Things To Do
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota
These beautiful, botanical gardens are a bayfront sanctuary. Take a scenic walk, relax on a bench and enjoy connecting with nature. The Green Orchid by Michael's East, an onsite restaurant, serves locally and regionally sourced, sustainable cuisine and is a real treat!
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
The Ringling, one of America's leading arts institutions, boasts diverse collections—art, circus history, architecture, performance, and gardens. This variety reflects its unique origin: circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable founded it to transform Sarasota into a world-class destination. The Grill Room overlooks the grounds and a pond of lily pads and serves delicious food.
St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is a scenic and lively hub for tropical cocktails, fine dining, unique boutiques, and live acoustic island music. The Circle is also historically significant, featuring the "Ring of Fame" in Circle Park, established in 1987 to honor circus legends. The Columbia Restaurant is a great option for lunch or dinner.
Mote Science Education Aquarium
You can discover marine life from around the world and the new state-of-the-art Mote Science Education Aquarium. (Mote SEA) The Mote takes their fantastic marine laboratory research and turns it into amazing exhibits, including many "touch tanks" for visitors. It's definitely a must-see for anyone who enjoys aquariums.
University Town Center (UTC)
With over 200 retailers and 80+ restaurants, UTC is the ultimate shopping, dining and lifestyle experience. Enjoy the open-air atmosphere and Florida sunshine while rediscovering old favorites and making new discoveries at the mall and surrounding development.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Van Wezel is a total cultural hub, bringing a huge variety of the world's best performers right here to Southwest Florida.This season offers over 100 amazing events including Broadway shows, major international artists, hilarious comedians, incredible symphony orchestras, and a wide range of dance performances.
Lido beach
Lido Beach is famous for that super-soft white sand and clear water. It also offers the convenience of some free parking, a concession stand and restrooms. It’s relaxed and usually less crowded than Siesta Key; plus, it’s near St. Armands Circle for shopping and dining and is a favorite spot for locals. It's the Temples' favorite area beach.
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Beach is always on "Top Beach" lists. Its super unique sand is almost 100% quartz crystal, famously known as the "world’s finest, whitest sand," and it never gets scorching hot. The beach has a half-mile walkway, two concession stands, restrooms and pavilions. It has a lot of free parking, but can get very crowded during busy seasons. Sunset on the beach is said to be spectacular.