Explore Things to Do in Sarasota
Sarasota County offers more than 200 documented activities, attractions, and experiences. The list spans world-class beaches, an exceptional arts and museum circuit, outdoor adventures from kayaking to cycling, wildlife encounters, and a dining scene that has expanded dramatically over the past decade.
Beaches
Siesta Key Beach
The #1 ranked beach in the US. Quartz sand so fine it squeaks, calm Gulf waters, and full amenities at the main public access.
Nature
Myakka River State Park
Gator-dense wilderness 17 miles east of downtown. Canopy walks, airboat tours, and bird watching in one of Florida's oldest state parks.
Cycling
The Legacy Trail
18.5 miles of paved trail from downtown Sarasota to Venice. Flat, shaded in sections, and one of the best cycling corridors on the Gulf Coast.
Arts and Culture
The Ringling Museum
John Ringling's estate includes a European master art collection, the Ca'd'Zan mansion, and 66 acres on Sarasota Bay.
Wildlife
Dolphin Watching on Sarasota Bay
The resident bottlenose dolphin population in Sarasota Bay is one of the most studied in the world. Charter boats and kayak tours operate year-round.
Shopping
St. Armands Circle Shopping
John Ringling's planned shopping district on Lido Key. Forty-plus boutiques, restaurants, and galleries in a walkable outdoor circle.
Outdoor and Nature
The outdoor activity list in Sarasota County starts with the beach and branches into kayaking the mangrove tunnels of Ding Darling, cycling the Legacy Trail from downtown to Venice, paddleboarding on Roberts Bay at sunset, or birding the flats at North Lido. Myakka River State Park adds a genuinely wild dimension to the county: gator-dense river tours, scrub hiking, and canopy walks through a preserved Florida ecosystem that existed before the tourist infrastructure was built.
Arts and Culture
The Ringling Museum anchors the cultural activity list but does not exhaust it. The Sarasota Art Museum in the restored 1926 high school, the Art Center Sarasota on North Tamiami Trail, the Circus Arts Conservatory, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens all offer distinct cultural experiences. The performing arts calendar at Van Wezel, the Florida Studio Theatre, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre runs from October through June with consistent programming at a professional level.
Dining and Nightlife
The Sarasota dining scene has been recognized nationally for depth relative to the city size. The downtown Main Street and Burns Court corridors offer the highest concentration of independent restaurants. Siesta Key Village has a mix of casual waterfront spots and cocktail bars. St. Armands Circle delivers the shopping-plus-dining combination that defines the Lido Key tourist experience. The Old Salty Dog and Lynch's Pub on the north end of the island represent the more local-facing side of the food scene.
Water Activities
Sarasota Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters support an extensive water recreation industry. Jet ski rentals, parasailing operations, dolphin cruise boats, fishing charters, and sailing excursions all operate from Sarasota and Siesta Key marinas. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at multiple access points including Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and the various county park landings along the Intercoastal Waterway.
Editor Picks
Editor's Pick
Kayak the Mangrove Tunnels
The bay-side mangrove channels off Siesta Key and Lido Key offer a 90-minute paddling experience that feels completely removed from the resort environment.
Hidden Gem
Point of Rocks at Low Tide
The limestone rock formations at the southern tip of Siesta Key create accessible tide pools with crabs, small fish, and sea glass. Best at dead low tide.
Local Favorite
Nokomis Beach Drum Circle
Every Sunday evening in summer, an informal drum circle forms on Nokomis Beach at sunset. No stage, no ticket, no schedule. Just locals and the Gulf.