Attractions near Sarasota, Florida
There’s never a shortage of incredible things to do in Sarasota Florida. From spending time on white sand beaches to exploring mangrove forests and great restaurants, people come from all over the world to vacation in Sarasota. To help you round out your itinerary, we’ve put together this quick list of some of the best things to do while you’re staying with us.
Siesta Key Beach
Address: 538 Canal Road, Siesta Key Florida 34242
Hours: Open Daily 6 AM-12 AM
Since 2015, Siesta Key Beach has been ranked as the #1 beach in the USA by the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice awards. Part of what sets Siesta Key Beach apart is its beautiful white sand. Made from 99% pure quartz, the beach reflects the sun’s heat, which leaves the sand cool underfoot even on the hottest days. With lifeguards, concession stands, beachside rentals, and picnic areas, it’s easy to spend a whole day or more at Siesta Key Beach.
Mangrove Tunnels on Lido Key
Address: 190 Taft Drive, Sarasota Florida 34236
Hours: Open Daily 6 AM-10 PM
Paddling your way through one of the mangrove tunnels on Lido Key is an incredible, other-worldly experience. Whether you embark on your own or as part of a guided tour, you’ll find the mangrove tunnels full of wildlife both above and below the water. If you’re looking for an escape from the sun for a few hours, a trip through the shaded, quiet, and cool mangrove forest is ideal for people of all ages.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Address: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota Florida 34236
Hours: Open Daily 10 AM-5 PM
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have two campuses, one in downtown Sarasota and another at Historic Spanish Point. Combined, the Gardens encompass 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries dedicated to connecting people to the nature and history of Florida. You can explore these extensive gardens separately, or book a roundtrip boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway that links the two campuses.
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Address: 1435 Main St, Sarasota Florida 34236
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-11 PM
Duval’s has been voted the best seafood restaurant 8 years in a row by the local community, and has won a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award two years in a row. Duval’s is committed to providing freshly sourced ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Located in the heart of downtown, this staple of Sarasota is famous for its Po’Boy Sandwich.
Marina Jack
Address: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota Florida 34236
Hours: Open Daily from 11 AM-2 PM, 5 PM-9 PM
When it comes to great Sarasota restaurants on the water, Marina Jack stands apart from the rest. Located on the second floor of Marina Jack, the dining room offers expansive waterfront views. Home to some of the area’s finest steaks, seafood, and pasta, Marina Jack is an ideal place to dine after a day on the beach or before a night on the town.
Shore
Address: 465 John Ringling Blvd #200, Sarasota Florida 34236
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-10 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-11 PM Sunday 10 AM-10 PM
Shore offers great American cuisine in a unique and charming mid-century atmosphere. Striving to set a new standard in coastal living and dining, you’re sure to enjoy their specialty dishes and creative cocktails in an open air dining space. Shore not only offers great food, but a vibrant atmosphere to shop or even host events.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234.
Hours: 10 a.m - 4 p.m Daily
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a tourist attraction in Sarasota, Florida since 1939. With its beautiful botanical gardens and interesting animals it is a fun stop for families to enjoy.
Owens Fish Camp
Address: 516 Burns Ct Sarasota Fl, 34236
Hours: Sun-Thurs 4 p.m- 9.30 p.m, Fri-Sat 4 p.m - 10:30 p.m
This charming local Seafood restaurant is an easy favorite. With its fun back patio and outdoor seating its a great place to have a good time. Craft Beers and wine and delicious local seafood.
The Mall at University Town Center
Address: 140 University Town Center Dr.
Hours: 10 a.m- 9 p.m
The Mall at University Town Center and surrounding areas has all the shopping and eating you could desire. Explore the bustling Mall and you are sure to find something you enjoy.
Myakka State Park
Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
Hours: Every Day 8 a.m-7:30 p.m
Myakka State park is a 37,000 Acre Florida State park with lots of exploring to do. Camping, Hiking, Picnicing, and boat tours are all available. Choose your adventure.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Hours: Fri- Wed: 10 a.m- 5 p.m, Wed 10 a.m- 8 p.m
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the official state art museum of Florida. This vast and beautiful Museum has over 10,000 objects for you to explore. Walk the Gorgeous grounds or dive into history.
The Legacy Bike Trail
Address: Central Sarasota Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34238
Hours: 6 a.m-7 p.m
Legacy trail is an 18.5 Mile long multi-use bike trail running between Sarasota and Venice. Safely take a walk or enjoy a long bike ride with Beautiful Florida scenery.