Sarasota is a nature lover’s playground with the Gulf of Mexico at its doorstep . The biggest attraction is the collection of spectacular white-sand beaches, but you’ll also find mysterious mangroves and sprawling parks to explore. 

This seaside city of around 50,000 is also a hive of cultural activity, with its live theatre shows, art galleries, symphonies, museums, bustling restaurants and nightlife spots. Once the headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus, vestiges of the Ringling family’s fortune remain in Sarasota through their palatial properties and art collections they amassed that are now on public display. If you’re planning a visit to Sarasota and wondering what to see and do, here are 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

    Lido Key Beach
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    Pitch your umbrella, roll out your beach blanket, and get ready for some sea-breezy rest and relaxation at this idyllic white-sand beach 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.  

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  • 2

    Kayak tours through the mangroves

    Discover a coastal labyrinth of twisty trees

    Kayak tours through the mangroves
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    Imagine paddling through a maze of 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 comorant birds dive for fish or just enjoy the scenic surrounds as you glide through the water. 

    The park runs 2-hour guided kayaking tours daily at 10am and 1.30pm, 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. 

    Locatie: Ted Sperling Park, Lido Key, 190 Taft Drive, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Telefoonnummer: +1 941 302 2677 (for park-run tours)

    foto door SURFit (CC BY 2.0) bewerkt

  • 3

    The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

    See the house that the circus built

    The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
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    Found in the former home of famed circus entrepreneur John Ringling and his wife Mable, this art and culture collection features antiquities and Asian art, more than 300 paintings by Old Master artists, plus thousands of circus art pieces and artefacts. 

    Entry tickets of about $25 for adults include guided tours of both the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum, which are given through the day. 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.

    Locatie: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Openingstijden: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm (Thursday until 8 pm)

    Telefoonnummer: +1 941 359 5700

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  • 4

    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

    A serene escape with koi ponds and shaded walkways

    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
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    With the gardens’ tens of thousands of plants and trees spread over 15 acres, you could spend hours just wandering around taking 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. Entry fees are about $20, with discounts available for children and groups of 10 or more.

    Locatie: 900 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Openingstijden: Daily 10 am to 5 pm

    Telefoonnummer: +1 941 366 5731

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  • 5

    South Florida Museum

    See stars in the planetarium

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    Whether you’re into astronomy, archaeology or aquatic life, you’ll find something of interest at the South Florida Museum. Found in downtown Bradenton, just 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) Mastadon, 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.

    Locatie: 201 10th Street W, Bradenton, Florida

    Openingstijden: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Sundays from 12 noon to 5 pm.

    Telefoonnummer: +1 941 746 4131

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    foto door Southfloridamuseum (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

  • 6

    The Legacy Trail

    Cycle to Venice on converted railway tracks

    The Legacy Trail
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    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 17 km paved trail takes you over bridges and through scenic landscapes south to Venice. 

    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. 

    foto door Sanibel sun (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt

  • 7

    Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

    Enjoy ballet, comedy, live theatre, symphonies and more

    Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
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    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. 

    Locatie: 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Telefoonnummer: 1 941 953 3368

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  • 8

    Siesta Key Village

    And don't miss the drummers' circle

    Siesta Key Village
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    While the beach is the main attraction on the barrier island of Siesta Key, you could spend a leisurely day in the village exploring its shops, going for a spa treatment or sipping cocktails while relaxing at a bar. There's no shortage of dining choices, too, 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 from 5pm to 10pm.

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  • 9

    Columbia House

    A Cuban sandwich with a fresh Sangria

    Columbia House
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    This long-running restaurant 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.   

    Locatie: 411 St Armand’s Circle, Sarasota, Florida, USA

    Openingstijden: Lunch daily from 11 am to 4:00 pm; Dinner from 4 pm to 10 pm (Fridays and Saturdays open till 11 pm)

    Telefoonnummer: +1 941 388 3987

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    foto door jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0) bewerkt

Lana Willocks | Schrijver