Sarasota Attractions

Top Things to Do in Sarasota, FL

Things to Do in Sarasota


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sarasota.

Top Attractions in Sarasota

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • ACBoca
    Boca Raton, FL15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Three museums in one. The Circus Museum due to John Ringling’s winter home in Sarasota.The Ringling Museum with art masterpieces and some contemporary art. And finally CzDZan, House of John, Ringling’s 1926 winter mansion in Sarasota which you are able to tour.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • marianne A
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Armand square is a good place to hang out , with nice stores, bars and easy access to a very large, white sanded clean beach. Also not far from downtown as many other praised beaches are. Recommend it.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malitz
    Toronto116 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had such a great time as a family, and felt it was well worth the price of admission. There was plenty of sea life that left us in awe; sharks, sea turtles, sea horses, a manatee, a preserved sea squid, plenty of fish ... and the staff were great sources of information. Thank you Mote Aquarium!
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carolina_Traveler_7
    Charlotte132 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    For the downtown location near Bayfront Drive —
    We really enjoyed our visit. Helpful volunteers, gardens well kept, most plants and trees well marked. We enjoyed the garden tour; it was good to hear the history, their future plans, and of course we all had questions about various plants and trees.
    There is another Marie Selby garden a few miles south that features native plants - the downtown garden is mostly non-natives.
    There is one greenhouse open to the public, small but well done. Most of the rest is open air paths.
    Best way to determine if this is for you is to check out the garden map online. This will highlight the main attractions and give a sense of the walking needed.
    There is a parking deck at the entrance to the gardens, no charge, with the check-in/admin area adjacent. (There is an admission fee for the gardens of course, but not parking on top of that). The sit down restaurant is nearby. (This area was recently under construction, but it’s finished. Construction has moved to an area away from the entrance and main garden).
    In addition to the new sit down restaurant, there is a grab and go place (salads and sandwiches) in the old Selby house (not open for touring otherwise). There is a patio with tables but we chose to find a shady bench and on the grounds and enjoy. So peaceful.
    This is not another Ringling type place - it’s not trying to outdo big name tourist attractions. It’s actually an important plant research and preservation site, involved in projects around the world. (For you gardeners/botanists out there - their specialty is epiphytes!). We are just enjoying the public portion, which helps fund what the center is doing.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DAN S
    Fairbanks, AK128 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Ca d"Zan is a gorgeous structure and property. The interior is a little "over the top" if you had to live there, but wonderful as a museum. Don't miss the other museums at this local.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SteelCity13
    Austin, TX921 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This park is beautiful and ease to navigate. So much to see and plenty of places to hike. Saw lots of gators. Did the tree canopy walk which was short but beautiful and fun! Be prepare for climb alot of steps. However I was disappointed to find out they were understaffed for Spring Break and the boat tours were all cancelled. So call ahead if you want to do a tour. Wish they would have posted it on the website or something.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • estark389
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hotel was great, service was great, tiki bar was great, beach was phenomenal!!
    Love the staff!!! Pool was great!!
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cruiser61590568542
    North Augusta, SC1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The whole experience was a delight! The animals are close enough to see and watch.
    The shows were terrific! Well worth the cost. Will definitely go back!
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carolina_Traveler_7
    Charlotte132 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoyed the Birds play Detroit at this stadium. The ushers and other staff were very friendly and helpful.
    Parking is confusing - don’t use google maps directions. Official parking is in a grassed lot on 12th street across from the stadium. Ignore google’s
    directions to go to 10th, as the neighborhood has barricaded a lot of the neighborhood streets, and you will have to go a mile or two out of the way to get back to 12th.
    The stadium concessions, parking and so on are card-only, no cash.
    There is a Boogs barbecue by the picnic tables just past the outfield, which was founded by Boog Powell, who was part of the great Orioles teams in the late 60’s/early 70’s.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barbara T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    BEST MUSEUM EVER! I have been to many museums, including the famous ones in New York and a few in Italy, and this has got to be my absolute favorite. Totally unpretentious and unstuffy, just fun and joyful. We were lucky enough to listen to Marietta (Mary) Lee herself give a brief talk about how the museum came to be - she is an absolute delight! Do yourself a favor and visit this museum if you’re anywhere near Sarasota. It’s right near the Ringling Museum and grounds. Free of charge ($10 donation recommended - worth every penny), and only open Thursday through Saturday from 1-4. Very highly recommended!
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dpetrowske
    Belleville, IL160 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cute little area with many restaurants and shops. The shops were all very nice. Fun place to stop. Very near Siesta Key beach. We parked for free. Many of the shops have their own parking lots.
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter W
    Englewood, FL1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cute park with a beautiful beach. Peaceful atmosphere. Good to hang with friends or even with kids. Restrooms were very clean !
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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