Sarasota, Florida - Things to see and do

Things to see and do in Sarasota, Florida

Visited June 2015

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Sarasota, Florida: Culture, Coastlines, and a Life Less Ordinary

Sarasota isn’t just another Florida beach town—it’s where Gulf Coast beauty meets serious cultural punch. Located about an hour south of Tampa, this city blends white-sand beaches with a thriving arts scene, a deep-rooted history, and a lifestyle that balances laid-back living with intellectual energy.

Wee have been to Sarasota many times. We have visited the beaches, the Ringling museums and most recently Big Cat Rescue.

Let’s start with the beaches. Siesta Key Beach is the headliner here, and for good reason. The sand is made of 99% quartz, making it cool to the touch and blindingly white. It’s been named one of the best beaches in the U.S. more than once. But Siesta is just the start—Lido Beach, Longboat Key, and Nokomis Beach each offer their own mix of seclusion, surf, and sunset magic.

What sets Sarasota apart is what happens off the beach. The city is often called the “Cultural Coast” of Florida. It’s home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a sprawling estate that includes a world-class art museum, a circus museum, a historic mansion, and lush gardens. The Ringlings were circus royalty, and their legacy helped shape Sarasota into the arts hub it is today.

Big Cat Habitat is an animal protection organization which is home to a large number of big cats and other wild animals. It's also home to one of less than 100 ligers in the world. Ligers are the largest cats in the world weighing up to 900 lbs and 11 feet in length.

That legacy lives on in Sarasota’s creative heartbeat. You’ll find the Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, ballet, symphony, and a full calendar of performances, galleries, and film festivals. For a city of just over 50,000, it punches way above its weight.

Sarasota is also a food town. From waterfront seafood shacks to downtown bistros, the culinary scene is eclectic and constantly evolving. The Sarasota Farmers Market draws locals every Saturday for fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music. Dining here ranges from upscale to ultra-casual, but the vibe is always approachable and never pretentious.

For outdoor lovers, Sarasota delivers beyond the beach. Myakka River State Park offers hiking, kayaking, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Florida—think gators, wild boar, and bald eagles. There’s also the Legacy Trail, a bike path that stretches more than 18 miles, connecting Sarasota to Venice.

Sarasota isn’t cheap—housing costs have gone up sharply, especially since the pandemic-era migration from northern states. But for those who can afford it, the lifestyle is hard to beat. It’s popular with retirees, snowbirds, and increasingly, younger remote workers and families looking for sunshine without the chaos of bigger Florida cities.

What makes Sarasota special is its balance. You can spend your morning kayaking through mangroves, your afternoon exploring a modern art gallery, and your evening sipping wine as the sun melts into the Gulf. It’s a city that values both beauty and substance.

In short, Sarasota has depth. It’s more than a vacation spot—it’s a place people fall in love with and never want to leave. Whether you're drawn by the beaches, the arts, or the vibe, Sarasota offers a lifestyle that’s rich, relaxed, and just a little bit refined.

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