Story's guidebook
Must experience
World class Botanical Garden, Museum
This is a lovely museum and property on the water. It is worth the extra price to see the mansion in which John and Mabel RIngling lived.The tiny circus re-creation is absolutely amazing.
48 locals recommend
Ringling Circus Museum
5401 Bay Shore RdThis is a lovely museum and property on the water. It is worth the extra price to see the mansion in which John and Mabel RIngling lived.The tiny circus re-creation is absolutely amazing.
My favorite peaceful, gorgeous setting. World class gardens.
Orchids, bromeliads, unbelievable banyan trees, and one of the only places in America with a Rainbow gum tree. Exquisitely beautiful on all walking paths. You will. never forget this experience.
It is simply stunning. Beautiful walking paths, places to relax and read or picnic, world famous collection of orchids, incredible Banyan trees. Simply a haven.
433 locals recommend
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound StIt is simply stunning. Beautiful walking paths, places to relax and read or picnic, world famous collection of orchids, incredible Banyan trees. Simply a haven.
Entertainment
Gorgeous theater- there are no bad seats. An intimate setting to see wonderful shows. A fairly small venue located on the water.
154 locals recommend
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami TrailGorgeous theater- there are no bad seats. An intimate setting to see wonderful shows. A fairly small venue located on the water.
It is always fun to laugh. Some great comedians - two item purchase minimum.
63 locals recommend
McCurdy's Comedy Theatre
1923 Ringling BlvdIt is always fun to laugh. Some great comedians - two item purchase minimum.
Top notch scientific research. Beautiful aquarium on the water.
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyTop notch scientific research. Beautiful aquarium on the water.
Professional theater- great shows, affordable, and atop notch quality.
74 locals recommend
Florida Studio Theatre
1241 N Palm AveProfessional theater- great shows, affordable, and atop notch quality.
Food scene
Lots of little shops and restaurants. Favorite food places: The Green Zebra for organic, healthy fare. Venezia's for affordable Italian. Kilwin's for awesome ice cream- I like the Toasted Coconut as a hot fudge sundae. Soooo good.
St Armands Circle Shops
300 St Armands CirDelicious food, intimate setting, seats overlooking the water.
64 locals recommend
Ophelia's on the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass RdDelicious food, intimate setting, seats overlooking the water.
First Watch has reliably good breakfasts. I prefer the Fruitville Road location over the downtown location, though.
35 locals recommend
First Watch
1395 Main StFirst Watch has reliably good breakfasts. I prefer the Fruitville Road location over the downtown location, though.
Yummy, healthy breakfast and lunch. In a small strip mall, but the food is great. Mostly locals. Good for vegans and vegetarians, too.
52 locals recommend
Simon's Coffee House
5900 South Tamiami TrailYummy, healthy breakfast and lunch. In a small strip mall, but the food is great. Mostly locals. Good for vegans and vegetarians, too.
This is my favorite restaurant for a lovely evening on the water. It is located overlooking the beach, the food is excellent and beautifully prepared. Usually requires reservations- definitely worth it. You will not be disappointed.
76 locals recommend
Fins At Sharky's
1600 Harbor Dr SThis is my favorite restaurant for a lovely evening on the water. It is located overlooking the beach, the food is excellent and beautifully prepared. Usually requires reservations- definitely worth it. You will not be disappointed.
Recreation
Gorgeous park with a walking/biking path around the lake. World Rowing competitions, offers a nice place to exercise.
82 locals recommend
Nathan Benderson Park
5851 Nathan Benderson CirGorgeous park with a walking/biking path around the lake. World Rowing competitions, offers a nice place to exercise.
Quieter than Siesta Key, but equally as beautiful, More shells, too!
442 locals recommend
Lido Key Beach
400 Benjamin Franklin DrQuieter than Siesta Key, but equally as beautiful, More shells, too!
City advice
Don't miss
The Saturday morning Farmer's Market.
The farmer's market downtown is terrific- find the homemade empanada cart. Art, food, veggies, plants, flowers- it is all there.
Don't miss
The Celery Fields
Great place for walking paths- the only slight elevation in Sarasota! Beautiful place to go birding.
Don't miss
Myakka State Park
Alligators, birds, and deer galore.. Great place to stroll, but be watchful around the water!
Don't miss
Walk the John RIngling Bridge
Beautiful walk over the bridge to Bird Key. Look back on downtown Sarasota. Gorgeous sunsets.
Don't miss
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
This experience is a must-do if you are visiting Sarasota. Unbelievable beauty and a zen setting at Marie Selby.
Getting around
The Legacy Trail is an amazing.paved bike path
Bring or rent bikes to ride the Legacy Trail. It goes all the way to Venice, and I love it!
Don't miss
Kayak the Mangroves
Rent kayaks and kayak the mangrove tunnels. Shallow, crystal clear water. Pack a picnic and pull up on a quiet, sandy beach.