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. Browse around below to find out where to do all of this and more during your new 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. Enjoy more drama at Florida Studio Theatre, located at 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Call 941-366-9000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.
Experience the great Sarasota Ballet. Performances are held at the FSU Performing Arts Center and the Sarasota Opera House. Call 941-359-0099 or visit www.sarasotaballet.org. Spend a night at the Sarasota Opera, 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, also in downtown Sarasota, is known for its art galleries. Both hold monthly art walks. Towles Court Art Walks take place on the third Friday of every month while Palm Avenue Art Walks are held on every first Friday. Visit www.towlescourt.com and www.palmavenue.org.
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.cmncfl.org to see all the reasons to stop by.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has one of the most beautiful and impressive displays of flowers and plants in the world and is known for its orchids. 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.
St. Armands Circle is a major shopping destination and in addition to the luxurious fashion offerings, it boasts several fun restaurants and bars. It's also just steps away from beautiful Lido Beach. Visit www.starmandscircleassoc.com for more information.
Antiquing is a popular pastime among Sarasota visitors and there are several great spots to discover old treasures. For details and locations, visit www.sarasotafl.org/article/antiquing-agenda and www.sarasotafl.org/article/antique-road-show.
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).
If you're more comfortable on a float than a boat, you can always go floating out on the Gulf. Just head to the water at any of our beaches! Best of all, it's free!
Sounds of Sarasota
Schedule some time to see the Sarasota Orchestra perform. Call 941-953-4252 or visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.
If you're craving more than classical, catch live music at one of Sarasota's many venues. Get ideas and information on live music and fun after hours spots and activities at www.sarasotafl.org/article/sarasota-after-dark.
Hit the Course
Golfing enthusiasts should check out our golfing article for a list of Sarasota's golf courses and locations at www.sarasotafl.org/article/golfing-in-sarasota.
