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Sarasota, a charming city on Florida’s west coast, stands out from other cities in the state. It is a haven for art lovers and collectors, offering a wide range of art-centric attractions and activities. Visitors can explore The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Art Center Sarasota, and attend craft shows and festivals. This city goes beyond traditional art forms like paintings and sculptures; it also embraces performing arts such as ballet, opera, and circus acts. The circus has a deep-rooted history in Sarasota, with John and Charles Ringling, founders of the Ringling Bros. Circus, settling here before the city’s establishment in 1913. One of the city’s top attractions is Ca’ d’Zan, which was once the home of John Ringling.
Sarasota, located near Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is highly favored by nature enthusiasts. Apart from enjoying the scenic golf courses, you can explore the stunning beauty of the region at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Lido Beach, or Myakka River State Park. Interestingly, Sarasota is also home to one of Florida’s biggest communities of Amish and Mennonite residents.
Sarasota offers the best experiences during two main periods: March to May and September to November. These times have manageable crowds, pleasant temperatures, and reasonable prices. However, it’s important to note that if you visit between June and November, which is Florida’s hurricane season, there is a possibility of encountering a hurricane. For the most comfortable temperatures, December, January, and February are ideal, but keep in mind that these months attract many Northern residents seeking respite from the winter weather (known as “snowbirds”). As a result, the streets of Sarasota become crowded with cars, and popular attractions are filled with people. Prices are also higher during this time. For those looking for fewer crowds and more affordable hotel and airfare rates, June to August is an option. However, expect frequent rain, high humidity, and average summertime highs in the low 90s.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Sarasota. Choose away!
Sarasota’s Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a great place for animal lovers and families to visit. Since 1987, this attraction has been providing care for exotic animals such as lions, tigers, bears, and chimpanzees. Apart from housing …
Ca’ d’Zan Ca’ d’Zan, though not as grand as the nearby John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, captures visitors’ hearts with its charming Venetian Gothic-style design and sophisticated interior. This five-story residence was once occupied by John …
Lido Beach, located just a short distance of under 5 miles southwest from downtown Sarasota, is easily accessible and offers over 3,000 feet of beautiful white sand. On Lido Key, visitors can enjoy various recreation areas with convenient facilities …
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, formerly owned by amateur gardener Marie Selby, became open to the public in 1975 following her passing. This beautiful garden focuses on epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants. It boasts an extensive …
Mote Laboratory & Aquarium is a unique place that combines research and an aquarium experience. It showcases nine captivating exhibits, including two interactive areas and an impressive shark tank with a capacity of 135,000 gallons. Within its …
Myakka River State Park is a historic and expansive state park in Florida. It covers an impressive area of 58 square miles, encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems such as wetlands, hammocks, pinelands, and prairies. The park is adorned with a …
Sarasota might not be the most obvious choice for golf enthusiasts planning a trip to Florida, but it’s a hidden gem when it comes to championship courses. Referred to as “The Cradle of Golf,” this city boasts an impressive selection of top-notch …
Sarasota National Cemetery, spanning 295 acres, honors the city’s military history as a flight training post and provides a solemn resting place for numerous fallen veterans. Since its establishment in 2009, the cemetery has welcomed visitors who …
Discover the captivating world of art at The Ringling Museum of Art! This renowned museum is the highlight of The Ringling museum campus, offering an impressive selection of artworks spanning various historical periods. You’ll find a treasure trove …