Sarasota
Save29 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 ↓9 places on the map
Instagrammable
- 1
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
- 2
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
📷 Photos
- 3
Bayfront gardens famous for orchids, bromeliads and banyan trees.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Cafe on site for lunch
📷 Photos
- 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
- 5
Giant statue of the famous V-J Day sailor kiss on the bayfront.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Busy traffic circle, use crosswalks
- Combine with the bayfront walk
📷 Photos
- 6
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
📷 Photos
- 7
Arched bridge with a popular walkway and bay panoramas.
3 tips
- Walk or jog it at sunrise
- Park at Bird Key Park below
- Bring water, there is no shade
📷 Photos
- 8
Pastel 1920s bungalows on a charming historic lane.
3 tips
- Look for the old Burns Court cinema
- Owens Fish Camp is right here
- Respect residents' privacy
📷 Photos
- 9
Purple seashell-shaped concert hall designed by Taliesin.
3 tips
- Photograph it from the bayfront lawn
- Box office open on show days
- Broadway tours stop here in winter
📷 Photos
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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
- 1Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- 2Burns Court
- 3Sarasota Opera House
- 4Five Points Park
- 5Sarasota Farmers Market
- and 3 more
Day 2 of 3
Sarasota Jungle Gardens and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 4 stops
- 1Sarasota Jungle Gardens
- 2Sarasota Classic Car Museum
- 3The Ringling Museum of Art
- 4Ca' d'Zan
Day 3 of 3
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and around
🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops
- 1Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- 2St. Armands Circle
- 3Lido Beach
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