If you're a lover of the circus, when you think of Sarasota, Florida, Ringling Bros.
might be one of the first things that come to your mind.
Indeed, the founder, John Ringling, made warm and sunny Sarasota the spot where the Ringling
circus set up camp for the winter way back in 1927.
Fast forward to this century, and many of the best things to do in Sarasota revolve
around what the Ringling family created in the area.
This includes the famed John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Ca' d'Zan.
For those not into the circuses of yesteryear or today, there’s still plenty to do in
Sarasota, Florida.
If you love nature adventures, head out to Myakka River State Park, one of the oldest
and largest parks in the state.
There are a bunch of outstanding beaches with soft white sand to swim at or lounge around
reading a book on (we recommend Lido and Siesta).
Kids and parents alike will love educational spots like Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Oh, and don’t forget all the top-class Sarasota golf courses to choose from!
If you’re looking for things to do in Sarasota, or you’re curious to see if it’s the spot
for your next American vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season
destination.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art was founded by the same family that created the
famed Ringling Bros. Circus.
In the 1920s, the circus chose Sarasota to over-winter due to the warm weather, and that’s
where the Ringling family ended up calling home.
Over the years, John and Mable Ringling amassed a massive personal art collection of Greek
and Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance art, all of which is now on display at the museum.
The grounds are equally gorgeous, with courtyards featuring bronze cast statues, classical fountains,
and stunning views over Sarasota Bay.
Lido Beach
Are you eager to get some sand, sun, and surf while on vacation in Sarasota?
There are numerous beaches along the coastline, but one of the most accessible—yet still
lovely—is Lido Beach.
It's located just 5 miles from the city center and boasts a 3,000 feet long beach full of
the soft, white sand and warm waters Florida is known for.
Head there for sunbathing, shell hunting, and swimming—the calm waters are great for
kids.
There's lots of free parking, a gift shop, and picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch
on.
Are you looking for more deep dives into what to see and do at the most exciting vacation
spots across America and the world?
Then, be sure to like and share this video–for the algorithms, you know–and subscribe to
our channel for more just like it.
Hit the notifications bell to see the freshest videos right when they’re uploaded.
Sarasota Farmers Market
If you’re a passionate foodie or dedicated locavore, keep your Saturday mornings free
for a visit to the Sarasota Farmers Market.
Hold off on breakfast because this is the perfect spot to grab eats as you wander the
stalls of cooked foods, locally grown fruit and vegetables, handcrafted dairy products,
jams and preserves, and so much more.
You could even shop for a delicious Saturday night dinner while you’re there.
And it’s not all about the fresh produce, either.
There are all kinds of locally made arts and crafts to purchase, too.
Sarasota Golf Courses
While Sarasota might not be top of your list when it comes to Florida golf getaway locations,
it’s not short of quality courses.
In fact, the area is home to courses that date back to the early 20th century!
Easy-access public clubs include Tatum Ridge Golf Links and Bobby Jones Golf Club, the
latter of which was founded way back in 1927.
If you’re keen to pay for a membership, you can head to pretty private clubs like
Sara Bay Country Club, The Founders Golf Club, and TPC Prestancia.
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park has the distinct honor of being one of the oldest and largest parks
in the entire state of Florida.
There are close to 40 miles of walking trails and numerous mountain bike trails that lead
you through an astonishingly diverse range of classic Florida habitats—from boggy wetlands
to grass-covered prairies.
There’s also a river and not one but two lakes to explore on a kayak, canoe, or one
of the famed Florida airboats.
Amateur and experienced anglers can also head there to catch their dinner.
The Crowley Museum & Nature Center
If you’re looking to get a bit of education for the kids into your Sarasota vacation,
plan to spend a day at The Crowley Museum and Nature Center.
You’ll learn what it would have been like to live in Florida between 500 BC and 1650
AD, understand more about the pioneer lifestyle in the area, learn about sustainable agricultural
methods, including gardening and spearfishing, and head out for a spot of birdwatching.
If you really want to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life, book a guided primitive
camping adventure for the whole family.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Laboratory & Aquarium is located just 5 miles from downtown Sarasota, and it’s
the perfect place to spend half a day learning about the aquatic life of Florida.
Highlights include the nine highly informative oceanic exhibits, two of which are interactive,
and an enormous shark tank.
There’s a restaurant on-site, as well as a gift shop, so it’s a great place to grab
lunch and shop for unique souvenirs.
This aquarium is on the smaller side and can get busy, so aim to get there early or visit
on the weekdays to avoid the crowds.
There’s an admission fee of around $20 for adults (children cost less), and the on-site
parking is free.
Siesta Beach and Key
We already mentioned Lido Beach, but Siesta Beach and Siesta Key are other local favorites
to add to your travel itinerary.
Believe it or not, the sand on Siesta Beach doesn’t get hot from the sun!
Apparently, it’s because it’s made from pure quartz that washes down from the nearby
Appalachian mountains.
So it’s a perfect spot for those with sensitive feet or families with young kids.
The beach is dotted with colorful lifeguard huts—there to keep swimmers safe—and there
are shaded parking spots beneath the pine trees.
In the summer, there are craft markets and food stalls to keep your belly and your need
for souvenirs satisfied.
Ca' d'Zan
Ca’ d’Zan was once home to John and Mable Ringling, and as such, it sits right opposite
the stately John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Architecture buffs will be keen to admire the mansion’s Venetian Gothic-style architecture
and carefully crafted interiors, including a marble terrace looking out over Sarasota
Bay, a roof made from 16th-century Spanish tiles, and even an 82-foot-high domed tower!
You can choose from a short or extended tour, with ticket prices starting at around $30.
St. Armands Circle
If you think that St. Armands Circle is a simple shopping and restaurant spot, think
again.
For starters, there are over 130 shops in the complex, all arranged in a convenient
circular fashion, perfect for vacation window shopping.
There are several salons where you can get everything from massages to your nails done,
and with around twenty diverse eateries, you won’t be short on lunch or dinner spots,
either.
John Ringling of Ringling Bros. Fame designed the Circle, so there’s a Circus Ring of
Fame featuring the names of legendary circus performers, and Italian sculptures are dotted
around the place—many sourced directly from the Ringling collection.
Sarasota Trolley Tours
Are you keen to learn about the history and attractions of Sarasota while relaxing?
Then jump on a trolley tour!
The cute vintage trolleys travel around the city for about 90 minutes, passing by hot
spots like downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle, Gillespie Park, and Siesta Keys.
You’ll get a narrated history from the knowledgeable drivers, replete with insider knowledge, local
gossip, and a few jokes.
Some tours let you hop off and on to experience each spot in person, too.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Anyone with a green thumb will enjoy a tour of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
The gardens are named after local amateur yet passionate gardener Marie Selby and were
opened in 1975 following her passing.
She was an enthusiastic grower of epiphytes, which are plants that grow on trees in the
forest canopy, so you can expect to see a lot of rare and exciting plants like orchids
and ferns.
There’s also an educational rainforest garden for children, a tranquil butterfly garden
planted with flowers that attract our fluttery friends, and a mangrove forest boardwalk.
Howey Mansion
Another historic Sarasota home worth stopping by for a look is Howey Mansion.
This elegant home was built at the height of the Art Deco era by William J. Howey, a
pivotal figure in the Central Florida citrus industry.
Interestingly, it was designed by one of the few women architects working at the time:
Katherine Cotheal Budd.
She typically designed more utilitarian buildings, so this is one of the only surviving examples
of her residential work.
Today, the mansion is home to The Players Theater and is also open to the public for
limited one-hour tours.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum
The Sarasota Classic Car Museum has been a tourist staple in the area for decades.
In fact, it’s the second oldest antique car museum in America!
In the main exhibition space, there are more than 70 genre-smashing cars dating from the
turn of the 20th century to today.
There are also temporary exhibitions focusing on certain brands or designers.
In 2021, for example, they showcased vehicles crafted by car design masters Ferdinand Porsche
and Enzo Ferrari.
The museum is open every day, and tickets are affordable enough to take the whole family.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Sarasota?
Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed?
Debate the not-to-be-missed areas and share your secret scenic spots in the comment section
below.
If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation channel and
subscribe.
Hit that notification bell while you’re there.
Oh, and don’t forget to give this video a thumbs up and share it with your friends
and family.