Things to Do in Sarasota Florida
- By John Allen
- Published 10/8/2011
- Travel
- Unrated
Take a break from Disney, Busch Gardens and the east coast of Florida and head over to Sarasota for a cultural resort experience. Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, flip-flops, sunglasses and golf clubs. Sarasota’s warm climate, excellent beaches and incredible sunsets are waiting for you to unwind.
Arts and Culture
Sarasota has long been recognized as the “Cultural Coast of Florida.” Sarasota boasts more than a dozen independent theaters and performing arts venues, a professional symphony, opera, orchestra, more than 30 art galleries and the world-famous John Ringling Museum. Sarasota’s cultural calendar rivals that of much larger cities.
Beaches
Sink your feet into the cool, powdery white sand beaches of Sarasota, Florida. Perhaps the number one reason that many people visit and live in Sarasota is for the world class beaches. Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach is currently ranked as the second best beach in the United States by Dr. Beach. With 35 miles of pristine beaches, there is plenty of sand for everyone to enjoy in this slice of paradise.
Mote Marine
Watch dolphins, sharks, stingrays, crabs and starfish. Mote Marine’s Aquarium is waiting for you to tour its world renowned lab and will teach you about Florida’s estuaries. Mote Marine is located on City Island just a short drive from downtown Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Just off Mound Street adjacent to downtown Sarasota, you’ll find the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. See one of the country’s most outstanding collections of orchids. The Gardens a situated on Sarasota Bay and boast more than 6,000 orchids as well as more than 20,
000 tropical plants. Follow the winding paths through magnificent banyan trees. This is a must see.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
The kids will love the bird show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and probably the exotic snakes too. You’ll find parrots, parakeets, flamingos, ducks, crane as well as a huge reptile collection. There are daily shows too. Wander through lush gardens before you are captivated by the enchanting chatter of the bird show.
St. Armands Circle Shopping
Step up the pace a bit and hit the streets to shop at world-famous St Armands Circle. With 130 specialty stores, boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants, it is no wonder why locals and visitor consider this to be the jewel of Sarasota. The “Circle” is similar to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. You’ll find a little bit of everything on the Circle - designer shoes and “digs,” fine art, jewelry and even a bakery for you four legged friends. Sip a java or concoct your favorite cone at one of the coffee houses or ice cream parlors. People watching is top notch here!
Sarasota Bayfront
Stroll along the waterfront sidewalk at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The view of the sailboard moored in the Bay will take your breath away. There’s a fun frolicking fountain for children as well as an adjacent playground. Visit the Dolphin Fountain. Watch boats and yachts arriving and departing the Marina. Book a reservation on LeBarge, the party boat, for a guided tour of Sarasota’s coastline or watch dolphins. The evening cruises offer incredible sunsets!
With near perfect weather, endless activities both indoor and out, incredible beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Sarasota has so many things waiting for you. Come discover why so many people consider Sarasota to be paradise on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Arts and Culture
Sarasota has long been recognized as the “Cultural Coast of Florida.” Sarasota boasts more than a dozen independent theaters and performing arts venues, a professional symphony, opera, orchestra, more than 30 art galleries and the world-famous John Ringling Museum. Sarasota’s cultural calendar rivals that of much larger cities.
Beaches
Sink your feet into the cool, powdery white sand beaches of Sarasota, Florida. Perhaps the number one reason that many people visit and live in Sarasota is for the world class beaches. Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach is currently ranked as the second best beach in the United States by Dr. Beach. With 35 miles of pristine beaches, there is plenty of sand for everyone to enjoy in this slice of paradise.
Mote Marine
Watch dolphins, sharks, stingrays, crabs and starfish. Mote Marine’s Aquarium is waiting for you to tour its world renowned lab and will teach you about Florida’s estuaries. Mote Marine is located on City Island just a short drive from downtown Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Just off Mound Street adjacent to downtown Sarasota, you’ll find the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. See one of the country’s most outstanding collections of orchids. The Gardens a situated on Sarasota Bay and boast more than 6,000 orchids as well as more than 20,
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
The kids will love the bird show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and probably the exotic snakes too. You’ll find parrots, parakeets, flamingos, ducks, crane as well as a huge reptile collection. There are daily shows too. Wander through lush gardens before you are captivated by the enchanting chatter of the bird show.
St. Armands Circle Shopping
Step up the pace a bit and hit the streets to shop at world-famous St Armands Circle. With 130 specialty stores, boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants, it is no wonder why locals and visitor consider this to be the jewel of Sarasota. The “Circle” is similar to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. You’ll find a little bit of everything on the Circle - designer shoes and “digs,” fine art, jewelry and even a bakery for you four legged friends. Sip a java or concoct your favorite cone at one of the coffee houses or ice cream parlors. People watching is top notch here!
Sarasota Bayfront
Stroll along the waterfront sidewalk at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The view of the sailboard moored in the Bay will take your breath away. There’s a fun frolicking fountain for children as well as an adjacent playground. Visit the Dolphin Fountain. Watch boats and yachts arriving and departing the Marina. Book a reservation on LeBarge, the party boat, for a guided tour of Sarasota’s coastline or watch dolphins. The evening cruises offer incredible sunsets!
With near perfect weather, endless activities both indoor and out, incredible beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Sarasota has so many things waiting for you. Come discover why so many people consider Sarasota to be paradise on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
John Allen
For more information on real estate in Sarasota Florida, visit http://www.buysarasota.com/
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