Issues to Do in Sarasota: The Greatest Actions & Eating places

Since shopping for our Florida residence in 2017, I’ve acquired fairly just a few DMs and emails asking about issues to do in Sarasota. This query appears to be additional in style this time of yr when everyone seems to be flocking to hotter climate. One of many the reason why we love residing right here is that there’s all the time one thing to do. This metropolis is filled with enjoyable actions (a lot of that are free!), scrumptious locations to eat, and new areas to discover.

In the present day I’m going to spotlight a few of my favourite actions and eating places in Sarasota. And since I do know guests oftentimes prefer to enterprise into the encircling areas, I’m additionally going to share some native favorites that span from Siesta Key as much as Anna Maria Island. By the tip, you’ll be able to pack your luggage, throw on a comfortable airport outfit, and plan a visit!

How Badly Did the Hurricanes in 2024 Have an effect on Sarasota?

First I wished to deal with the elephant within the room and talk about how the 2024 hurricane season affected the world. I’m not going to lie, the Sarasota space acquired hit fairly arduous, struggling by far the worst hurricane season I’ve seen. Between Debbie, Milton, and Helene, we had fairly a little bit of flooding and wind injury. The excellent news is that we’re actually again within the swing of issues. All seashores apart from North Lido Seashore and South Lido Seashore are open and nearly all eating places are again in operation. The airport is in fact working at absolutely capability (and increasing!) and all roads are good to go.

So many small companies and household owned eating places want to make up plenty of missed revenue from being closed, in addition to cowl bills from damages. Now could be the time to indicate your help for the locations you like!

Favourite Issues to Do in Sarasota

There are a ton of various methods to spend a day, or perhaps a week, in Sarasota. Your superb itinerary will rely upon your purpose for visiting the town and with whom you’re touring. Do you wish to spend time stress-free on the seaside? Possibly you’re hoping to do some procuring and eating together with your important different? Or possibly you’re touring with youngsters and on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Sarasota as a household? I’m going to the touch on just a little little bit of every thing, as we’ve loved doing it all around the previous few years!

Sarasota Seashores

Some of the in style causes to go to or dwell in Sarasota is for the breathtaking seashores. Personally, my favourite native seaside is Siesta Key. Not solely is the sand and water lovely however the location and facilities at this seaside are nice as effectively. The town paid for an enormous renovation of Siesta Key in 2016 and the result was an enormous improve! The facilities close by are nice together with the general public loos, meals choices, and areas of shade. Whereas this seaside is essentially the most accessible on the subject of parking, I’ll warn you that the majority spots are snagged by 10 AM through the busy season. So you should definitely plan accordingly!

If trying out seashores is on the prime of your issues to do in Sarasota record, then you may also wish to make your solution to Longboat Key or Anna Maria Island. LBK has some lovely public seaside entry factors. The draw back is that the parking is extraordinarily restricted and there aren’t many facilities out there. The massive public seaside on AMI, Coquina Seashore, does have parking, loos, and altering areas. Nevertheless, I nonetheless want Siesta Key!

Native Issues to Do in Sarasota

One thing we’ve loved whereas residing right here is experiencing the distinctive native occasions. There’s all the time one thing happening! The town hosts First Friday occasions, for which the streets downtown are closed and there are a ton of meals choices, procuring, and free leisure.

One in every of my favourite issues to do in Sarasota is to discover the Farmers Market on Saturdays. This market isn’t simply restricted to supply. As an alternative, it truly highlights lots of the native outlets and artisans within the space.

And on the subject of occasions to plan round, I all the time verify the schedule on the Van Wezel, which is our native performing arts corridor. Sarasota will get nice musical acts to carry out right here and you may usually get actually affordable costs! You may see the present schedule right here. 

The town additionally simply accomplished an enormous challenge by Van Wezel branded The Bay. It has attention-grabbing strolling paths, a park for the youngsters, a canoe launch, waterfront sitting and The Nest the place you possibly can seize a drink and simply benefit from the sunshine. Additionally they have motion pictures within the park and free yoga. You may see your entire schedule right here!

Child-Pleasant Issues to Do in Sarasota

If you’re on the lookout for kid-friendly issues to do in Sarasota, I’d suggest Selby Backyard and Mote Aquarium. Sarasota has had fairly a increase over the previous 5 years. Due to this fact, the town is working to improve plenty of the favored points of interest, together with each of those.

Selby Backyard is a good way to see a lot of the attractive nature Florida has to supply. I’ll put a disclaimer that this is without doubt one of the spots nonetheless recovering a from the storms, however nonetheless value a go to. They always have actions geared towards each kids and adults – You may take a look at their full schedule right here. The power simply completed an enormous multi million greenback renovation that incudes an unimaginable restaurant, The Inexperienced Orchid!

Mote Aquarium is a extremely candy aquarium that looks like “old skool” Florida. They too are getting a MAJOR improve, set to be accomplished in 2025. For now, you possibly can go to the placement they’ve been at for many years on Longboat Key. They’ve sea turtles, manatees, rays and a lot extra! You may observe alongside right here to see when the brand new Mote will open within the UTC space.

Sarasota Museums

The Sarasota Artwork Museum, which simply opened in 2019, is an excellent spot to go to. They’re always bringing in new artworks that really feel recent and related. At 15,000 sq toes, the museum feels substantial, however not overwhelming. I additionally love the candy bistro that they’ve on-site. It’s an important place to take a seat and seize a espresso. Along with displaying unimaginable artwork, the museum hosts a extremely enjoyable outside jazz efficiency as soon as a month. Throughout this occasion, you possibly can chill out and benefit from the music whereas additionally grabbing a glass of wine and even dinner!

The Ringling Museum will little question pop up when you find yourself on the lookout for issues to do in Sarasota. I discover the grounds of the Ringling Museum to be gorgeous, however the precise displays to be underwhelming. Moreover, the Ringling Museum is usually crowded, particularly through the busy season. So be ready to circle for parking and to come across some strains whereas visiting.

Purchasing in Sarasota

Whereas I wouldn’t say Sarasota is a shopping-centric city, we do have some true gems. Canned Ham Classic is an unimaginable classic store that you just shouldn’t miss. I’ve purchased so a lot of my favourite objects there (the earrings are all the time top-notch) and they’re always getting new stock! Camilyn Beth is an area designer who’s as proficient as she is type. Her retailer is situated proper on Palm Avenue, together with her design studio proper above! The Met Style Home in St. Armands Circle has an important number of a few of my favourite manufacturers corresponding to Veronica Beard, Self-Portrait, and See by Chloe! 

Talking of St. Armands Circle, spending a day procuring, eating, and exploring this space is a favourite factor to do in Sarasota for a lot of guests. It’s an important space if you happen to’re trying to simply get out, seize a chunk to eat, and do a little bit of procuring. My favourite eating places in St. Armands are 15 South by Napule, Colombia (a basic that has been round for greater than 100 years), and Crab and Fin. Sadly, Shore in St. Armands is without doubt one of the eating places that made the heartbreaking resolution to completely shut their location after the storms.

Equally, if you happen to’re procuring downtown, there are a lot of nice locations to seize meals or cocktails as effectively. I like Owen’s Fish Camp for dinner (they’ve an important house out again for teenagers to run round with dwell music), State Avenue for cocktails, Selva for dinner (don’t miss the home chopped salad), and the Fountain for an off-the-cuff pizza date. There’s additionally the newly opened Beso I like for excellent tapas.

Favourite Eating places in Sarasota

Okay, now that I’m fascinated with it, eating in Sarasota wants its personal part – There are simply so many nice choices! It’s arduous to nail down my favorites, however here’s a record of some of my favorites. I say this as a result of I do know I’m going to by accident depart somebody I like off the record!

Seafood Eating places

1. Walt’s: This restaurant is third generation-owned they usually catch fish every day. I like the Oscar off the Hook and the fish dip! Wait instances will be lengthy, as this can be a vastly in style spot for locals and guests alike. 
2. Veronica’s: Set in Southside Village, Veronicas is a darkish, cozy uncooked bar. They’ve an superior skirt steak, the very best Caesar salad, and superior oysters (clearly!) I like eating on the bar, which is first come first serve, however they do take reservations for the eating room.
3. Owen’s Fish Camp: An enthralling seafood restaurant set in an previous cottage – That is such a darling place to dine. There’s a enormous yard with a separate bar they usually usually have dwell music. The Low Nation Broil is superb, and if they’ve Scamp because the native catch get it (belief me)!! Owen’s will get insanely crowded, so that you’ll wish to arrive early and be ready to attend, as they don’t take reservations. 
4. Spearfish: Positioned on Siesta Key, this little informal spot has quick, recent, straightforward, and really tasty dishes. The grouper bites and the coconut shrimp are my private favorites on the menu. 
5. Whitney’s: One in every of my absolute favourite issues to do in Sarasota is dine at Whitney’s. This informal spot is ready in an previous fuel station, and on most days all of the home windows and doorways are open. The queso is superior and I additionally love the LBK Bowl. This menu is nice for sharing they usually have dwell music each Friday! 
6. Jack Dusty’s – If you’d like a pleasant, stress-free brunch with a view, I’d take a look at Jack Dusty’s within the Ritz. I like sitting outdoors and catching up with girlfriends on a fairly Sarasota day! The Ritz additionally simply opened a brand new spot Rufa that has glorious cocktails!

American Eating places

1. Indigenous: Positioned downtown in an lovable cottage, this restaurant is regionally sourced with an ever-changing menu. All the things I’ve had right here is mouth-watering, even the only dishes. That is the proper spot for a pleasant date night time or to have a good time a special day.
2. Adeline: Perviously Meloria, this restaurant in South Aspect village has rebranded to Adeline. It has a brand new and up to date menu that’s simply as tasty and now presents a really cool lunch menu beneath the identify Little A!
3. Shore: There have been two Shore places, one in St. Armands and one on LBK. Sadly the St. Armands location closed, however LBK continues to be open! Attempt to snag a desk on the Shore LBK with a water view. I get one thing completely different each time I dine right here and I’ve by no means been disillusioned. 

Different Kinds of Delicacies

1. Florence and the Spice Boys: This tremendous in style meals truck opened their first everlasting location this yr and the house is as superb because the meals. They fully remodeled the restaurant that they took over and added so many private touches. The menu is all the time attention-grabbing! A few of my favorites embrace the turmeric fried hen sandwich and the fried brussel sprouts.
2. Origins Pizza: Origins is my go-to when ordering pizza. They’ve a number of places now, which makes eating in tremendous straightforward. The newly opened spot at The Landings is nice. I all the time order my pie skinny and additional crispy! 
3. Columbia: The oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia is a full-on attraction. Dinner generally is a little bit of a zoo, since that is on so many guests’ “should eat” record. For that reason, I usually love to do a late lunch right here and I get the 1905 salad with the unique Cuban.
4. Artisan Cheese Firm: Whereas that is largely a cheese store (and a rattling nice one!) you may as well pop in for lunch or to order a cheese board and glass of wine to remain. The lunch menu is usually small, however mighty, and the house has a really cool industrial, but welcoming, really feel. The store additionally has nice sourdough, natural wines, spreads imported from all around the world, and the very best cheese choice in Sarasota. 
5. State Avenue: In case you love a cocktail, that is your home. Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, this darkish, romantic bar is inside strolling distance to so many eating places. I like grabbing a martini right here earlier than heading off to Selva, Owens, or one of many different nice spots on Essential Avenue.

New Sarasota Eating places

1. Arts and Central Cafe: It’s no secret I LOVE the Rosemary district. Arts and Central is a big, fashionable restaurant with indoor and outside eating that’s such an important addition to Sarasota. They help artists and have a wonderful menu.
2. Spice: That is my favourite Indian spot on the town. This the sister restaurant to Tikki, named top-of-the-line Indian eating places in Florida. A wonderful alternative for take out on a comfortable night time or a big get collectively.
3. Malmosto: Discuss an exquisite, small Italian spot with probably the most attention-grabbing wine lists. I used to be launched to this hidden spot by a pal and it has been a go to for each date night time and women night time.
4. Kojo and Bar Hana: A contemporary Asian spot that has a little bit of every thing. I like the sushi, noodles and every thing in between. If you’d like a extra upscale eating expertise pop into Kojo however if you’d like extra of a enjoyable, bar setting to eat and let unfastened, head to Bar Hana subsequent door!
5. J’s Korean: I simply ate right here for the primary time this week and can be returning ASAP. Eating in is barely extra informal, however nonetheless great and the workers is so type. The fried hen and Bibimbap have been my private favorites.
6. Ocean Prime: Some of the upscale eating places to open in a while, this place has acquired plenty of buzz. They simply opened the final week in December and I’ve but to go. Pals have raved in regards to the meals, service, and views…however it should price you a fairly penny!
7. Lefty’s Oyster Bar: Okay I haven’t been right here but both…however as a result of it opened lower than 24 hours in the past! I’ve watched them do the construct out and been following right here for updates and plan on heading there this weekend to test it out.

Sarasota Favorites

Phew, so long as this record of issues to do in Sarasota appears to be, I really feel like I’ve solely scratched the floor! I shared just a few further Sarasota favorites in this submit as effectively. And if you happen to occur to be touring right here (or anyplace!) this winter, you could wish to take a look at my journey must-haves, airport outfit concepts, and my favourite journey magnificence merchandise.