There's far more to Sarasota than white sandy beaches. Stroll through an art museum where the Venetian-style architecture is as much an art form as the masterpieces within. Gaze upon rare exotic orchids. Find the perfect gift in one of the most renowned shopping areas in the world. Paddle through lush tropical forests. Listen to a full orchestra ensemble. Make a tee time or, if you prefer, make time for tea. No matter what your distraction from the beach, the Sarasota area has a multitude of activities.
Where can you do these things? Here’s a list to reference during your next trip to Sarasota.
Support the Arts
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a Sarasota favorite. Take in the view and experience John Ringling’s legacy. The museum is located at 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Call 941-359-5700 ext. 20 or visit www.ringling.org for more information.
Take in a show at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Call 941-351-9010 or visit www.asolo.org.
Experience the Sarasota Ballet. Performances are held at the Asolo. Call 941-359-0099 or visit www.sarasotaballet.org.
Be sure to take in a performance at the beautiful Sarasota Opera House, located at 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Call 941-366-8450 or visit www.sarasotaopera.org.
Towles Court, located in downtown Sarasota, is a historic artists’ colony filled with studios and galleries. Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota is also known for its art galleries.
Become One with Nature
The Crowley Nature Center, located at 16405 Myakka Rd., Sarasota, is an expansive wildlife sanctuary. Call 941-322-1000 or visit www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org to see why you should stop by.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has one of the most beautiful and impressive displays of flowers and plants in the world. Selby Gardens is located at 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Call 941-366-5731 or visit www.selby.org.
Shop ‘til you Drop
Pineapple Avenue has antique shops for the retro collector in all of us while Main Street, also downtown, is lined with clothing stores and other fun shops. Peruse the jewelry and beachwear at the shops in Siesta Village or pop by one of the major malls for the full shopping experience.
Westfield Sarasota is located at 8201 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Call 941-922-9609.
Westfield Southgate is located at 3501 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Call 941-955-0900.
Out on the Water
Take a kayak out in the Gulf or Bay. Paddle through the mangroves or float in the sunshine. Grab a kayak from Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures (100 Taft Dr., Sarasota, 941-504-6296, www.kayakfl.com), Siesta Key Bike and Kayak (1224 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, www.siestakeybikeandkayak.com) or Siesta Sports Rentals (6551 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, 941-346-1797, www.siestasportsrentals.com).
Sounds of Sarasota
Schedule some time to see the Sarasota Orchestra perform. Call 941-953-4252 or visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.
Hit the Course
Golfing enthusiasts should check out our golfing article for a list of Sarasota’s golf courses and locations at http://www.sarasotafl.org/article/golfing-in-sarasota.
