Sarasota Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Sarasota, Florida — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Sarasota

• Siesta Key Beach. Ranked #1 Beach in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report in 2026, Siesta Key dazzles with nearly pure quartz-crystal sand that stays cool underfoot and shallow turquoise Gulf waters perfect for swimming. Free parking (950 spaces), on-site concessions, and a free trolley to Siesta Key Village make it as practical as it…
• The Ringling (Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan & Circus Museum). Florida's State Art Museum sprawls across a 66-acre bayfront estate and pairs a world-class collection of Old Masters — including Rubens and Velázquez — with the ornate 56-room Venetian Gothic mansion Ca' d'Zan and a dazzling Circus Museum. Plan a full day to take in the art, mansion tours, and manicured gardens.
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, and tropical plants, Selby's 15-acre Downtown Sarasota bayfront campus is also home to the world's first net-positive-energy botanical garden complex. Named a TIME World's Greatest Place in 2024.
• Siesta Key Sunday Drum Circle. Every Sunday year-round, hundreds of drummers, dancers, hula-hoopers, and families gather on Siesta Beach an hour before sunset for a free, spontaneous community celebration that has run uninterrupted since 1996. Arrive early for a spot near the pavilion and stay for one of the Gulf's finest sunsets.
• Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). Mote's new state-of-the-art aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park showcases sharks, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, touch pools, and interactive theaters — all rooted in the world-renowned marine research of the nonprofit Mote Marine Laboratory, founded in 1955 by shark pioneer Eugenie Clark.
• Venice Beach Shark Tooth Hunting. Self-dubbed the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, Venice Beach (just south of Sarasota) sits above a vast offshore fossil bed — wave action constantly deposits millions of jet-black fossilized teeth onto its shore. No permit is needed and finders keep their finds; a simple sifter screen dramatically improves success.
• Celery Fields. Once celery farmland, this 440-acre county-owned stormwater park has become one of the premier birding hotspots on Florida's southwest coast, with more than 250 species recorded and Sarasota Audubon Society managing two boardwalks and a nature center. Walking, biking, kayaking, and fishing round out the experience.
• Asolo Repertory Theatre. The largest Equity theatre in Florida and the largest repertory theatre in the Southeastern United States, Asolo Rep stages up to ten productions each season — from contemporary works to beloved classics and provocative musicals — at its elegant home on the Ringling Museum campus.

Best time to visit Sarasota

Late February through mid-May (spring). WeatherSpark identifies late February to mid-May as the best window for warm-weather activities: daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, lower humidity than summer, minimal rainfall, Sarasota Film Festival in April, Circus Sarasota wrapping up. Crowds and prices are lower than January-February peak. Shoulder fall (October-November) is a strong second choice with cooling temps and the Ringling International Arts Festival

Sarasota weather by month

Getting to Sarasota

A rental car is almost essential — Sarasota's main draws (barrier-island beaches, The Ringling, state parks) are spread out and public bus service (Sarasota County's Breeze) is limited on Sundays and evenings. Rideshares work well downtown but get expensive for cross-island trips.

• SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport — 10 min drive
• TPA Tampa International Airport — 60 min drive
• RSW Southwest Florida International Airport — 90 min drive

Where to stay in Sarasota

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Siesta Key. Staying on Siesta Key puts the #1-ranked U.S. beach at your doorstep, with Siesta Key Village's casual bars, boutiques, and restaurants a short bike ride away. The vibe is relaxed and beach-first, with options ranging from vintage bungalow rentals to… Good for: Beach lovers, couples, families, those who want to minimize driving.
• Downtown Sarasota / Rosemary Arts + Design District. Downtown is Sarasota's cultural epicenter — the Sarasota Opera, Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre, the Saturday Farmers Market, and dozens of restaurants are all walkable. The adjacent Rosemary Arts + Design District (officially 'RADD') adds murals,… Good for: Culture seekers, foodies, arts & nightlife enthusiasts, walkability devotees.
• St. Armands Circle / Lido Key. Nestled on Lido Key, St. Armands Circle offers a sophisticated blend of upscale boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and galleries just steps from Lido Beach. It's a car-optional zone where you can park once and explore on foot, with Sarasota Bay on one side and the… Good for: Shoppers, couples, foodies, first-time visitors wanting the 'classic Sarasota' feel.
• Longboat Key. A 12-mile barrier island of white sand beaches, waterfront golf courses, and fine-dining restaurants, Longboat Key skews upscale and exclusive. It's quieter and more resort-oriented than Siesta Key, attracting couples and older travelers who prize privacy… Good for: Luxury travelers, couples, golfers, those seeking quiet seclusion.

Where to eat in Sarasota

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Owen's Fish Camp. Burns Court, Downtown · Southern Seafood — Named for Sarasota's founding developer Owen Burns, this old-Florida fish camp under a giant Banyan tree serves shrimp and grits, oyster po' boys, and…
• Jack Dusty. Bayfront / Downtown (Ritz-Carlton) · Coastal Seafood & Craft Cocktails — Perched on the marina at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Jack Dusty is known for its seafood tower teeming with oysters and…
• Kojo. Downtown (North Palm Ave) · Modern Asian / Japanese — Sarasota Magazine's consistently lauded modern Asian spot, Kojo wows with upscale bao, truffle-infused mushroom rice, sushi, and sake-forward…
• Blu Kouzina. St. Armands Circle, Lido Key · Greek / Mediterranean — A beloved fixture on St. Armands Circle run by Greek-born chef-owners, Blu Kouzina prepares everything fresh with no freezer in sight — think…
• Tikka Indian Cuisine. South Sarasota · Indian — Regularly ranked in Yelp's Top 5 Best Restaurants in Florida statewide, Tikka's scratch kitchen turns out remarkably fresh, boldly flavored Indian classics that keep…
• Yoder's Restaurant. 3434 Bahia Vista St · 4.6★ (9,556 reviews)
• Libby's American Restaurant. 1917 S Osprey Ave · 4.8★ (5,582 reviews)
• Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill. 1001 Cocoanut Ave · 4.9★ (4,644 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Walt's Fish Market & Restaurant. South Sarasota (Tamiami Trail) · Seafood Market & Restaurant — A 100-year family institution and one of very few restaurants in Florida to sell fish caught literally the day you dine. The grouper…
• Boca Kitchen Bar Market. Downtown (Lemon Ave) · New American / Farm-to-Table — Sarasota's most popular farm-to-table concept sources ingredients from local farmers and specialty purveyors for a rotating menu of salads,…
• Der Dutchman. 3713 Bahia Vista St · 4.6★ (12,421 reviews)
• ofKors BAKERY. 1359 Main St · 4.7★ (1,658 reviews)
• Hashtag Café. 2781 Bee Ridge Rd · 4.9★ (971 reviews)
• C'est La Vie - Pastries Breakfast & Dinner. 1553 Main St · 4.5★ (1,705 reviews)
• Mademoiselle Paris - French restaurant and bakery. 8527 Cooper Creek Blvd · 4.5★ (1,546 reviews)
• Pastry Art Espresso Café & Dessert. 1512 Main St · 4.6★ (1,024 reviews)

Fine dining & Michelin

• Indigenous. Towles Court, Downtown · New American / Sustainable Seafood — James Beard Award semi-finalist chef Steve Phelps sources hyper-local, consciously caught seafood and native Florida produce; the…
• Michael's On East. South Sarasota (Midtown) · New American Fine Dining — Holder of 36 consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Awards (as of 2025) and inducted into the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame, Michael's…
• Maison Blanche. Longboat Key · Classic French Fine Dining — Master Chef-Owner José Martinez — who earned a Michelin star for his Paris restaurant — presents a nightly prix fixe of contemporary French cuisine on…
• Ocean Prime. 2205 N Westshore Blvd · 4.7★ (4,652 reviews)
• The Capital Grille. 180 University Town Center Dr · 4.6★ (1,685 reviews)
• Ophelia's on the Bay. 9105 Midnight Pass Rd · 4.5★ (1,539 reviews)
• Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse. 35 S Lemon Ave · 4.5★ (1,518 reviews)
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 2001 Siesta Dr · 4.5★ (1,459 reviews)

A 7-Day Sarasota Plan

1. Day 1 — Bayfront Beauty & First Impressions. Start your Sarasota visit at the Sarasota Bayfront, strolling the palm-lined promenade and snapping photos with the iconic Unconditional Surrender statue at Bayfront Park. Take in the sweeping views of Sarasota Bay before heading to the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market…
2. Day 2 — Siesta Key's Sugar Sand Perfection. Arrive early at Siesta Key Beach — consistently ranked among America's best — to claim your spot on the famously cool, powdery quartz-crystal sand. Swim in the calm, clear Gulf waters and watch pelicans glide overhead while the beach is still uncrowded. Rent a kayak or…
3. Day 3 — The Ringling's Art & Circus Grandeur. Spend the morning at The Ringling, the spectacular bayfront estate of circus magnate John Ringling. Begin with the Museum of Art, whose galleries house Old Masters paintings, Baroque works, and a world-class collection of Peter Paul Rubens tapestries. Cross the grounds to…
4. Day 4 — Gardens, Wildlife & Coastal Wonder. Begin at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a stunning 15-acre waterfront garden on Sarasota Bay renowned for its world-class orchid collection and lush tropical plantings. Wander the banyan grove, koi ponds, and restored historic buildings while learning about plant…
5. Day 5 — Shark Teeth, Trails & Legacy Adventure. Make the scenic 20-minute drive south to Venice Beach for shark tooth hunting — Venice is the self-proclaimed Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and the dark fossilized teeth wash ashore regularly along the shoreline. Bring a mesh sifter scoop (available at local shops)…
6. Day 6 — Birding, Arts & Asolo Theatre Night. Head east to the Celery Fields, a remarkable urban wetland and bird sanctuary where over 200 species have been recorded. Hike the loop trail up the central hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding marsh, then scan the water and reeds for roseate spoonbills, anhingas,…
7. Day 7 — Island Escape & Sunset Farewell. Take the ferry or drive across the causeway to Anna Maria Island for a final morning of unhurried beach time on the island's Gulf-facing shores — quieter and more old-Florida in character than Siesta Key. Walk the Anna Maria City Pier for sweeping bay views and early-morning…

Events & festivals in Sarasota

• Circus Sarasota (annual Big Top season) (Mid-February through early March (2026 edition: February 14 - March 8)). Annual professional one-ring circus under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, produced by the Circus Arts Conservatory. Features world-record-holding international performers. Tickets $30-$100.
• Sarasota Film Festival (April (10 days; 2026 edition: April 10-19)). Florida's premier independent film festival, running annually since 1999. Held across multiple Sarasota venues including New College Sainer Pavillion. Features filmmaker Q&As, panels, and world/US premieres.
• Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling (June through August (2025 edition: June 13 - August 9)). Annual family circus show at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, produced in collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.
• Ringling International Arts Festival (Third week of October). Annual international performing arts festival on the grounds of The Ringling (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art), running since 2009. Features visiting companies from around the world.
• Sarasota International Chalk Festival (November (typically second weekend; annual dates announced each year)). Annual outdoor pavement art festival founded in 2007, now one of the world's largest gatherings of pavement artists. Attracts more than 30 international chalk artists. Historically held at Burns Square, Sarasota.

Sarasota travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sarasota?

Late February through mid-May (spring).

What are the top things to do in Sarasota?

Top experiences include Siesta Key Beach, The Ringling (Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan & Circus Museum), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Siesta Key Sunday Drum Circle, Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).

Which airport is closest to Sarasota?

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the nearest, about 10 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Sarasota?

Popular areas to base yourself include Siesta Key, Downtown Sarasota / Rosemary Arts + Design District, St. Armands Circle / Lido Key, Longboat Key.

How do I get around Sarasota?

A rental car is almost essential — Sarasota's main draws (barrier-island beaches, The Ringling, state parks) are spread out and public bus service (Sarasota County's Breeze) is limited on Sundays and evenings.