9 Best Things to Do in Sarasota
What is Sarasota Most Famous For?
With the Gulf of Mexico at its doorstep, the best things to do in Sarasota range from a collection of spectacular white-sand beaches to mysterious mangroves and sprawling parks to explore. This seaside city and nature lovers paradise is also a hive of cultural activity, with its live theatre and music shows, art galleries, museums, and bustling restaurant and nightlife spots.
Vestiges of the Ringling Brothers Circus family fortune remain in Sarasota through their palatial properties and art collections they amassed that are now on public display. If you’re wondering what else is there to see in Sarasota, we’ve collected a few ideas to get you started.
What are the best things to do in Sarasota?
1. Lido Key Beach
A tranquil stretch of flour-soft sand
适合： 照片, 经济, 餐饮
Pitch your umbrella, roll out your beach blanket, and get ready for some sea-breezy rest and relaxation at the idyllic white-sand Lido Key Beach. It’s located less than 15 minutes away by car from downtown Sarasota.
Gaze at the seagulls swirling overhead as your toes sink into the powdery sand. Go for a refreshing dip in the sea, or try a bit of surfing or surf fishing. Walk to nearby St Armand’s Circle for a breakfast break at the Blue Dolphin Café and a bit of shopping. Do keep an eye out for “no swimming” warning signs as the currents are strong in some places in Sarasota.
地址： 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Lido Key Beach
2. Kayak tours through the mangroves
A coastal labyrinth of twisty trees
适合： 与众不同, 冒险, 照片
Imagine paddling your kayak through a maze of mangrove trees rising from the sea with only birdsong and the gentle splashing of paddles disturbing the peace. Look for fish and crabs in the clear sea water, or search for manatees bobbing through the water as they graze for sea grass. Watch as hungry cormorant birds dive for fish or just enjoy the scenic surrounds as you glide through the water.
The Ted Sperling Park runs guided kayaking tours daily, or you could rent a kayak and set off on your own mangrove adventure. Tours and rentals by private operators are also easy to arrange.
地址： 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Kayak tours through the mangroves
3. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
The house that the circus built
适合： 历史, 照片, 与众不同
Found in the former home of famed circus entrepreneur John Ringling and his wife, the collection at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a true treasure trove. It features antiquities and Asian art, more than 300 paintings by Old Master artists, plus thousands of circus art pieces and artifacts.
Entry tickets include admission to both the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum, and to the stunning Bayfront Gardens. Stroll through the impeccable rose gardens, or pay a bit extra for a tour inside Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the 56-room Venetian Gothic palace that was once the Ringlings’ winter home.
地址： 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
开放时间 Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm
电话： +1 941-359-5700
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
A serene escape with koi ponds and shaded walkways
适合： 情侣/夫妇, 照片
With the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ tens of thousands of plants and trees spread over 15 acres, you could spend hours just wandering around in awe. Take in the fresh scented air and floral scenery, get lost in the tropical conservatory, butterfly garden or bamboo garden or set the kids loose in the children’s rainforest garden.
You’ll also find a rich variety of epiphyte species including ferns, bromeliads and orchids, all those sneaky plants that latch onto trees or other plants in order to thrive.
地址： 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
开放时间 Daily 10 am to 5 pm
电话： +1 941-366-5731
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
5. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Three-in-one: A museum, an aquarium and a planetarium
适合： 历史, 照片
Whether you’re into astronomy, archeology, or aquatic life, you’ll find something of interest at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Found in downtown Bradenton, just 12 miles (20 km)away from Sarasota, the museum’s exhibits give you an engaging look at the natural and cultural history of Florida dating back to prehistoric times.
After greeting the (long dead, skeletal) Mastodon, you could check out the (live, swimming) manatees at the attached aquarium. Then stay to watch one of the awe-inspiring shows in the Bishop Planetarium that’ll take you to the stars, around distant planets and across lunar landscapes.
地址： 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205, USA
开放时间 Hours vary by season
电话： +1 941-746-4131
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
6. The Legacy Trail
Cycling to Venice on converted railway tracks
适合： 历史, 冒险, 照片
Learn more about Sarasota’s history as you ride along this historic trail built on a network of century-old railway lines that fell into disuse in the 21st century. Starting at Palmer Ranch in Sarasota, the 10 miles (17 km) paved trail takes you over bridges and through scenic landscapes south to Venice, Florida.
Along the way you’ll find roof-covered rest areas with benches, informative signs about the railroads and local history, and an assortment of wildlife including eagles, butterflies, snakes and squirrels. Bicycle rentals are available at shops in both Sarasota and Venice. Walkers and joggers are welcome to use the trail, too.
地址： Central Sarasota Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34238, USA
开放时间 Daily from 6 am to sunset
The Legacy Trail
7. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Ballet, comedy, live theatre, symphonies, and more
适合： 夜生活, 情侣/夫妇, 家庭
If you’re looking to get your arts and culture fix in Sarasota, don’t miss a visit to the Van Wezel. This busy performance hall hosts dozens of shows throughout the year, from Broadway musicals to comedy nights, Sarasota Ballet performances to concerts by pop, R&B or country music stars.
Don’t hesitate to bring the kids along, with Sleeping Beauty and Peter Pan among the many family-friendly shows put on here over the years. Found at the fringe of Sarasota Bay, the hall’s striking exterior design resembles a purple seashell in homage to its seaside location.
地址： 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
电话： +1 941-263-6799
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
8. Siesta Key Village
And don’t miss the drummers’ circle
适合： 购物者, 餐饮, 夜生活
While the beach is the main attraction on the barrier island of Siesta Key, you could spend a leisurely day here just exploring the village. Discover quaint shops and boutiques, go for a spa treatment or sip cocktails while relaxing at a bar. Dining choices are aplenty, with places like the Lobster Pot and Siesta Key Oyster Bar serving fresh local seafood.
Visit on a Sunday to catch the farmer’s market with tasty food and local arts and crafts for sale. Later on, head to the beach to dance on the sand at the drum circle session, which happens every Sunday an hour before sunset, just south of the main Siesta Beach pavilion between lifeguard stands 3 and 4.
Siesta Key Village
9. Columbia House
A Cuban sandwich with a fresh Sangria
适合： 餐饮, 历史, 照片
The long-running restaurant Columbia House will tempt you with tapas and tasty Spanish fare in a vibrant Mediterranean style setting. A must-try menu item includes the Cuban sandwich: a sandwich of roasted pork, ham, and cheese unique to Florida borne from its immigrant Cuban community.
Complement your sandwich with Columbia’s signature 1905 salad, prepared tableside with the family owner’s secret dressing. Dine inside to escape the heat or sip a refreshing mojito or sangria at an outdoor table on the patio. Walk off your meal afterwards with a browse through the shops and art galleries of St Armand’s Circle.
地址： 411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
开放时间 Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
电话： +1 941-388-3987
Columbia House
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