Sarasota is a beautiful Gulf Coast city known for its sunshine, beaches, arts, and culture.
If you find yourself in the area for the weekend, there is no shortage of amazing activities to keep you busy.
From museums and attractions to dining and outdoor adventures, Sarasota offers something for travelers of all ages and interests.
Check out this list of top things to do in Sarasota this weekend to help you make the most out of your weekend trip:
Hit the Beach
First on our list of fun things to do in Sarasota is visiting the beaches. With over 35 miles of coastline, beaches are undoubtedly one of Sarasota’s star attractions.
Siesta Key Beach routinely lands a top spot on national “best beaches” lists for its clear, calm waters and powdery white quartz sand.
The giant parking lot ensures there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out, even on busy days.
Other great options include Lido Beach, known for its picnic shelters and convenient location, and Venice Beach, which is less crowded and popular with families.
No trip to Sarasota is complete without soaking up some rays and enjoying the beautiful shoreline.
Explore Mote Marine Laboratory
Without any doubt, one of the amazing things to do in Sarasota Florida is exploring this Mote Marine laboratory.
For an educational yet entertaining aquarium experience, head over to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
As one of Florida’s premier marine research centers, it houses sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and more than 100 species of sea life native to Florida’s coasts and tributaries.
Be sure to catch a staff presentation to learn about the conservation research happening on-site.
Admission includes access to the touch pools, where you can get up close with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other creatures.
Wander Through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Nature lovers will delight in these sprawling tropical gardens right on the shores of Sarasota Bay.
The grounds showcase more than 20,000 colorful plants, including orchids, bromeliads, bamboo, and flowering vines.
For garden variety fun, wander through the lush vegetation in the Tropical Conservatory greenhouse. Or catch a rotating exhibit of botanical art in the Museum of Botany & the Arts.
The best views are from the upper level of the Manning House, which offers vistas overlooking the bay.
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See Odyssey of Flight
If you’re traveling with kids or just love aviation, then the Florida Air Museum is a top weekend activity.
As home to the Official State Aviation Hall of Fame, its interactive exhibits let you climb aboard aircraft to see what it was like for pioneering pilots.
Don’t miss the aviation-themed carousel or simulated flight to the moon in their Apollo capsule.
Their newest special exhibit, Odyssey of Flight, features hands-on science stations explaining the principles of flight engineering and design.
Take in The Ringling
As the state art museum of Florida, “The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art” showcases an impressive collection ranging from Baroque paintings to contemporary art.
The 66-acre grounds, itself an attraction, house a 21-gallery museum, Baroque theater, visitor’s pavilion, and historic home Ca’d’Zan mansion.
Be sure to save time for strolling the gardens and circus museum on the property too. With so much to see, you may want to plan a return visit.
Shop and Dine on St. Armands Circle
This bustling shopping district on a barrier island is home to over 100 shops and boutiques selling apparel, gifts, accessories, and more.
When it comes time for a bite, pick from over 50 restaurants with options from casual to upscale dining.
Grab a table along the sidewalk, order some stone crabs, and watch the crowds go by. Don’t forget to check out events happening at the Circle too; there’s often live music, art fairs, or seasonal celebrations.
Go Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is an excellent way to soak in Things to do in Sarasota from the water while getting some exercise.
Even beginners can get the hang of it fairly quickly. For a unique experience, take a glow paddle night tour under the stars or catch an early morning yoga paddle class.
Guided tours are also available through companies like Sarasota Paddleboard Company and Coastal Cruises for easy group adventures.
Kayak Through Mangroves Tunnels
Similarly, kayaking through the mangrove tunnels lining Sarasota’s coast puts you directly in nature while showing a beautiful side of Florida. This area is actually home to the largest mangrove forest in the state. Local companies like Hidden Creek Outfitters and Sea Life Kayak Tours lead group trips along these calm, scenic trails. With local wildlife sightings almost guaranteed, it’s a weekend activity the whole family can enjoy.
Catch a Baseball Game
Last but not least in the list of things to do in Sarasota is catching a Baseball game. Baseball fans will want to catch a game with the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium, the spring training home of the Orioles.
The ballpark has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere perfect for a fun weekend activity.
Arrive early to snag autographs at Batting Practice or stay late for post-game fireworks shows. Their game schedule runs from February through April, so catch them while you can!
