Things to Do in Sarasota

Things to Do in Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Attractions

Things to Do in Sarasota

Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Ringling, St. Armands Circle, Kayaking Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sarasota.

Top Attractions in Sarasota

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Elegant shopping and dining area with high-end boutiques, fine restaurants, and scenic views. Features a variety of unique stores, a relaxing park, and proximity to white-sanded beach.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Botanical garden with diverse tropical plants and historical significance. Features Orchid House, butterfly garden, children's area, and serene bay views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Wildlife haven with diverse trails for hiking and birdwatching, featuring a canopy walk and observation tower. Enjoy nature's serenity on a scenic boat tour or tram ride through the park.
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White sand beach with relaxing waves and space for shelling, complemented by a groomed coastline and shuttle service to nearby shopping and dining. Ideal for a serene beach day.
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Historic mansion showcasing ornate architecture, bay views, and a blend of cultural exhibits including a circus museum and Italian-inspired gardens.
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Sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and humane care of exotic animals, providing interactive encounters and educational shows. Enjoy close-up views of lions, tigers, and a petting zoo.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Charming beachside village teeming with shops, dining, and bars amidst white quartz sands. Features live music, romantic vibes, family-friendly spots, and a free trolley for easy exploration.
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Art and whimsy converge in this museum with a collection of indoor and outdoor pieces, sculptures, and orchids, providing a tranquil and colorful ambiance for art enthusiasts.
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Interactive animal park with hands-on flamingo feeding, lush gardens, and engaging wildlife shows. Ideal for family visits and bird enthusiasts.
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Central ballpark renowned for spring training games, panoramic views, and Orioles-themed ambiance, complete with private picnic areas and a classic barbecue spot.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • starbar2015
    Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit if you’re in other Sarasota area.
    Staff are super friendly and very informative.
    The history of The Ringling/Barnum and Bailey Circus is explored throughout the museum with lots of interesting exhibits.
    The Howard Bros miniature circus is a spectacle in itself.
    The on site art museum is also worth making the time to see.
    Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene we were not able to tour inside the
    Ca' d'Zan but it still looked wonderful from the outside.
    The views from the Bayfront garden are beautiful.
    Written October 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zoe C
    Leeds, UK108 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Staying at the nearby Lido Beach resort so this was an easy walk or shuttle ride for us. Came here each night of our stay and found it to have a good choice of restaurants and bars. The shops were also nice to browse and seem to have a good selection of clothes and gifts.
    There is a good vibe here in the evening with musicians playing and lots of people taking a walk around. There are several statues to look at and the area is very clean and has lots of colourful flowers making it attractive. Worth a visit and there seems to be a lot of (paid) parking available if you’re coming from further afield.
    Written July 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • debbi12328
    Southampton, UK104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We come here every visit. These people are amazing for the work they're doing for the planet. It is wonderful to look at the wildlife, learn and see what these wonderful people are doing to help and protect the wildlife. They are currently introducing a manatee to the two others. We did not get to see him yet as he has his hasn't got his beach bod ready :))
    Bring your children to this place it is purely wonderful.
    Written September 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Willie
    Cloverdale, IN40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful place for a relaxing and informative walk through rainforest garden setting. It was especially fun to be guided by a snowy egret who was stalking lizards!
    Written August 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MoverShakerUSA
    Los Angeles, CA368 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A recent hurricane has flooded ALL the trails and the skywalk. Basically you can have access to the main road, but all the scenery is mostly flooded and the water is moving pretty quick so you won’t see any alligators. So you’re paying six dollars to drive down a 4 mile road with trees. I would suggest calling to see when the waters have resided enough for all the trails to open so that you know you’ll have a great time.
    Written August 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TNamiotka
    Orlando, FL1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Staff is exceptional, accommodations are excellent! Restaurant is amazing. Been here numerous times.
    Written September 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KCx4
    39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Cà d'Zan is a must see if you are in the Sarasota area. It’s an architectural wonder where no expense was spared.

    We opted for the private tour so we could see the entire home. For a family of 4, this is quite pricey. Most folks will not opt for this. We chose to, since it’s a part of family history.

    It will be one of the most interesting homes tours you could take, especially due to the grandeur of the build for the circus magnate.

    The property also has an art museum, circus museum, ample vegetation (many exotic), and even a Starbucks.

    It’s amazing to see the what was accomplished in the emerging city of Sarasota in the early 1900s. Sarasota and the surrounding barrier islands have a rich history of art and architecture, likely stemming from this project and those involved in it.

    If the back patio or windows look familiar, that is because this was the home of Miss Havisham in the 1998 film Great Expectations.
    Written August 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurie L
    Holbrook, MA14 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were visiting the Clearwater area and wanted to take a drive so I picked the Big Cat Habitat as an activity. I was a cool experience. No-one likes to see animals caged and for some reason us humans love to see animals and I guess this is the only way that is economical to do. I was able to feed a brown bear and the animals are SOOO close to you. I took pictures of them and there was no zoom needed. Overall it was a good experience.
    Written September 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lovethesunnl
    St. John's, Canada397 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very vibrant area of Siesta Key with lots of shops and restaurants. Easily accessible from Sarasota and the southern section of Siesta Key via public transportation or several “free ride” services. When we visited we were unable to find a parking spot on Ocean Blvd and could only find a parking lot that charged $7 per hour.
    Written May 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diane K
    Venice, FL4,579 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed visiting the museum. The docents were helpful in telling you the back stories being the artwork. Something to look at everywhere you looked.
    Written May 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gailshor
    Florence, Italy6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun place to go. Butterflies house was fabulous. Nice way to spend a few hours. The birds were beautiful. Great shows. Fun
    Written June 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carolina_Traveler_7
    Charlotte127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed the Birds play Detroit at this stadium. The ushers and other staff were very friendly and helpful.
    Parking is confusing - don’t use google maps directions. Official parking is in a grassed lot on 12th street across from the stadium. Ignore google’s
    directions to go to 10th, as the neighborhood has barricaded a lot of the neighborhood streets, and you will have to go a mile or two out of the way to get back to 12th.
    The stadium concessions, parking and so on are card-only, no cash.
    There is a Boogs barbecue by the picnic tables just past the outfield, which was founded by Boog Powell, who was part of the great Orioles teams in the late 60’s/early 70’s.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to visit
  • January
    61 ºF
    Coldest month
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • February
    63 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • March
    67 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Very busy
  • April
    72 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • May
    77 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • June
    81 ºF
    16 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • July
    82 ºF
    Hottest month
    20 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • August
    82 ºF
    20 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Moderately busy
  • September
    80 ºF
    15 days of rain
    Less busy
  • October
    75 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Less busy
  • November
    69 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
  • December
    64 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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