As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
If you are planning a trip to Sarasota and Siesta Key Florida and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Sarasota Florida has 35 miles of coastline with six barrier islands and Siesta Key has been named one of America’s best beaches many times. They are on Florida’s Gulf Coast one hour south of Tampa Bay and are not to be missed during a Florida road trip. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Sarasota – Siesta Key Florida bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Sarasota trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Read How to Spend One Week in Tampa Bay Florida
Sarasota Florida
Sarasota Florida is one of my favorite Florida cities for a long weekend getaway. You will find six barrier islands, beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees, Amish pies, circus history, flamingos, an amazing botanical garden, daiquiri bars, and a relaxed vibe. There is the perfect place to destress and still do some sightseeing. And, Travel and Leisure placed Sarasota on the Top Ten Best US Beach Towns to Live In.
Things to Do in Sarasota Florida
Tour the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Ca’d’Zan mansion, allow 3 hours
Hand feed the flamingos at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens
See the current exhibits at the Selby Gardens Living Museum
Visit the MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Take a morning walk through Bayfront Park and photograph the Never Surrender
Tour the Siesta Key rum distillery
Search out the painted bicycles around the city
Catch an Atlanta Braves or Baltimore Orioles Spring training game (Feb-Mar)
Learn about sea turtles on a turtle walk (Jun-Jul)
Attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand sculpture competition (mid-Nov)
Browse the Saturday Sarasota Farmer’s Market
Eat a beer-battered hot dog at the Old Salty Dog
Check out the Circus Ring of Fame on St Armand’s Circle
Grab a frozen daiquiri and coconut shrimp and listen to live music at the Daiquiri Deck
Enjoy a Cuban sandwich and 1905 salad at the Columbia Restaurant
Spend a night out at The Gator Club
Take the Circus Secrets or Amish Experience city tour
Check the Amish community of Pinecraft and have lunch at Yoder’s Restaurant
Watch the Half Stitched Musical at the Carlisle Inn in Pinecraft
Eat an Amish pie at Der Dutchman
Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at the Westin or Art Ovation Hotel
Play a game of minigolf with alligators at Smuggler’s Cove
Check out the antique cars at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Take a walk around the Burns Court neighborhood
Cuddle a two-toed sloth, silver fox, or cougar cub at Big Cat Habitat
Zipline the Tree Umph adventure course
Stop at the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy for great selfie opportunities
Siesta Key Florida
Siesta Key Florida is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico 15 minutes from Sarasota. On Siesta Key you will find white sand beaches made of 90% quartz, warm shallow water, pretty lifeguard towers, manatees, and bottlenose dolphin. Trip Advisor named Siesta Key a top beach in 2015, 2017, and 2020. The area gained popularity in 2017 when MTV’s reality show Siesta Key began filming there. Popular activities are jet skiing, boating, fishing, and parasailing.
Things to Do in Siesta Key Florida
Ride the free trolley around town
Photograph the colorful lifeguard stands on Siesta Beach
Attend the free Sunday sunset drum circle near the Siesta Beach Pavilion
Snorkel at Point of the Rocks on the south end of Crescent Beach
Attend the manatee feeding at the MOTE Marine Laboratory
Take an intercoastal boat cruise past mansions
Take a selfie with the Siesta Beach sign
Browse the Sunday morning Siesta Farmer’s Market
Watch the sunset at Sunset Point on the north end of Siesta Kay Beach
Shop for souvenirs and have dinner in Siesta Key Village
Eat a lobster roll at the Lobster Pot
Play beach volleyball
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Siesta Key
Things to Do Near Sarasota and Siesta Key Florida
Big Pass Sandbar
Kayal or SUP the Lido Key mangrove tunnels
Watch the Amish fish from the shore at Lido Key
Search for shark teeth on Venice Beach
Take an airboat cruise on Upper Myakka Lake
Walk the treetops at the Myakka Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower
Fly through the air at Tito Gaona’s Trapeze Academy
Be sure to check the Sarasota Tourism Board for current events
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Sarasota Florida
Plan Your Trip to Sarasota Florida
Sarasota Florida Travel Guide
Pick up a Florida Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Sarasota Florida Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Sarasota Florida Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!