Located in Southwest Florida, at the southern end of the Greater Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota is a beautiful city with gorgeous beaches, a strong local economy, a lively arts scene, and plenty of local attractions.
The city’s high quality of life and ample amenities have made it a magnet for people looking to relocate, from young professionals and families to retirees and snowbirds. Plus, thousands of tourists visit the city throughout the year.
Are you planning to move to Sarasota or are simply coming to visit? The experts at Stringer Management have compiled a list of the best things to do in this city. Keep reading to discover all the fun things you can do in Sarasota!
Explore Some of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
As a city located on the Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota is home to many beautiful beaches and islands. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Longboat Key. This 12-mile island is home to many resorts, beach cottages, and seaside hotels. With a lively downtown district, there are plenty of things to do in Longboat Key, including shopping, outdoor activities, and tasting delicious seafood.
- Lido Key. Close to Sarasota’s downtown, Lido Key is a small and more secluded island with three main beach areas.
- Siesta Key. This 8-mile island is home to many bustling shops, cafes, and restaurants. With three beautiful beaches, Siesta Beach, Turtle Beach, and Crescent Beach, there’s plenty to do on this island! With its beautiful views and ample amenities, it’s no wonder why Siesta Key has been named the No. 2 beach in the U.S. and No. 9 in the world by TripAdvisor.
- Venice Beach. Well-known around the world, Venice Beach offers a vibrant mix of activities for everyone. Stroll along the iconic boardwalk and enjoy street performers, unique shops, and art murals. Relax on the sandy beach or try surfing in the waves. Visit Muscle Beach for outdoor fitness inspiration or explore the scenic Venice Canals. Rent a bike or rollerblades to cruise the coastal paths, and savor diverse cuisine at trendy cafes and food trucks nearby. Or visit the nearby Brohard Paw Park, the only dog-friendly beach in the county!
- Casey Key. Tucked between Sarasota and Venice, Casey Key is the home to the oldest public beach in Sarasota County, Nokomis Beach. Additionally, the area’s Jetty Beach Park is the perfect spot to try outdoor activities such as bird watching, fishing, and hiking!
Visit the Circus
Sarasota is commonly nicknamed the “Circus City”, or alternatively, “The Circus Capital of the World.” After all, the city is home to The Circus Arts Conservatory, which is responsible for the tent show Circus Sarasota, as well as the "oldest youth circus", the Sailor Circus.
Bike the Legacy Trail
With its subtropical climate, Sarasota is perfect for outdoor sports. A popular activity among visitors and residents alike is biking Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail. With 30 miles of recreational access and few street crossings, the trail is perfect for biking or walking around the city.
Try Parasailing
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity to do while in Sarasota, then you should try parasailing. Parasailing allows you to feel the thrill as you glide through the skies, taking in breathtaking views of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Soaring above Sarasota’s stunning coastline will be an unforgettable experience!
Discover the Local Arts and Music Scene
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Sarasota is well known for its bustling cultural activities. With live theatre, music shows, art galleries, and dance venues, there’s plenty to do in the city. Some of the most popular performing arts venues in this city include the Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Keating Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hal, the Sarasota Orchestra, and many others.
Explore Oscar Scherer State Park
Located about 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota, Oscar Scherer State Park is perfect for trying out a plethora of outdoor activities and discovering the local Florida flora and fauna. Some things you can do in this state park include the following:
- Birdwatching. There are more than 200 species of birds living and visiting the park throughout the year. You can explore the local wildlife by joining on of the weekly bird walks the park offers or by exploring the grounds by yourself. If you’re not into birding, then you can see the other wildlife that lives in the park, including alligators, bobcats, gopher tortoises, and more!
- Hiking and Biking. There’s a total of 10 miles of biking trails, including a large section of the Legacy Trail. Alternatively, there are over 15 miles of trails for hikers to explore.
- Water Activities. Do you enjoy canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or fishing? Well, we’ve got some good news! There are plenty of opportunities to try these, and many other outdoor activities, throughout the park!
Visit a Museum
Sarasota is home to many museums. The most popular ones include the Sarasota Art Museum, Art Center Sarasota, Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ringling Museum of Art, which primarily focuses on contemporary art and features temporary exhibits. Additionally, you can explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre living museum that focuses on the study and conservation of the local flora.
Visit Bradenton
With so many things to do, you’ll never get bored in Sarasota. But if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then you should visit the nearby city of Bradenton. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this beautiful city has pristine beaches, like Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach, and world-class amenities.
Things to do in Bradenton include exploring Downtown Bradenton, strolling on the 1.5-mile Riverwalk pier, shopping on the Bradenton Market, exploring the Manatee Village Historical Park, taking a kayak tour at De Soto National Memorial Park, exploring the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, or spending the day at any of the city’s beautiful beaches.
Bottom Line
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is a beautiful city with scenic waterfront views, a high quality of life, and ample local attractions. The city has a lively arts and music scene, with various performing arts venues, art galleries, and museums scattered across the area. With its tropical climate year-round, Sarasota is also the perfect spot to try many outdoor sports, from biking, hiking, and swimming, to parasailing!
If you want to learn more about what Sarasota has to offer, contact Stringer Management!
