Location: Sarasota
Top Things to do in Sarasota
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What to do and see in Sarasota, Florida (FL): The Best Free Things to do
What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
Restaurants in Sarasota
1. Gulf Gate Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By kbofsrq
Well laid out - great children's section - tons of DVDs, etc., puzzles, computers. Their meeting rooms and study rooms are great.
2. Sarasota National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 451 reviews
Reviewed By XKeysCrusader - Virginia Beach, United States
My wife and I had the honor of visiting this beautiful cemetery while on vacation in Sarasota. Since I am retired from the United States Navy, we always ensure that a portion of our travels involves spending time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces. The cemetery was very clean and organized, and it had a really spectacular Pavillion with cement seating and granite signs that surround the back side with historical pictures and descriptions, really fascinating. The people that we encountered during our visit were overall very kind and thankful for the wonderful VA and private partnership that constructed this valuable tribute to our wonderful Veterans. I would highly recommend a visit to this cemetery even if you don't have a previously deceased relative resting here.
3. Siesta Key Rum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 831 reviews
At our Sarasota, Florida distillery our spirits are hand-crafted from start to finish in small batches using only the finest ingredients and hands-on distillation in a copper pot still. Our distillery is open for free tours and tastings. You must pre-register on our website or by phone to attend tours. Our gift shop/tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 5.
Reviewed By chrisbangs2019
Daniel from XO took us to Siesta Key Rum Distillery and various points of interest around Sarasota. The distillery is a very friendly, informative and well-run tour with a great tasting room and loads of funny anecdotes and stories. Daniel took us through town to a number of historical buildings and had wonderful stories to share of the people and times that built Sarasota.
4. Ted Sperling Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
This park provide unique opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural Florida beaches. They are contiguous sections of a 100-acre property that interacts with four bodies of water; the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. Because of their convergence, currents run swift in some areas of the shoreline.
Reviewed By SharonP875 - New York City, United States
We did a three hour self guided kayaking among the mangrove channels. Saw a dolphin, many birds, clams and crabs. Very nice day, relaxing and quiet in nature
5. The Cat Depot
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 413julietm - Saint Paul, United States
Cat Depot is an amazing experience. The environment is incredible, the cats are housed in secure but open and airy pods, with the little "catios" where the cats can go sit outside and enjoy the Florida tropic climate. The staff consider every adoption on a personal basis and I send the best of all wishes to everyone who has been engaged at Cat Depot and who will be in the future. Thank you for the little kitty heaven you provide.
6. AlexArt International Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
AlexArt International Art Gallery is an iconic gallery downtown Sarasota, next to the Opera House. It opened in May 2016 as Massimo Meda personal art gallery, exhibiting only his 3d-fluorescent paintings on aluminum. During the second season, it introduced new Italian artists showcasing the hyperrealist fine art photography on aluminum of Fabio Dal Boni, the oil on canvas of Guido Borelli and his wife Danka Weitzen, the oil and acrylic on wood of Paolo Passoni. This third season will see local and American artists and Venetian glass art, too. It will also host monthly exhibitions and will continue its successful tradition of poetry readings, private dinners, and participation in music and film events.
Reviewed By 490irinag - Illinois, United States
AlexArt International Art Gallery is located at N Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota. It is not a large gallery, but the art works exhibited there are fascinating. The talented artists whose works are currently displayed in this gallery, create unforgettable images of nature, people, landscapes, objects of reality, objects of artists imagination, etc. These images are created superbly by using unbelievably and strikingly enhanced colors, and modern painting/fine art photography techniques (like 3D fluorescent paintings), as well as by more traditional techniques. When I visited the gallery in May, there were fantastic works there by contemporary Italian artists. I was mesmerized by all their paintings. Especially memorable for me were 'Marylin Diamonds', 'Audrey Saphhires', 'Call Me a Dreamer', 'Pink Beauty' by Fabio Dal Boni, 'Wave' and 'Sunflowers' by Massimo Meda, and beautiful oil on canvas paintings depicting unforgettable views of Venice by Guido Borelli ('Venezia, Grand Canal' and 'Vernazza'). In my view, the owner of the gallery Alexa Scanziani is doing an invaluable job, by bringing ultra-modern art to the view and admiration of people - to those who know art, to those who love and appreciate art, to those who want to learn more about the ever-lasting, timeless beauty of art and about world cultures. Totalmente affascinante. Grazie mille!
7. Lido Key Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By joewens3 - Jacksonville, United States
Great park area, nice restrooms and beautiful beach! We didn’t go swimming, but enjoyed the beach to walk and find shells. It was windy, but beautiful and a must see!
8. St. Armands Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,665 reviews
Shop. Dine. Relax. The St. Armands Circle Association represents the over 130 merchants of St Armands Circle in Sarasota Florida. Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands is truly unique in concept, history and ambience. It’s easy to relax, unwind, and let your cares fade away.
Reviewed By 0915R - Kure Beach, United States
Anytime we're in the Sarasota area we always make the point to go over to St. Armands Circle...public parking garage within 1/2 block (inexpensive too), lots of shops, unique shops, and great restaurants
9. South Lido Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Reviewed By carlosy361 - Knoxville, United States
The beach at South Lido Park is amazing! At that southern tip, a sandbar forms a shallow pool (about 3 feet deep) where young children can play safely and adults can chill out. At the sandbar you will find all kinds of amazing shells for your collection. Amazing spot for the whole family.
10. Siesta Key Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By PatH840 - Asheboro, United States
Strolling along the streets of Siesta Key Village is lots of fun! We enjoyed the variety of cute shops, the beautiful flowers everywhere and, of course, the incredible assortment of places to eat! It is a very laid back, relaxed and welcoming village. It is also small enough that you can take your time to enjoy it. Of course, it also has the number 1 rated beach in the United States nearby! Siesta Key Village and its beautiful beach are well worth a visit when in the Sarasota area!
