Sarasota stands as Southwest Florida's cultural capital. The legacy of circus magnate John Ringling transformed this Gulf Coast city into an arts and culture destination rivaling much larger cities. World-class museums, professional performing arts, and stunning beaches combine with upscale dining and vibrant downtown energy. From the powdery white quartz sand of Siesta Key to the baroque splendor of the Ringling Museum, Sarasota offers sophistication without pretension.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Sarasota for 2026.
Museums & Culture
The Ringling
Florida's state art museum encompasses 66 acres of cultural treasures—the Museum of Art with its world-renowned baroque collection, the Historic Asolo Theater, Circus Museum, and Ca' d'Zan mansion. John Ringling's Venetian Gothic winter home alone justifies the visit.
- Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
- Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM (Thursday until 8 PM)
- Admission: $25 adults, $23 seniors, $5 children (6-17), free under 6
- Time needed: 3-4 hours minimum, full day to see everything
- Don't miss: Ca' d'Zan mansion, Rubens paintings, Circus Museum
- Free days: Mondays free for Florida residents
- Tip: Thursday evenings offer extended hours with music and special events
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Downtown Sarasota's living museum specializes in orchids, bromeliads, and epiphytes in a stunning bayfront setting. The historic Selby House and world-class plant collection create a peaceful retreat minutes from downtown energy.
- Address: 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $26 adults, $13 children (4-17)
- Best for: Plant lovers, photographers, peaceful strolls
- Don't miss: Tropical Conservatory, orchid collection, bay views
- Events: Holiday lights in December, art exhibitions
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Working marine research facility with public aquarium showcasing sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and Gulf marine life. Touch tanks and interactive exhibits engage all ages while supporting genuine scientific research.
- Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $24 adults, $19 children (4-12)
- Best for: Families, marine life enthusiasts
- Don't miss: Shark habitat, manatee rehabilitation, touch tanks
- Add-on: Boat tours and kayak programs available
Sarasota Art Museum
Contemporary art in the stunning Sarasota High School building—a 1926 John Ringling-funded structure reimagined for 21st-century art. Rotating exhibitions focus on contemporary and modern works.
- Address: 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Hours: Friday-Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors and students
- Best for: Contemporary art lovers, architecture fans
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Natural science museum combining local history, natural sciences, and a planetarium. The Mosaic Backyard Universe brings Florida ecosystems to life for families.
- Address: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 12-5 PM
- Admission: $22 adults, $19 seniors, $17 children
- Best for: Families, science enthusiasts
- Don't miss: Planetarium shows, manatee rehabilitation
Beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Consistently ranked America's best beach, Siesta Key's powdery white quartz sand stays cool even under the blazing Florida sun. The main beach at Siesta Village offers volleyball, concessions, and a festive atmosphere.
- Location: Beach Road, Siesta Key
- Parking: Free public lots (arrive early on weekends)
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, concessions, volleyball
- Best for: Families, beach activities, social beach-going
- Sand: 99% pure quartz—naturally cool and dazzling white
- Don't miss: Drum circle on Sunday evenings
Lido Key Beach
City-operated beach with calmer waters than Siesta Key. St. Armands Circle's shops and restaurants are just steps away, making this perfect for combining beach time with upscale browsing.
- Address: 400 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Parking: Metered parking along street, public lots
- Facilities: Restrooms, lifeguards, picnic areas
- Best for: Combining beach with shopping, calmer waters
- Nearby: St. Armands Circle (walking distance)
Turtle Beach
Quieter alternative at Siesta Key's southern end. Natural setting with good shelling and kayak access to Little Sarasota Bay.
- Address: 8918 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242
- Parking: Free lot
- Facilities: Basic restrooms, boat ramp
- Best for: Quieter beach experience, kayaking, shelling
- Tip: Less crowded than main Siesta beach
North Lido Beach
Secluded stretch north of main Lido Beach with more natural setting. Limited facilities but excellent for those seeking quieter sand.
- Access: Walking north from Lido Beach
- Best for: Solitude, shelling, natural beach experience
Crescent Beach
Siesta Key's other beach access with excellent sand quality and slightly fewer crowds than the main public beach. Close to Siesta Village restaurants.
- Location: Point of Rocks area, Siesta Key
- Best for: Good beach with slightly fewer crowds
- Notable: Point of Rocks offers interesting tide pools
Performing Arts
Van Wezel Performing Hall
The purple "seashell" on Sarasota's bayfront hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, symphony performances, and world-class acts. The distinctive architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright's successor firm makes even the building a cultural attraction.
- Address: 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Season: October-May primarily
- Events: Broadway, symphony, ballet, concerts, comedy
- Best for: Performing arts, special events
- Tip: Pre-show dining at waterfront restaurants enhances the experience
Sarasota Opera
Professional opera company performing in the beautifully restored 1926 Edwards Theatre. The Winter Opera Festival brings multiple productions each season.
- Address: 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Season: February-March Winter Festival, other performances year-round
- Best for: Opera lovers, special cultural experiences
- Quality: Internationally recognized company
Asolo Repertory Theatre
One of America's premier regional theaters producing classics and contemporary works in the Ringling complex. The FSU/Asolo Conservatory trains the next generation of professional actors.
- Address: 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
- Season: Year-round programming
- Best for: Theater lovers, serious drama
- Quality: Nationally recognized productions
Sarasota Ballet
The Gulf Coast's only professional ballet company performs classical and contemporary works. Performances at Van Wezel and other venues throughout the season.
- Season: October-May
- Best for: Ballet enthusiasts, dance lovers
- Quality: Professional company with growing national reputation
Florida Studio Theatre
Contemporary theater focusing on plays and musicals in intimate settings. Multiple stages allow diverse programming from edgy new works to cabaret.
- Address: 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Best for: Contemporary theater, intimate productions
- Venues: Multiple stages offering different experiences
Shopping & Dining Districts
St. Armands Circle
This elegant European-style shopping district features high-end boutiques, galleries, and restaurants arranged around a park-like circle. John Ringling developed the area in the 1920s, and the sophisticated ambiance remains.
- Location: St. Armands Key (via Ringling Causeway)
- Parking: Street parking and lots
- Hours: Vary by shop, generally 10 AM - 6 PM
- Dining: Columbia Restaurant, Shore, Café L'Europe, numerous others
- Best for: Upscale shopping, fine dining, evening strolls
- Don't miss: Statues around the circle, gallery browsing
Downtown Sarasota (Main Street)
Main Street's blocks offer restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries in a walkable urban setting. The Saturday morning Farmers Market transforms downtown weekly.
- Location: Main Street from US 41 toward bay
- Parking: Street meters, parking garages
- Best for: Dining, nightlife, farmers market, arts
- Events: Saturday Farmers Market (year-round)
Burns Court
Historic bungalow neighborhood transformed into shops, galleries, and the Burns Court Cinema (Sarasota Film Festival home). The intimate scale provides pleasant browsing.
- Location: Burns Court, off Main Street
- Best for: Art galleries, independent cinema, boutiques
- Don't miss: Burns Court Cinema, gallery openings
Towles Court Arts District
Working artist studios in a cottage neighborhood offer a chance to meet artists and purchase directly from creators. Monthly art walks bring the community to life.
- Location: Between Ringling and Main Street
- Best for: Art lovers, meeting local artists
- Events: Third Friday Art Walks
Siesta Key Village
Beach-casual shopping and dining at the gateway to Siesta Beach. Restaurants, surf shops, ice cream, and nightlife in a laid-back setting.
- Location: Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key
- Vibe: Casual beach town
- Best for: Beach dining, casual shopping, nightlife
- Don't miss: Sunday drum circle (sunset at main beach)
Outdoor Activities
Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks offers hiking, wildlife viewing, airboat tours, and canopy walkway through 58 square miles of wilderness. Alligators, wild turkeys, and diverse birds thrive here.
- Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
- Entry: $6 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset
- Best activities: Airboat tours, canopy walk, hiking, biking
- Don't miss: Airboat safari, 74-foot high canopy walkway
- Wildlife: Alligators, deer, wild turkeys, wading birds galore
Oscar Scherer State Park
Scrub jay habitat with trails, kayak/canoe launch on South Creek, and excellent birding. The rare Florida scrub jay is the star attraction.
- Address: 1843 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Best for: Birding, kayaking, hiking
- Don't miss: Florida scrub jay sightings, creek kayaking
Legacy Trail
Paved rail-trail connecting Sarasota to Venice offers 19+ miles of car-free biking, running, and skating. The scenic route passes through natural areas and communities.
- Access: Multiple trailheads including Ashton Road, Osprey, Venice
- Distance: 19+ miles
- Best for: Biking, running, skating, family outings
- Tip: Rent bikes in Venice or Sarasota for full trail experience
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Sarasota Bay, local rivers, and mangrove trails offer exceptional paddling. Rental operators at beaches and parks provide equipment and guided tours.
Top spots:
- Lido Key (calm bay waters)
- Siesta Key (beach and mangrove access)
- South Lido Park (mangrove trails)
- Myakka River (wilderness paddling)
Family Activities
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Animal sanctuary housing tigers, lions, bears, and other animals rescued from unfortunate situations. Educational focus with live shows demonstrating natural behaviors.
- Address: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12-4 PM
- Admission: $23 adults, $15 children
- Best for: Families, animal lovers
- Shows: Check schedule for big cat and primate presentations
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Old Florida attraction with tropical gardens, flamingos, and animal shows. The nostalgic charm appeals to families seeking classic Florida experiences.
- Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
- Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $22 adults, $16 children
- Best for: Families with young children
- Don't miss: Flamingo garden, bird shows
Nathan Benderson Park
World-class rowing venue hosts national and international competitions. When events aren't happening, the park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and water activities.
- Address: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
- Activities: Walking, kayaking, playground, events
- Best for: Families, sports enthusiasts, fitness
- Events: Rowing competitions, festivals, 5Ks
Day Trips from Sarasota
Venice
Charming small city known as "Shark Tooth Capital of the World." Historic downtown, excellent beaches, and shark tooth hunting at Caspersen Beach.
- Distance: 30 minutes south
- Must do: Hunt shark teeth at Caspersen Beach, explore downtown
- Best for: Casual day trip, beach variety
Anna Maria Island
Old Florida beach community with no high-rises, excellent restaurants, and seven miles of beaches. Pine Avenue's shops and restaurants retain small-town charm.
- Distance: 40 minutes north
- Must do: Beach time, Pine Avenue dining, sunset
- Best for: Old Florida atmosphere, beautiful beaches
Tampa
Major city with world-class attractions including Busch Gardens theme park, Florida Aquarium, and vibrant Ybor City historic district.
- Distance: 1 hour north
- Must do: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Ybor City
- Best for: Theme parks, major city attractions
Seasonal Events
Sarasota Film Festival (April)
Ten-day celebration of independent cinema featuring world premieres, documentaries, and filmmaker Q&As. Burns Court Cinema serves as festival heart.
- When: April
- Venues: Burns Court Cinema, various theaters
- Best for: Film enthusiasts, cultural experiences
Ringling International Arts Festival
Three-day performing arts festival bringing world-class contemporary performance to the Ringling grounds.
- When: October
- Location: The Ringling
- Best for: Performing arts enthusiasts
Suncoast Boat Show (April)
One of Florida's largest boat shows at Marina Jack. Hundreds of boats, marine products, and demonstrations.
- When: April
- Location: Marina Jack
- Best for: Boating enthusiasts, waterfront fun
Siesta Key Crystal Classic (November)
Professional sand sculpting competition transforms Siesta Beach into an outdoor gallery. International artists create stunning temporary masterpieces.
- When: November
- Location: Siesta Key Beach
- Best for: Families, art lovers, beach-goers
Practical Tips
Getting There
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) serves the region with major carrier connections. Tampa International (TPA) offers more flights, about 1 hour north.
- SRQ: 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota
- TPA: 1 hour north, larger airport with more options
Getting Around
A car is helpful for beaches and outlying attractions, though downtown and St. Armands are walkable. Uber/Lyft serve the area well.
- Downtown: Walkable
- Beaches: Car or rideshare needed
- Parking: Metered downtown, free at most beaches
Best Times to Visit
- Peak season: January-April (best weather, highest prices, most cultural programming)
- Shoulder season: November-December (pleasant, holiday events)
- Summer: Hot and humid, dramatic savings, afternoon thunderstorms
Budget Tips
- Free Ringling admission Mondays (Florida residents)
- Siesta Key Beach parking is free
- Happy hour deals at St. Armands and downtown restaurants
- Summer rates at hotels are significantly lower
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sarasota known for?
Sarasota is known for world-class cultural institutions (The Ringling, Sarasota Opera, Van Wezel), Siesta Key's #1-ranked beach, and upscale dining and shopping at St. Armands Circle. It's Southwest Florida's cultural and performing arts capital.
Is Siesta Key Beach really that good?
Yes. The beach consistently ranks among America's best due to its uniquely fine quartz sand that stays cool even in summer heat. The main beach has excellent facilities, while nearby stretches offer quieter alternatives.
How many days do you need in Sarasota?
Three to four days allows proper exploration of The Ringling, beaches, downtown, and one or two other attractions. A week is ideal for truly experiencing the cultural offerings and beach life at a relaxed pace.
Is Sarasota expensive?
Sarasota tends toward the higher end of Southwest Florida pricing, especially for accommodations on the keys. However, many attractions are reasonably priced, beaches are free, and dining ranges from casual to upscale.
What is the best area to stay in Sarasota?
Downtown Sarasota offers walkability and cultural access. Siesta Key provides beach proximity. St. Armands/Lido Key balances beach access with upscale shopping and dining. Each area has distinct character.
