ve included a cockatoo riding a unicycle and a roller-blading parrot. On your way out, stop in the gift shop to pick up a souvenir.

Natural beauty and entertaining activities make visits to this Florida attraction a true pleasure.

2. Mote Marine Aquarium

A fascinating world of marine life awaits at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. 

Sharks, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and an animal hospital are only a few of the things you can see. 

Don’t miss the interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality diving experience, fossils, and more.

Volunteers help provide interesting educational programs to deepen your knowledge of the underwater world in the Sarasota area and Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Mote Aquarium is a great place for the whole family. Laugh at the river otters, feed birds, mine for gems, and touch sea creatures.

3. Lido Beach

White sand beaches and sunny weather make Sarasota a popular destination for beach days. And one of the prettiest spots you’ll find is Lido Key Beach. 

Enjoy water activities, sunbathing, and powdery soft sand at one of Sarasota County’s biggest attractions.

This beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Although parking can be tricky, the effort will be well worth it.

See if you can spot dolphins swimming along the shore, hunt for shells, kayak, paddleboard, try your hand at sailing, or go for a run.

To end the day, watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

4. St. Armands Circle

If you love shopping, fine dining, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, visiting St. Armand’s Circle is one of the top fun things to do near Sarasota.

This island shopping paradise is packed with patios, statues, scenic courtyards, eye-catching architecture, and many of the best restaurants in the area.

Palm trees, gardens, boutique shops, and entertainment options will keep your interest for hours.

There are over one hundred shops in the circle, making it the perfect spot to shop no matter your interests or budget.

Enjoy a haircut, massage, or spa treatment at The Met Fashion House, check out the deals at The Shore Retail outlet, and visit Circle Park for the Circus Hall of Fame and fine art statues.

5. Siesta Key Beaches and Drum Circle

Some of the best beaches in the Sunshine State are on Siesta Key, including Siesta Beach, Coquina Beach, and nearby Turtle and Manatee Beaches.

Slather on your sunscreen, grab a cooler of chilled drinks and head out for a day of beautiful beaches and water sports.

The pure quartz sand at Siesta Key will have your toes wiggling in delight. Visiting this beach might become one of your new favorite things.

If you’re in the area on a Sunday evening, head over to the Siesta Beach pavilion to enjoy the Siesta Key Drum Circle.

The live music starts an hour before sunset. Musicians and dancers create a lively atmosphere of pulsating rhythms, lapping waves, and a sea of people enjoying an immersive experience.

6. John And Mable Ringling Museum Of Art

If you’re interested in cultural activities during your visit, Sarasota has many great options.

But one of the best places to explore is the Ringling Museum of Art. History and art lovers will have a blast here.

Check out over 28,000 pieces of art plus an array of temporary exhibitions, enjoy the scenic peace of Bayfront Gardens or go all out and explore the Circus Museum.

Enjoy free admission on Mondays or splurge on a guided tour of the incredible Ca’ d’Zan mansion–the opulent 56-room winter home of the Ringlings that harks back to the roaring 20s.

Stop by the free Community Gallery dedicated to the work of local artists from Sarasota and Manatee.

This attraction is definitely worth visiting.

7. Bayfront Park

Nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and families will all enjoy Bayfront Park. This oasis of greenery is almost completely surrounded by water.

Walk or run the path all the way around the park, take photos in front of the dolphin fountain, and admire the sculptures, native plants, and views of the marina.

Kids will love the playground, and everyone will enjoy a refreshing drink and tasty meal at the Tiki Hut Bar and Grill.

If you want to take your visit up a notch, take a Segway tour from Bayfront Park to downtown Sarasota.

Alternatively, claim a bench and watch the boats coming in and out of the marina.

Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds. You can even stick around for the sunset.

This park is dog-friendly and will provide your furry friend with plenty of room to romp, chase geckos, and run after squirrels.

8. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a veritable treasure trove of flowers, plants, and trees.

Since the downtown campus specializes in air plants, it has over 6,000 species of orchids.

However, it also has a rainforest garden play area for kids (which is essentially a treehouse city), a desert area, mangroves, and palms.

This is one of the best ways to relax, learn, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you get hungry, treat yourself to yummy fine dining at The Orchid or a more economical meal at one of their other restaurants.

You’ll love this nature center, whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour.

Visit the downtown campus, and the historic Spanish Point campus, or pay for a Set Sail with Selby Gardens boat trip to visit both in one day.

9. Siesta Village

Shops, eateries, and ice cream and three great reasons to visit Siesta Key Village.

Take a dip at the beach, walk down Ocean Boulevard, and shop for treasures.

If you’re in the market for souvenirs, the Beach Bazaar is a great store to check out.

Another Broken Egg is a top spot for breakfast, especially if you love loaded grits and omelets.

The Summer House, Star Thai & Sushi, The Hub Baja Grill, and The Cottage are wonderful options for other meals.

No trip here would be complete without a frozen treat. Made In Rome Gelato is absolutely delicious, with many fresh flavors.

One reviewer said it was the best gelato they’ve had in the United States.

Enjoy the relaxed vibe, fun shops, and tree-lined streets.  What better way to enjoy Southwest Florida than spending a day here?

10. Sarasota Art Museum

If you love art galleries, the Sarasota Art Museum is one of the area’s must-see attractions.

The museum’s mission is to educate, expose, and inspire new ideas through an endless series of rotating exhibits.

They have up to 15,000 feet of exhibition space, plus a bistro, gift shop, and outdoor sculpture garden.

Even better, the museum is super affordable for families because only visitors aged 17 and up have to pay for admission.

They have many discounts for students, veterans, and others, and also offer free admission to everyone on the second Sunday of every month.

Visit their website to see their current and upcoming exhibitions. 

Another fabulous option that may be available is the Bistro Pop-up Night. Enjoy an after-hours tour followed by a chef-curated four-course dinner.

Have fun making art together during the Family Artlab on Saturday mornings. Kids will love it, and it’s free with admission.

11. Check Out The Breweries

Florida’s west coast is a prime place to enjoy amazing beer.

Sarasota has a slew of breweries, ranging from the largest beer garden in Florida to craft beer and Peruvian food combos.

Big Top Brewing Company

This iconic brewing company offers over 20 craft beers, many of them with circus-themed names such as Trapeze Monk, and Hazy Highwire.

Sit outside for a sip with your friends, family, or a furry friend.

Calusa Brewing

Another great brewery to check out while you’re in Sarasota is Calusa Brewing.

This brewery combines great beers with mouthwatering food and attractive spaces.

Their beers are boldly flavored including barrel-aged, hop-forward, and classic-style pilsners.

Motorworks Brewery

If you don’t mind driving out to Bradenton, Motorworks Brewery is a great spot.

Enjoy the massive outdoor space beneath a live oak tree. Challenge your friends to a round of bocce ball, life-sized Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole.

IPAs, stouts, and lagers are front and center, perfect for pairing with yummy pub fare.

Almazonica Cerveceria

Delicious Peruvian food and fabulous craft beer are a winning combination.

You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Pair your meal with an offering from their nano-brewery for a meal you won’t forget.

12. Waterfront Restaurants

There are scads of great restaurants in Sarasota, but eating on the waterfront adds extra zing to a flavorful meal.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill, The Old Salty Dog, and Marina Jack are all excellent choices.

But if you’re looking for something romantic and don’t mind a short drive, Ophelia’s on the Bay is the best choice.

13. Kayaking Tours

Sparkling bays and mangrove tunnels make kayaking in Sarasota a delight.

Paddle through mazes of trunks and shimmering green leaves surrounded by the rustling of wind, the lapping of water, and the scurrying of fiddler crabs.

On the open water, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, cormorants, ospreys, and bald eagles.

This kayak tour through the Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels combines the best of both worlds.

Launch from Ted Sperling Park, paddle through the shallow bay, then enter the mangrove tunnels for a different experience.

Alternatively, explore the beauties of the barrier islands on a Siesta Key Guided Kayak Tour.

Venture through the Jim Neville Marine Preserve looking for bottlenose dolphins and admiring mangroves and sand dunes.

Pull up at Turtle Beach for time to swim, stroll, and drink in the views.

14. Dolphin Tours

Since hundreds of dolphins live in the waters around Sarasota, it’s a great idea to board a boat and go in search of these playful creatures.

One top-notch way to do this is by going on a Funship Adventure Dolphin Cruise.

Roam the waters around Siesta Key looking for marine life, then stop at a sandbar to swim, float, paddleboard, or go down the waterslide on the boat.

If you like the idea of crafting your own tour, why not take a private charter?

You get to choose the itinerary, with options including swimming, snorkeling, searching for dolphins, visiting beaches for the sunset, and learning about history and architecture.

15. Rent Bikes On Siesta Key

Scenic views and fun stops make biking on Siesta Key a wonderful way to live in the moment and make great memories.

Pedal the paths around Siesta Beach, enjoying the cotton-white sand, turquoise water, and captivating shorelines.

Another fun bike destination is Siesta Key Village. Forgo the bother of searching for a parking spot for your car.

Instead, pedal up an appetite for your gelato, grouper sandwich, or lobster bisque.

If you need a break from biking, pop into the boutique stores for a bit of shopping.

There are tons of great places to bike beyond Siesta Key, including the Legacy Trail and Bayfront Park.

Rent your bike of choice from Robin Hood Rentals or Ride & Paddle on Siesta Key, or rent an e-bike from Endless Summer in Sarasota.