Jake & Elisabeth
Things To Do
Shop and Eat in Downtown Sarasota
Best Views: Westin and Art Ovation Rooftops (open to the public) Golden Spoon Award Recipients ($$-$$$): 1592 Wood-Fired Kitchen, Indigenous, Michael's On East, Napule, Selva Grill Other Best Eats $$$: Hyde Park Steakhouse, State Street Eating House, KOJO, Bijou Garden Cafe, Marina Jack (inside) Other Best Eats $$: Owen's Fish Camp, Drunken Poet, Mattison's City Grille, La Mucca Ballerina, Pho Cali, Marina Jack (outside) Best Eats $: Yummy House, ofKors Bakery, Il Panificio, Main Street Creamery, Gelato-Go
Shop and Eat in Saint Armands Circle/Lido Key
Best Views: Drive a little north on the island to New Pass Grill & Bait Shop ($), Dry Dock Waterfront Grill ($$$), or the Chart House ($$$). In the Circle: Golden Spoon Award Recipient ($$): Shore Diner Best Eats $$$: Crab & Fin, Tommy Bahama Best Eats $$: Columbia, Blu Kouzina Best Eats $: Le Macaron, Big Olaf Creamery
Shop and Eat in Downtown Venice
Best Views: Fins, Sharky's, and Crow's Nest Best Eats $$$: Fins at Sharky's, Cassariano, Crow's Nest Best Eats $$: Made in Italy, Dockside Waterfront Grill, Sharky's on the Pier Best Eats $: Croissant & Co (Breakfast and Lunch only), Tikka Indian, The Soda Fountain
Shop and Eat in Siesta Key Village
Best Eats: The Cottage ($$), Ophelia's on the Bay ($$$), Siesta Key Summer House ($$$) Bride's Favorite Drinking Spots: The Beach Club, The Hub Baja Grill, The Cottage
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Ca' d'Zan
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free to $25 per person This beautiful museum is located by Sarasota Bay. The art museum and grounds are FREE to visitors every Monday. Paid admission includes entry to the art museum, grounds, and circus museum featuring the World's Largest Miniature Circus model. Admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $5 for children Tuesday through Sunday. For an additional fee, you can also gain access to the Ca' d'Zan historic mansion.
Siesta Key Beach and Seafood Festival
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free Visit America's #1 beach. Siesta Key is home to 8 miles of pristine white sand beach, a weekly Sunday evening drum circle, and a full children's playground. During the wedding weekend, you can head to the main beach access for the Annual Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival (December 2-4).
Siesta Key Rum Free Tour
21+ | Disability Friendly | Free Our favorite rum is made right here in Sarasota! Head to the tasting room before a free tour at the Siesta Key Rum Distillery.
Hunt for Shark Teeth at Caspersen Beach
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free This little-known local beach is the prime location for hunting shark teeth. For extra success, we recommend bringing or purchasing a shell sifter for the sand. Sarasota County is located near a reef off the coast. The tide brings fresh teeth, shells, and other fossils each day. Get there early for the best pickings!
Myakka River State Park Canopy Bridge
All Ages | No disability access for canopy walk | $4-$6 per vehicle Walk a short hike to the canopy for beautiful views of untouched Florida wilderness. You can also rent kayaks, hike on flat ground and boardwalks, eat alligators, see alligators, and enjoy waterbird birdwatching. Admission is $6 per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4 (single-occupant vehicle). If you are REALLY brave, arrive early at 8AM to snag one of 30 first-come-first-serve free permits to visit Deep Hole. Deep Hole is a 2-hour hike to see 50-120 concentrated gators at a time.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free to $20 per person Visit Sarasota's most beautiful gardens. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the children's rainforest garden playspace. Admission is $20 per adult, $10 for children, and Free for children ages 4 and under.
Bayfront Park
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free Overlooking Sarasota's marina, adults can enjoy drinks at O'Leary's Tiki Bar or at Marina Jack. Kids can enjoy the playground, swinging benches, and playing around sprawling banyan trees. Dolphins are frequently seen in these waters.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
All Ages | Disability-friendly and designated Autism-friendly | Free to $26 per person Visit Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to see manatees, sharks, alligators, otters, sea turtles, and more! Tickets must be purchased online, admission is $26 for adults (Ages 13+), $19 for kids (Ages 3-12), and Free for kids (Ages 0-2).
Snorkel at Point Of Rocks
All Ages | Swimming Ability Required | Free Snorkle at Point of Rocks on Siesta Key Beach. Bring, buy, or rent snorkels before heading to the beach early to get a parking spot at Beach Access 12 or 13. Otherwise, it is a pleasant 40-50 minute walk from the main Siesta Key Beach access.
Fishing at Venice Fishing Pier
All Ages | Disability Friendly | Free No Florida fishing permit? No fishing pole? The Venice Fishing Pier is for you! 720 feet long with liquor at one end and fish at the other, this pier boasts Gulf views and free fishing. Rent a rod for $15 and purchase bait at Papa's Bait Shop or bring your own supplies. Keep your eyes peeled for barracudas and sharks that like to hang out around the pier's deep water pylons.