Discover the top beaches, attractions, restaurants, and cultural hotspots that make Sarasota a must-visit destination. These are the can’t-miss places that locals love and visitors rave about.
Sections
5
Beaches
Parks
Amusement parks
Zoos and aquariums
Museums
Beaches
Anna Maria Island is one of the top beaches and our favorite beach to go to. The kids love the beach and the super soft sand. They love that they can look in the water and see things too.
Anna Maria Island Florida - Guide to Attractions
On Anna Maria Island there is a little burger joint. It's usually crowded but their burgers are amazing! My husband loves to take me there for Valentine's Day, anniversary dinners, or just a date night depending on the time of year we go.
Skinny's Place
Lido beach is another of my favorite beaches! It has beautiful soft sand and beautiful spots for photo ops!
Lido Beach
Parks
This place is beautiful just to take the kids and walk around! It's run by a non profit. They offer art classes for kids and some great photo ops.
Sarasota Children's Garden
This park is cute and totally worth stopping at with the kids if you are in the Sarasota area! The playground is circus themed!
Payne Park
This is a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy nature and art in the same setting.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
This park has scenic walking trails, a splash pad and playground. It's the home to the iconic "Unconditional Surrender" statue. This park is beautiful and worth a day trip.
Bayfront Park
Amusement parks
Busch gardens is a fun amusement park. Between rides and animals there is plenty to do and see.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Thrill Rides, Zoo & Family Fun
Not exactly near Sarasota but still definitely a must see if you are willing to travel to Orlando. Discovery cove offers swimming with dolphins, close animal encounters, snorkeling with fish, hand feeding tropical birds and more.
Discovery Cove
Not just a bar and grill but they offer lots of games, bumper cars and more. Definitely fun for the whole family
Livingston's Amusements
Zoos and aquariums
A wonderful place to go interact and see wildlife!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
This place isn't just a laboratory. It is an aquarium that allows you to walk through and see all the aquatic life.
Mote Marine Laboratory
Not only is this place educational but you can see lots of big cats as the name implies. It's a wonderful and fun experience for the kids.
Big Cat Habitat
It's a great aquarium to take the kids too for the day. From sting ray feedings, penguins and even sea trek. This place is so cool!
The Florida Aquarium
Museums
This place was the winter home for The ringlings! It has beautiful architecture and shows a glimpse into their lives in the roaring 20s.
Ca' d'Zan
Not far from their winter home is the ringlings museum! The art there is beautiful and it's a wonderful place to walk around! Especially if you are an art lover!
