fun things to do in sarasota

Sarasota, Florida, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural scene, and exciting outdoor activities. Here are some fun things to do in Sarasota:

Beaches and Water Activities:

1. Siesta Key Beach: Famous for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
2. Lido Beach: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in this beautiful beach.
3. St. Armands Circle: An upscale shopping and dining area surrounded by beautiful beaches.
4. Kayak or Paddleboard Tours: Explore the waters of Sarasota Bay and surrounding mangrove tunnels.

Cultural Attractions:

1. The Ringling: A museum complex featuring art, circus, and cultural exhibits.
2. Sarasota Museum of Art: Showcases modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
3. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and events.
4. The Sarasota Opera: Performs classical operas and musicals.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Emerson Point Preserve: A scenic nature preserve with hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens, featuring a variety of plant species and a children’s rainforest garden.
3. Oscar Scherer State Park: Offers camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities.
4. Sarasota Bayfront: A scenic area perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking.

Food and Drink:

1. The Old Salty Dog: A casual beachside restaurant famous for its signature drink, the Salty Dog.
2. St. Armands Circle Restaurants: Enjoy upscale dining at one of the many restaurants in this area.
3. Sarasota Food Tours: Explore the city’s culinary scene on a guided tour.
4. Local Breweries: Visit Sarasota’s craft breweries, such as Sarasota Brewing Company or Sarasota Brewing Culture.

Family-Friendly Activities:

1. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Features marine life exhibits, a shark encounter, and a sea lion exhibit.
2. Sarasota Jungle Gardens: A wildlife sanctuary with a petting zoo, animal exhibits, and a playground.
3. Celery Fields: A scenic park with hiking trails, bird-watching, and picnic areas.
4. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary: A sanctuary for rescued big cats and other exotic animals.

These are just a few of the many fun things to do in Sarasota. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city!