11 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

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Sarasota is officially joining my list of Florida cities I’ve underestimated—sorry, Lakeland and Dunedin! There are so many fun things to do in Sarasota, from its stunning white sand beaches to its lively downtown scene, and I can’t believe it took me this long to fully appreciate it.

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just about an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota has the perfect mix of artsy charm, coastal beauty, and an underrated nightlife scene. It’s easily one of my favorite weekend trips from Tampa and a top Florida bachelorette party location. Let’s get into all the best things to check out while you’re here!

Fun Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

1. Ca’ d’Zan & The Ringling

Ca’ d’Zan and The Ringling are two of the most iconic things to do in Sarasota. If you love grand mansions, waterfront views, and a little bit of circus history, this place is a dream.

Ca’ d’Zan is the former home of John Ringling (yes, from the Ringling Bros. Circus), and it looks like something straight out of Venice, Italy, with its stunning architecture and insane details. You can tour the inside or just admire the views from the outside—it sits right on the bay, and the sunset here is unreal.

Right next door, The Ringling Museum has everything from classic art to circus exhibits, and the grounds are gorgeous. If you just want to walk around the museum grounds and gardens it’s $5, but for museum and Ca’ d’Zan admission there are different options, check out pricing here.

Pro tip: The Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion are free to the public on Mondays.

2. Siesta Key Beach

If you’ve heard anything about Sarasota, you’ve probably heard about Siesta Key Beach—and for good reason. This place has some of the softest, whitest sand you’ll ever step on. It’s made of 99% quartz, so it stays cool no matter how hot it gets outside.

The water is usually pretty clear and perfect for a swim. Whether you’re laying out, playing beach volleyball, or catching one of those unreal Gulf Coast sunsets, Siesta Key Beach is pure paradise. And if you’re sticking around into the evening, the Siesta Key Drum Circle on Sunday nights is such a fun, unique thing to do in Sarasota!

3. St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle is where you go when you want to switch from beach mode to shopping, dining, and just strolling around a really cute area. It’s packed with boutiques, restaurants, and dessert spots—Kilwins ice cream, anyone?

The whole place has a European feel, and it’s just a short drive over the bridge from Lido Beach. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, treating yourself to some retail therapy, or sitting down for a nice dinner, St. Armands is the perfect little getaway from the sand.

4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

If you love tropical vibes and gorgeous waterfront views, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Sarasota. This place is a little slice of paradise, filled with rare orchids, towering banyan trees, and the dreamiest greenhouse.

It’s right on the bay, so you get stunning water views while wandering through lush gardens and colorful blooms. They also have rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to check out! When we went, they had a Dali exhibit, and it was AWESOME. We have the Dali Museum in St. Pete, and I find his work to be so interesting, so I loved that they had this exhibit.

It’s the most stunning botanical garden in Tampa Bay!

5. Myakka River State Park

If you’re craving a little adventure, Myakka River State Park is the perfect place to get outside and explore! This is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, and it’s packed with wildlife, scenic trails, and some seriously stunning views. You can hike, bike, kayak, or even take an airboat tour to spot alligators chilling in the river.

One of the coolest things here is the canopy walkway. It’s such a fun way to experience Florida’s wild side!

To enter, it costs $6 per vehicle ($4 single occupant vehicle) or $2 for pedestrians.

6. Visit One (Or a Few) Of Sarasota’s Adorable Cafes

Sarasota has some seriously cute coffee spots, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to check out at least a few while you’re in town. Buddy Brew is always a solid choice with its smooth coffee and cozy vibe (it’s also one of my favorite coffee shops in Tampa!).

Breaking Wave Coffee is a little more modern and artsy, perfect for a quick caffeine fix before exploring. Perq Coffee Bar is a must with its perfectly crafted espresso drinks. And if you’re looking for a fully plant-based spot, Project Coffee has amazing vegan options, including some killer matcha lattes.

7. Dine at a Piece of History

You cannot leave Sarasota without checking out Owen’s Fish Camp—this spot is the perfect mix of history, fresh seafood, and a laid-back, funky atmosphere. Plus, they have oyster shooters, so you already know I’m in. Head to the back patio, soak in the eclectic vibes, and, if you’re lucky, catch some live music.

We kicked things off with Murphy’s Famous Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters, then dove into oysters Rockefeller, pan-fried crab cake, and garlic snails with chorizo, sweet wine, and grits. I’ll be honest, snails are not my thing, but Remi hasn’t stopped talking about them for months, so that should tell you something! The oysters were top-tier, and the shooters? Such a fun, unexpected twist.

Oh, and that giant banyan tree out front? Thomas Edison himself gifted it to Sarasota’s developer Owen Burns. The staff is always happy to drop some fun history on you—just another reason this place is such a cool spot to visit!

8. Visit a Speakeasy

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with speakeasies—there’s just something about the hidden entrances, secretive vibes, and creative cocktails that I love.

So when I heard about Pangea Alchemy Lab in Sarasota, I was so excited to check it out! Unfortunately, they were closed when we visited, which was a major bummer. From what I’ve heard, though, their drinks are next level, and the atmosphere is a whole experience. So if you get the chance to go, take it—and let me know how it is so I can live vicariously through you until I make it back!

9. Enjoy a Drink With a View

If a rooftop drink is more your style, Perspective is where it’s at. Sitting high above Sarasota, this spot gives you panoramic views of the city while you sip on a cocktail. Whether you go for sunset or a late-night drink, the vibes are always on point!

10. Dine at Some of Sarasota’s Top Restaurants

Sarasota has so many amazing restaurants, but one of my absolute favorites was Duval’s. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and we chose outside so we could soak in the downtown energy (plus, the weather was perfect).

Usually, I can pick out one or two things on a menu that sound good, but at Duval’s? I wanted everything. We ended up sharing the Duval’s Seafood Sampler, which came with lobster, scallops, and shrimp—and everything was cooked to perfection. The service, the ambiance, the food? 10/10, highly recommend.

11. Spend a Day at Anna Maria Island

If you have extra time, Anna Maria Island is so worth the short drive. It’s one of those places that still has that old Florida charm—no high-rises, just beautiful beaches, cute little shops, and laid-back vibes. Whether you want to grab a drink at The Sandbar, rent a bike and explore, or just relax on the sugar-white sand, it’s the perfect spot for a chill beach day.

Check out the best things to do on Anna Maria Island, the cutest cafes, and best restaurants before going!

Where to Stay in Sarasota, Florida

No matter what kind of stay you’re looking for, Sarasota has some amazing options! Here are a few to check out:

• Sarasota Modern – This luxury boutique hotel is such a vibe! The interior is sleek, bright, and modern—totally my style. Plus, they have an amazing pool and jacuzzi with a pool bar. It’s just a short walk from downtown, but if you don’t feel like walking, they offer complimentary bikes! The price is midrange, but if you have Marriott points, you can use them here (which is exactly what we did!). Check prices for your dates here.
• Holiday Inn on Lido Key – If you want to stay right on the beach, this is your spot! It’ll probably be pricier than the downtown hotels, but if you have an IHG rewards card, you can book it with points. Perfect if you want to wake up to those gorgeous Gulf views!
• Ritz-Carlton Sarasota – If you’re down to splurge, this place is next level. It’s Gulf-front, pure luxury, and honestly, it’s so stunning that words don’t do it justice. If you have a Bonvoy card, you can actually stay here for just 50,000 points on some nights—such a steal for the experience! Even if you only do one night, it’s so worth it. Check rates for your dates here.

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Sarasota?!

Sarasota completely won me over, and I have no doubt you’re going to love it too! Whether you’re soaking up the sun at Siesta Key Beach, exploring The Ringling, or sipping cocktails at a speakeasy, there’s so much to enjoy. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect Sarasota getaway—let me know what you’re most excited to check out!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:

Tampa, Florida ULTIMATE guide

Best breweries in St. Pete

Fun things to do in downtown St. Pete