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Sarasota

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29 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Baroque art collection of circus king John Ringling on a bayfront estate.

    3 tips
    • Plan at least half a day for the whole estate
    • Art museum is free on Mondays
    • Combo ticket covers the Circus Museum too
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  2. 2

    Venetian Gothic mansion of the Ringlings right on Sarasota Bay.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Upstairs tours cost extra and sell out
    • Walk the bayside terrace at sunset
    • Part of the Ringling estate ticket
    📷 Photos
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  3. 3

    Bayfront gardens famous for orchids, bromeliads and banyan trees.

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Book ahead
    1 tip
    • Cafe on site for lunch
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  4. 4

    Award-winning beach with powdery white quartz sand.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Parking fills by 10am on weekends
    • Sunday drum circle at sunset
    • Free trolley runs along Siesta Key
    📷 Photos
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  5. 5

    Ring of boutiques, cafes and gardens on its own island.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Park in the free garage on Adams Dr
    • Walk to Lido Beach in 10 minutes
    • Lively in the evening for ice cream
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  6. 6

    Research aquarium with manatees, sea turtles and sharks.

    3 tips
    • Check feeding times on arrival
    • Good choice for a rainy day
    • Allow two to three hours
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  7. 7

    Wide public beach on Lido Key steps from St. Armands.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Paid parking lot at the pavilion
    • Quieter than Siesta Beach
    • Great sunset spot
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  8. 8

    Waterfront park and marina with bay views and walking paths.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Great for an evening stroll
    • Boat tours leave from the marina
    • Restrooms near the playground
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  9. 9

    Vast wild park with alligators, a canopy walkway and lake.

    3 tips
    • Climb the canopy walkway tower
    • Airboat tours on Upper Myakka Lake
    • Bring bug spray
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  10. 10

    Lush tropical gardens with flamingos and animal shows.

    3 tips
    • Feed the flamingos
    • Allow two hours
    • Shaded paths are good on hot days
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Before you go: Sarasota tips

Transportation

  • Ride the Siesta Key Breeze: The free trolley runs along Siesta Key, linking the village with beaches and saving on parking.
  • Use SCAT buses: Sarasota County Area Transit buses connect downtown with Lido Key, St. Armands Circle and the airport area.
  • Fly into SRQ: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is close to downtown and beaches, often easier than Tampa.

Security

  • Do the stingray shuffle: Shuffle your feet when wading on Gulf beaches to avoid stepping on stingrays.
  • Check red tide reports: Red tide algae can cause coughing and fish kills; check beach conditions before visiting.
  • Prepare for hurricanes: Hurricane season runs June to November; monitor forecasts and know evacuation routes.

Saving

  • Visit the Ringling on Mondays: The Ringling Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays.
  • Park free at Siesta Key Beach: Siesta Key Beach has a large free car park; arrive early on weekends.
  • Shop the farmers market: The Saturday downtown Sarasota Farmers Market sells local produce and food.

Weather/Clothing

  • Expect hot humid summers: Summers bring heat and afternoon thunderstorms; pack light clothes and an umbrella.
  • Enjoy mild winters: Winter is pleasant and dry, peak season for visitors; bring a light jacket for evenings.
  • Protect from the sun: UV is strong year-round; wear sunscreen and a hat.

Cultural

  • Explore the Ringling: The Ringling estate includes an art museum, circus museum and the Ca' d'Zan mansion.
  • Try Amish food in Pinecraft: Sarasota's Pinecraft neighbourhood has Amish restaurants and bakeries.
  • Eat a grouper sandwich: The grouper sandwich is a classic Gulf Coast meal.

Local Hacks

  • Join the Siesta drum circle: On Sunday evenings, a drum circle gathers on Siesta Key Beach at sunset.
  • See alligators at Myakka: Myakka River State Park offers wildlife viewing and a canopy walkway.
  • Visit Selby Gardens: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens showcase orchids and bromeliads by the bay.

1-day itineraries in Sarasota

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 8 stops

  1. 1Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  2. 2Burns Court
  3. 3Sarasota Opera House
  4. 4Five Points Park
  5. 5Sarasota Farmers Market
  6. and 3 more
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

Sarasota Jungle Gardens and around

🕘 9:30–17:15📍 4 stops

  1. 1Sarasota Jungle Gardens
  2. 2Sarasota Classic Car Museum
  3. 3The Ringling Museum of Art
  4. 4Ca' d'Zan
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and around

🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops

  1. 1Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
  2. 2St. Armands Circle
  3. 3Lido Beach
See the day →

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