Searching for a enjoyable and reasonably priced getaway within the sunny metropolis of Sarasota? You’re in luck!
I commissioned this visitor publish from Wayne Kask, a neighborhood, so that you’re in nice palms with these concepts together with numerous hidden gems, on your go to.
Sarasota makes an ideal Florida spring break possibility, a weekend away (relying on the place you’re coming from!), or keep for every week!
Positioned in Sarasota County on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about an hour’s drive south of Tampa, Sarasota is famend for its white sand seashores and plentiful wildlife. However this metropolis has rather more to supply.
From sightseeing to cultural actions, nature walks to out of doors recreation, this metropolis won’t ever disappoint.
On this publish, we’ll dive into a few of the free sights and actions in Sarasota that you simply shouldn’t miss. Let’s go!
1. Sarasota Pier
Sarasota Pier is a well-liked landmark for locals and vacationers visiting in Florida. Positioned within the coronary heart of town, it’s an ideal place to unwind and absorb some incredible views.
The pier stretches out over Sarasota Bay and presents gorgeous views of the waterfront, together with boats and marine life. It’s the good spot for a romantic sundown and soaking within the picturesque surroundings of the shoreline and wildlife.
You can too get pleasure from some actions like fishing, strolling alongside the boardwalk. Should you get hungry, you’ll be able to absolutely seize a chew at one of many many cafes and eating places close to the pier.
2. Ringling Museum of Artwork and Bayfront Gardens
Free admission on Mondays. Should you’re in search of a novel cultural expertise in Sarasota, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork and Bayfront Gardens is ideal for you.
This museum is a treasure trove for artwork and historical past lovers. You may discover a set of greater than 28,000 works starting from Western and non-Western artworks from completely different intervals.
One of many highlights right here is visiting the gorgeous Bayfront Gardens. The gardens consist of lovely strolling paths with varied vegetation for a scenic stroll. You’ll additionally discover gorgeous sculptures and fountains that add to the peaceable environment.
3. Siesta Key Seashore
Siesta Key Seashore, positioned six miles south of Sarasota on the southwest coast of Florida. It’s in style for locals and vacationers due to its white sands and clear blue waters.
It has additionally been ranked because the 2nd finest seaside within the US in 2023 by Tripadvisor’s Vacationers Selection Awards. It’s a fantastic place to loosen up, take in the solar and luxuriate in quite a lot of enjoyable actions together with enjoying volleyball or letting your youngsters play on the playground at Siesta Seashore Public Pavillion.
At evening, you’ll be able to chill and hearken to the Siesta Key Drum Circle as they play energetic beats and music each Sunday on the seaside.
4. Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is a well-liked spot to go for a stroll or jog in Sarasota providing a wonderful view of town and island.
Other than its extensive space, it additionally has fascinating chairs to sit down and loosen up on whereas watching the boats and having fun with the sundown. This pet-friendly park in Sarasota presents a bunch of actions on your pets (when you’ve got one) to mess around. They also have a water fountain for canines on leashes.
It’s a good spot for nature lovers to discover on foot and go for a stroll. You may undoubtedly purchase some drinks at one of many tiki bars whereas having fun with the attractive view of boats and birds perched within the harbor bay.
5. Farmers Market
Among the finest locations to go to, the Sarasota Farmer’s Market in Downtown Sarasota can also be a must-visit and really straightforward to get to.
What makes this market particular is the recent agricultural produce from the native farmers in Sarasota.
Other than the native produce and wonderful meals, this market additionally presents the very best leisure in Sarasota, the place you’ll get to expertise reside music whereas looking for nice native finds.
Don’t neglect to take a look at the completely different shops and cubicles for memento purchasing and attempting out some native meals.
The Farmers Market is on Saturdays, has free admission, and is open from 7am to 1pm. Go early if you wish to beat the gang.
6. Sarasota Artwork Museum
Free second Sunday of the month. Should you’re a fan of contemporary artwork, this gem in Sarasota is for you!
The Ringling Artwork Museum is the primary modern artwork museum in Sarasota that focuses on the works of up to date artists.
Guests will get the possibility to see provocative artwork shows and take part in an academic initiative to study extra in regards to the that means and inventive tradition of town.
You will discover lovely artwork exhibitions and sculptures on this 15,000 sq. ft museum. The galleries are closed each Tuesday, however you’ll be able to undoubtedly hang around at their Bistro, or purchase some artwork souvenirs on the museum store.
Should you don’t wish to spend on admission tickets, the museum is free to all guests each second Sunday of the month.
7. Hen Key Park
One other well-known location in Sarasota is Hen Key Park, positioned on the John Ringling Causeway midway between Sarasota and Lido Key.
This newly renovated park is surrounded by lovely palm timber, stone balls, and plenty of benches so that you can loosen up whereas having fun with the attractive surroundings of the bay. It’s a good spot to benefit from the wildlife and breathtaking views of Sarasota.
This place is a favourite spot to go for a stroll and jog for a lot of locals. You can too take your youngsters on the youngsters’s playground and reap the benefits of the park’s picnic areas. They’re additionally pet-friendly so be at liberty to deliver your pets!
This park is unquestionably free and so they have an enormous parking zone for those who wish to deliver your individual automotive.
8. Siesta Key Rum Distillery
I you’re within the temper to study in regards to the historical past and the rum-making course of in Sarasota, then it is best to go to the Siesta Key Rum Distillery.
I can say that their hand-crafted rums are good, and that’s why many vacationers and guests come to this place to style and drink world-class rum within the metropolis.
You should buy your individual bottle on the Reward store or go for a tour for a enjoyable and academic rum expertise.
Other than the rum itself, among the finest issues in visiting this distillery is that the tasting and excursions are fully free! You simply must register on their web site first to be accessible for the free tour.
The Tasting Room is open from Monday to Saturday at 10am to 5pm.
9. St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is an outside mall in Sarasota is a superb place to be if you wish to spend a day strolling and going purchasing on the island of Sarasota.
Positioned on St. Armand’s Key simply throughout the John Ringling Bridge, this round purchasing heart is residence to high-end boutiques and leisure.
With over 100 shops to select from, you can see distinctive gadgets from luxurious to funds. You can too see the view of the coast from right here whereas being surrounded by lush inexperienced parks and vegetation!
This out of doors mall is definitely huge so that you may wish to make a cease at one of many eating places to eat and drink.
10. Sapphire Shores Park
This 80-acre waterfront park is one other hidden gem in Sarasota. Sapphire Shores Park is a wonderful vacation spot for out of doors fanatics, who wish to benefit from the breathtaking views of the Sarasota Bay and take a look at some completely different actions.
You may take your loved ones and children out to go for a picnic on the playground. Or go for a stroll across the park together with your pets!
This place can also be a preferred location to catch colourful sunsets within the metropolis.
11. Anna Maria Island Seashores
Anna Maria Island boasts a few of the most lovely seashores in all of Sarasota, making it a must-visit vacation spot for seaside lovers.
Anna Maria Island seashores are an idyllic setting for a day of solar and rest with crystal-clear waters and sugary white sands, it’s the good place to be for a tremendous seaside day in Florida.
A few of the most lovely seashores right here embody Coquina Seashore, Holmes Seashore, Public Manatee Seashore, and Bean Level.
Should you get fortunate, you’ll witness some dolphins on the bay facet of the seashores. Moreover, Anna Maria Island presents quite a lot of eating places and bars the place you’ll be able to bask in scrumptious seafood whereas having fun with the scenic view of the ocean.
12. Lakewood Ranch
Should you ever end up round Sarasota on a Wednesday, ensure that to go to Lakewood Ranch – a wonderful master-planned neighborhood.
As a neighborhood, I extremely advocate trying out the Ranch Nite Wednesday on the Waterside Place which takes place seasonally in Lakewood Ranch.
This leisure occasion is ideal for households and people alike, as there are numerous actions like reside music, and leisure exhibits from native artists. You can too attempt some meals on the weekly evening market from completely different avenue distributors.
Don’t neglect to deliver your urge for food as a result of there are many scrumptious choices!
13. Turtle Seashore
Turtle Seashore is a well-known nesting floor for sea turtles, the place they lay their eggs every year on the barrier of the seashores.
Should you’re in search of a extra laid-back, much less crowded expertise in Sarasota, then Turtle Seashore is a superb possibility. Positioned on the south finish of Siesta Key, Turtle Seashore presents a quiet and peaceable environment.
Along with the pristine vibe, Turtle Seashore additionally presents gorgeous surroundings and the very best wildlife alternative expertise in Sarasota.
14. Free Occasions At The Bay
Located on the coronary heart of Downtown Sarasota, The Bay is among the finest public parks in Sarasota that provides the very best free leisure and sundown views.
Whether or not you’re a neighborhood or simply visiting, the free occasions each Sunday at The Bay the place you’ll be able to expertise native out of doors music and performances in Sarasota Bay.
Relying on the day, you’ll be able to expertise reside music live shows, Latin occasions & festivals, and even a film evening. You can too guide your self to a yoga class and different health applications for those who like.
15. Payne Park
Payne Park in Sarasota is a wonderful and vibrant public house that provides tons of actions for individuals of all ages. From wonderful strolling pathways to playgrounds, basketball courts to a skate park, Payne Park is the proper place to benefit from the sunshine and spend high quality time with your loved ones and pals!
The circus-themed playground makes Payne Park a novel and enjoyable vacation spot for teenagers. It’s full with slides, swings, and climbing sights appropriate for all youngsters.
You may reap the benefits of the lengthy pathway to go for a stroll and run. It is usually an ideal location for picnics, the place you could find loads of picnic tables and benches to make use of. For a extra enjoyable expertise, you too can go to the Café and luxuriate in some meals, drinks, and reside music on Fridays.
16. Lido Key Seashore
You won’t wish to depart Sarasota with out visiting the well-known Lido Key Seashore. It’s simply one of the crucial lovely seashores in Sarasota, and maybe even on the Gulf Coast.
The pristine sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and the gorgeous panoramic view is to die for. This lovely seaside is a perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, and water actions like kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s additionally a preferred spot for shelling, dolphin-watching, and crusing.
If you wish to lengthen your trip, there are a number of resorts and resorts located on the seaside which provide unbeatable views of the sundown.
17. Robinson Protect
Positioned in northwest Bradenton, Robinson Protect is a wide ranging nature reserve that sprawls over 600+ acres of coastal habitat, together with marshes and mangroves.
This coastal refuge presents guests a novel alternative to discover and admire the fantastic thing about Florida’s marine ecosystem whereas partaking out of doors actions.
You may take a hike, go for a protracted stroll, or paddle via the mangrove tunnels in a canoe or kayak.
18. Nathan Benderson Park
One other distinctive leisure spot in Sarasota that gives public for all guests is Nathan Benderson Park. This synthetic park is surrounded by a 400-acre lake and offers a wonderful venue for out of doors excursions like kayaking and paddleboarding.
The park is famend for its beautiful bike trails and hosted a number of worldwide rowing competitions in Florida. It has additionally change into a preferred vacation spot for each locals and vacationers who like to go working or simply merely go for a stroll on the lengthy paved and shell trails.
19. Bradenton Riverwalk
Positioned in Downtown Bradenton, the Riverwalk is among the most lovely areas in Sarasota that it is best to go to.
This picturesque park is located proper alongside the Manatee River and options gorgeous views. You can too see a number of distinctive artwork installations each third Sunday of the month from native artisans.
The boardwalk can also be an ideal place for strolling and biking whereas having fun with the view of various yachts and boats within the bay. Alongside the wharf, you’ll be able to attempt some fishing or simply loosen up on the concrete lounges whereas studying a guide. You can too discover plenty of restaurant choices close by.
20. Historic Downtown Venice
Should you’re as much as exploring the historic areas of Sarasota, you’ll want to take a look at the Historic Downtown Venice down Venice Ave in Florida.
Historic Downtown Venice is an enthralling and vibrant space in Sarasota that provides a mixture of historical past, tradition, and leisure. That includes lovely structure, quaint retailers, and vibrant parks and inexperienced areas, you’re going to get to expertise a few of the outdated Florida environment.
Lower than a mile away, it’s possible you’ll go to Venice Seashore the place you’ll be able to stroll the shorelines and uncover enjoyable details about why Venice, Florida the Shark Tooth capital of the world.
21. Nokomis Public Seashore
Located on Casey Street in Florida, Nokomis Public Seashore presents loads of free actions for each customer to get pleasure from. Also referred to as the oldest public seaside in Florida, Nokomis Public Seashore is ideal for swimming and rest.
The perfect half right here is you’ll not discover any main institutions and pier throughout the seaside which retains a extra pristine vibe. You can too get pleasure from some enjoyable actions like kayaking, picnicking, enjoying volleyball, and fishing.
22. Ringling Causeway Bridge
Crossing the Ringling Causeway Bridge in Sarasota is a should if you wish to see the gorgeous skyline views of town. Only a 7-minute drive away from St. Armands Circle, this causeway attracts a protracted checklist of historical past since 1925 when it was first opened.
Now that it has been improved and modernized, the strolling bridge can also be finest for many who wish to train and benefit from the scenic views of Sarasota.
23. College City Heart Occasions
The College City Heart is a hub of exercise and pleasure, providing varied occasions in Sarasota. You may get pleasure from reside music live shows, artwork reveals, health courses, and extra on this lovely mall in Sarasota.
Go for a stroll alongside the strolling trails or go for a picnic with your loved ones and pals at one of many many inexperienced areas. Additionally, you will discover an array of shops and eating choices to attempt as you go for a leisurely stroll.
24. Anna Maria Pier
Whereas Anna Maria Island has a few of the finest seashores in Florida, the Anna Maria Pier presents the very best views of Tampa Bay and Sunshine Skyway Bridge alongside the attractive shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico.
This 700 foot-long landmark in Anna Maria Seashore is an ideal place to loosen up and luxuriate in some sightseeing actions. The Pier can also be a favourite spot for anglers, with its plentiful number of fish. You may stroll across the pier or deliver your individual fishing gear and take a look at your luck at catching some fish. Additionally don’t neglect to observe the spectacular sundown from the pier!
25. Bridge Avenue Pier and Retailers- Bradenton Seashore
Positioned within the charming city of Bradenton Seashore, Bridge Avenue Pier and Retailers is a superb place to catch the dawn and take lovely snaps of the harbor and sailboats.
The view across the pier with completely different birds is not going to disappoint! You should definitely take photographs of the pelicans on the railing.
It’s one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do on this barrier island and an ideal place to buy souvenirs together with native artwork, handmade jewellery, and seaside attire.
You can too discover close by bars and eating places with superior eating choices and a vibrant nightlife. Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Bridge Tender alongside Bridge Avenue are a few of the finest eating places in Anna Maria Island.
26. Level of Rocks
Level of Rocks is a hidden gem in Sarasota that provides an ideal view of the seaside with loads of birds and marine wildlife.
Positioned on the opposite finish of Crescent Seashore in Siesta Key, this small stretch of shoreline options distinctive rock formations that jut out into the water.
Stroll across the wall and be amazed on the lovely view and tide swimming pools. You may usually see pelicans and herons perched on the rocks. In addition to crabs, clams, sea urchins, and even small sharks. Totally different actions await together with snorkeling, and dolphin and manatee watching.
Steadily Requested Questions
What’s Sarasota Florida finest recognized for?
Sarasota, Florida is finest recognized for its gorgeous seashores, cultural arts scene, and vibrant downtown space. Sarasota is the house to a few of the nation’s breathtaking seashores together with Siesta Key, Lido Seashore, and Longboat Key Seashore. It’s additionally well-known for its wildlife and pure magnificence, with alternatives for chicken and dolphin watching.
Is Sarasota costly?
Sure, Sarasota Florida will be thought of barely costly in comparison with different cities in america. Nevertheless, it presents many free sights and actions that everybody can get pleasure from with out breaking the financial institution.
Is Sarasota a walkable city?
Positively! Sarasota is a walkable city with loads of sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and exquisite scenic areas to discover on foot.
When is the very best time to go to Sarasota Florida?
The perfect time to go to Sarasota is within the Spring, between the months of March via Might. The probabilities of rain are little and the climate is gentle, good for many who wish to soak within the solar and seashores of Sarasota.
Concerning the author: Wayne is a journey blogger and creator of At all times On The Shore. He loves to write down about the very best sights, eating places, and resorts in Florida and the southeastern U.S. When he’s not writing, he’s working open air, spending time with household, or planning his subsequent journey.
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