Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida for the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Breathtaking white-sand beaches, vast wildlife, and a behind the scenes look at an iconic circus are just some of the best things to do in Sarasota, Florida.
Smack dab between two South Florida vacation destinations, Tampa and Fort Myers, the beachy town of Sarasota is growing like a weed and demanding you take notice. This gulfside escape doesn’t even crack Florida’s top 50 cities when it comes to population size, but take a second to look and it’s easy to see how Sarasota has become such a contemporary gem.
An abundance of world-class museums and cultural institutions have always kept locals busy and drawn in tourists. Tack on a sophisticated fine dining scene that’s expanding by the minute, close proximity to some of the nation’s most popular shorelines, and vast wildlife and other natural wonders, and this charming locale becomes a top weekend getaway contender. So when you’re looking to hit the road, don’t overlook these things to do in Sarasota: a sweet destination with something for everyone on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
For any budding botanists out there (pun fully intended), Sarasota’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offer the perfect jumping-off point into plant life. The 15-acre downtown campus is a verdant oasis that’s mastered the delicate art of orchid-keeping with thousands of blossoms on display across the property. After buzzing with their beauty, head outside for a leisurely stroll along the Mangrove Walkway, a coastal path that showcases one of the state’s most fascinating ecosystems.
Haven’t quite had your outdoorsy fill? No worries—the Historic Spanish Point campus offers double the acreage with some added historic flair to boot. This sprawling preserve invites guests to discover a wealth of antique artifacts ranging from the Guptill House—an old-school manor built in 1901—to the Archaic Midden, an ancient archeological site that was inhabited by the indigenous Calusa people of southwestern Florida more than 3,000 years ago.
Manatees are renowned for their easygoing nature and adorable faces, but few are known for their contributions to academia—except, of course, Hugh and Buffett. Born at the Miami Seaquarium in the 1980s, these affable sea cows are the only two manatees on earth that have been specially trained to take part in research projects, ranging from hearing tests to body temperature analysis. As manatee populations across Florida continue to plummet, Hugh and Buffett offer some much-needed hope for the future of this majestic aquatic mammal.
In addition to this beloved dynamic duo, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is also equipped with a wide array of other fascinating—though admittedly less cuddly—creatures. In the Shark Zone, guests can get up close and personal with the infamous toothy predators of the sea, while the nearby Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors exhibit provides insight into Mote Marine Lab’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, a program that’s treated more than 600 different turtles since 1995.
Though Miami tends to dominate the conversation when it comes to Floridian food destinations, Sarasota is equipped with some truly spectacular venues for a posh and tasty night on the town. Case in point: Michael’s on East, an opulent haunt that’s been serving upscale New American cuisine since 1984. With succulent dishes like Munich Pork Shank and Porcini-Rubbed Colorado Rack of Lamb, it’s no wonder this venue has earned accolades for decades.
Visitors can also spend a luxurious night at Sage, a polished downtown eatery that operates out of the city’s iconic 1920s-era Sarasota Times Building. While the venue itself may be historic, the dining program is anything but old fashioned, with a wealth of modern cocktails and global dishes gracing the menu. If you’re in the mood for a more seafood-specific experience, don’t miss out on Selva Grill, Sarasota’s treasure trove for flawlessly-crafted ceviche alongside a wealth of other Peruvian specialties.
This town’s dining scene is ever-expanding, so be sure to pencil in some time to check out shiny new offerings like the NYC-born Italian sandwich institution Faicco’s, crispy fried chicken from Fork & Hen, and the opulent chef’s table at Meliora.
From the western edge of the Redneck Riviera to the ever-partying South Beach, Florida is a veritable treasure trove of coastal getaways—but few can compare to world-famous Siesta Key. Located 15 minutes south of downtown, this coastal getaway draws visitors from across the globe thanks to one quality in particular: its powdery, blindingly white quartz-crystal sand. While this lengthy strip of shoreline is exceedingly gorgeous, be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses, lest you fall victim to the searing glare coming off the highly reflective grains.
Sarasota’s recent urban development has ushered in a new wave of high-class hotels, offering weekenders an opportunity to fully kick back. For those who appreciate the finer things, the Art Ovation Hotel highlights the city’s deep connection to the fine arts, with art and wine tours plus weekly Meet the Artist events in the hotel’s decked-out lobby.
Just north of downtown in the Rosemary District, the Hotel Indigo Sarasota is conveniently situated in one of the city’s most stylish neighborhoods. Grab a rental bike and head west to Waterfront Park to check out the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, or cycle south to Bayfront Park, a lively coastal space that’s perfect for pelican-watching. And after a long day exploring the city, reward yourself with a plunge into the hotel’s two outdoor hot and cold wading pools for maximum relaxation.
Once you’ve had your fill of downtown Sarasota, venture out across the twinkling John Ringling Causeway. Just over the bridge, pint-sized St. Armands Key packs a powerful punch in spite of its small stature, brimming with all sorts of dining and shopping opportunities. Step up your Vacation Dad game with the help of shops like Tommy Bahama, then head into the stunningly-beautiful Blu Kouzina for a night of succulent kebabs paired with a bottle of Greek wine.
St. Armands certainly has its charms, but those in search of a more spacious hangout spot should turn their gaze north, where the sprawling barrier island of Longboat Key awaits. Start off with a leisurely 15-minute drive from the southern terminus all the way to the very tip, where stunning Beer Can Island rests, strewn with soft sand and masses of tangled driftwood. And while there’s a wealth of dinner options here, nothing quite compares to Euphemia Haye Restaurant, a revered fine-dining venue that’s been gracing the coast since 1980.
Though the once-mighty empire of the most iconic circus on earth officially shut down in 2017 after almost 150 years of operation, its legacy lives on today at the Ringling Circus Museum. Costumes, props, and marketing material can be found in abundance throughout the museum, but the most impressive display is hands-down the Howard Bros. Circus Model, an incredibly intricate scale replica of the Ringling traveling circus spanning more than 44,000 individual pieces.
Perched outside the Circus Museum, one of Florida’s most coveted venues for art enthusiasts exists in the form of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Established in 1927, the cherished institution serves as the official state art museum of Florida, with more than 10,000 different paintings, sculptures, and works of art all housed within its walls. A couple of steps to the west, visitors can take a guided tour of the Ca' d'Zan, an opulent Mediterranean Revival-style palace that once served as the winter home for John and Mable Ringling.
Eat your weight in pie in Amish Country
Free from the temptations of trashy reality TV and social media doomscrolling, America’s Amish communities have plenty of time to focus on more pressing matters—namely, baking. For a deep dive into the realm of Amish cuisine, the eastern Sarasota neighborhood of Pinecraft is an absolute must-visit, with local favorite Yoder’s serving up some of the best pie around.
Kick your visit off with a savory dish—the Meatloaf, Pot Roast Melt, and Country Fried Steak are all worthy options—before plunging headfirst into the sugary depths. Whether you spring for the candy-laden Chocolate Peanut Butter, keep things simple with cherry, or embrace your inner Floridian with a slice of Key Lime, Yoder’s has your sweet tooth well covered.
Sample some of the Sunshine State’s finest rum
Nothing pairs quite so well with the Florida heat than rum, and fortunately, there are plenty of places to tip back a sugarcane-based elixir across Sarasota. Drum Circle Distilling has truly mastered the craft, with six different varieties of rum up for grabs. The spirits here range from beer barrel-aged to silver, but for best results, grab a bottle of Drum Circle’s flagship product—the ultra-flavorful Siesta Key Spiced Rum.
For those who prefer their rum in cocktail form, the oldest tiki bar in the Sunshine State sits about 10 minutes west of Drum Circle Distilling. Founded in 1954, Bahi Hut Tiki Cocktail Lounge serves up Blue Hawaiians, Beachcomber Mai Tais, and a host of other boozy concoctions in a colorful setting that feels frozen in time. And if you’re in the mood for a more modern take, head to The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and post up at Jack Dusty, a charming seafood-heavy restaurant that whips up a game-changing smoked Painkiller.