Sarasota, Florida, is a sun-soaked paradise with everything from world-class art to sugar-white beaches. Whether you’re craving wildlife encounters, beachside relaxation, or a deep dive into circus history, Sarasota has something for every traveler.
Here are five can’t-miss experiences to make your Sarasota trip unforgettable.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Step into a slice of Old Florida charm at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, one of the state’s oldest family-friendly attractions. Immerse yourself in 10 acres of lush tropical gardens. Stroll through winding paths surrounded by towering palm trees and vibrant flora. Hand-feed the iconic flamingos wandering the grounds around you.
Get up close with reptiles, parrots, alligators, and other rescued exotic creatures. Watch skilled birds performing crazy talents like roller skating and bicycling in the Jungle Bird Show. Pet and feed the goats in the petting zoo—a favorite among the younger animal lovers. Take part in interactive experiences like holding a parrot, posing with a baby alligator, and feeding a tortoise.
Find hidden gems like the butterfly garden, where wings in every color flutter around you. Book a private animal encounter for 15 minutes up close and personal with one of your favorite animals. Before heading out, swing by the Flamingo Café to shop for snacks, souvenirs, and locally-made collectibles.
Ringling Museum of Art
There are few Sarasota attractions more dynamic than The Ringling, a sprawling estate that blends art, history, and circus magic into one immersive experience. Explore the Museum of Art to discover an expansive collection of Baroque art by famed European artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Diego Velázquez. Lose yourself in the opulent Venetian Gothic architecture and Roaring Twenties glamour of Ca’ d’Zan, the former home of the Ringling Bros. Circus founders.
Embrace your inner child at the Circus Museum, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of memorabilia—from historic circus wagons to the world’s largest miniature circus. Immerse yourself in The Greatest Show On Earth Gallery for a behind-the-scenes look at the wild history of the circus, complete with costumes, artifacts, and multimedia displays. Catch a live performance or film inside the Renaissance-era Historic Asolo Theater.
Walk through the Bayfront Gardens to surround yourself with tropical blooms, banyan trees, and unique sculptures like the famous David sculpture replica. Visiting with kids? Sign up for kid-friendly events like interactive storytime or art class for babies. For an after-hours experience, don’t miss the monthly Ringling Underground for an energetic evening of live music and contemporary art—it’s a favorite among local college students.
St. Armands Circle
Shopping meets seaside charm at St. Armands Circle; a European-style shopping district just steps from Lido Beach. The pedestrian-friendly hotspot was developed by John Ringling in the 1920s, inspired by the piazzas he fell in love with overseas. Admire the high-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants dotting the palm-lined streets.
Embrace the carefree island vibes at Cha Cha Coconuts, or indulge in frozen drinks at Daiquiri Deck. Dig into stone crab legs and lobster bisque at Crab & Fin. Enjoy authentic Italian gelato at Settimi’s Gelato. Shop for extravagant gifts and jewelry at Giving Tree Gallery, or head to Big Dick’s to snag embarrassing tees for your relatives back home.
Marvel at the historic Ringling Circus statues in The Circle Park and snap a photo with John Ringling in statue form to commemorate your visit. There’s always something exciting going on, so check the calendar before you go to catch an exotic car show or art festival. Parking is free, but it can fill up quickly during peak season.
Siesta Key Beach
Soak up the sun at Siesta Key Beach, consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the country, and for good reason. Take a walk on the powdery white quartz sand, which stays cool even on the hottest days. Go for a swim among the crystal-clear waves, or get active with a paddleboard rental or a game of beach volleyball.
Dolphin sightings are common here, so keep your eyes peeled during your visit. Need a break from the sand? Hop on the free trolley to Siesta Key Village for seafood, drinks, and breezy souvenir shops. Grab a seat at The Hub Baja Grill for live music and fresh fish tacos, or cool off with a tropical beverage at Gilligan’s Island Bar.
Stick around for the Sunday night drum circle, a weekly ritual where locals and visitors gather to dance, drum, and celebrate the sunset. Peak season draws lots of tourists and families, but the beach is too big to ever feel overly crowded. If you’re looking for a quintessential Florida beach day, Siesta Key Beach delivers on every front.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens / Historic Spanish Point
Find your zen at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, spread across two stunning campuses. Visit the Downtown Sarasota location to wander through gardens bursting with thousands of orchids, bromeliads, and tropical blooms. Walk beneath a rainforest waterfall, cross rope bridges in the Children’s Rainforest Garden, and sip coffee with a view of Sarasota Bay.
Stop by the Tropical Conservatory to admire seasonal displays and rare plants. Check out art exhibits like Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica to combine botanical bliss with visual arts. For a less crowded experience, visit the Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey. You’ll be exposed to more than 5,000 years of state history, from prehistoric shell mounds to pioneer-era buildings.
Step inside the Butterfly Garden for a peaceful retreat. Get a glimpse of one of the region’s oldest Native American settlements in the Window to the Past exhibit. Visit Mary’s Chapel and the Pioneer Cemetery to learn more about the legacy of Florida’s early settlers.
