Top Attractions in Sarasota, Florida

Top Attractions-In-Sarasota-Florida

Top Attractions in Sarasota, Florida

Looking for the top attractions in Sarasota, Florida, the beautiful city on Florida’s southwestern coast is known across the world for its unique culture, resorts, and beautiful beaches.

The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, which exhibit the masterpieces of the great masters. As well as specimens of modern art. The warm climate of the city makes it a favorite among golf lovers.

While you are here on a trip, a visit to the top attractions of Sarasota, Florida, is a must to experience the beauty of this city.

1. The Ringling

This monument preserves John and Mable Ringling's rich legacy, the famous American circus owners and art collectors.

The structure houses a museum of art, the historically important Ca' d’Zan mansion, the art library, Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. Its history goes way back to nearly 100 years ago, with circus impresario John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The Museum of Art would not open until 1931, which featured a magnificent collection of paintings from the late European Middle Ages to the 19th century. The message behind the exhibit was to promote education and appreciation of art, especially for the youth.

2. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

These are lush green botanical gardens sprawling an area of about 15 acres.

What distinguishes these gardens from the others is that these gardens are dedicated to the study and display of Epiphytes. These are plants such as mosses that grow on other plants. The Seby Gardens were formerly home to William and Marie Selby. It spans an expansive 15-acre bayfront oasis exhibiting a wide array of living collections of beautiful and rare tropical plants. It's the only botanical garden where you can find ferns, gesneriads, bromeliads, and epiphytic orchids. The best to see are the varied exhibitions of the garden and horticultural displays by famous artists. Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted admission rate, too! This is one of the top attractions in Sarasota, Florida.

3. Asolo Repertory Theatre

One of the top attractions in Sarasota, Florida, is the primary professional theater in Sarasota County.

Are you a theatre-enthusiast? Are you looking forward to experiencing provocative new musicals, bold reinterpretations of contemporary and classical works, a diverse repertoire of newly-commissioned plays? Head towards the center of Sarasota's rich arts scene at Asolo Rep. Initially, the theatre's performance space was located in Asolo’s historic theatre in Italy!

4. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

This is a marine research organization founded in 1955 and is amongst the most visited attractions in Sarasota.

The Mote Aquarium houses over 100 marine life species, including sea sharks, seahorses, jellyfish, manatees, rays, and others. Welcome to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, a product of passion and arduous work by a group of scientists and explorers that seek to promote the rights and the wealth of the ocean. Through research and education, they can create a better environment for today's children and the children of tomorrow. It is an independent and nonprofit marine research institution focused on conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.

5. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

The sanctuary serves as an animal rescue, which creates habitats as close to the native habitats of the residing species as possible.

The animals are provided with daily behavioral, manipulative, and sensory enrichment to ensure they stay active, healthy, and happy. Are you a fur parent? Do you want to see more giant cats and help support them? Treat yourself to a visit to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. It's a large animal rescue that's ever-growing in eastern Sarasota Country. It's a non-profit haven for dozens of exotic animals founded by Kay Rosaire in 1987. It is truly a product of a labor of love, where all income from admissions goes to feeding and taking care of the animals. Enjoy a safari experience and support them now!

6. Beaches in Sarasota

Sarasota is most famous for its sandy beaches, known for their shallow waters and beautiful sand textures.

There are no ordinary beaches in Sarasota. Each is a mixture of sun and fun in the blue expanse. There are attractions and tours, beaches and parks, nightlife, entertainment, festivals, and restaurants. When you go to the beach here, you go to change your life. Some of the most famous beaches are Lido Beach, the Siesta Key Beach, etc.

7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

One of the oldest tourist attractions in Sarasota, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, has been in existence since 1936.

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an absolute must if you're traveling with family. You can explore various exhibits such as reptiles, flamingos, animal shows, and of course—the petting zoo. The key to every performance is education and entertainment. Their animal keepers are knowledgeable and well trained to thrill and amaze. You can choose from Jungle Bird Show, Wildlife Wonder, Reptile Encounter, and more! The gardens are home to some of the most exotic plants, including the most extensive Norfolk island pine in Florida. Several animals can also be found here, including snakes, alligators, parrots, and pink flamingos.

8. Myakka River State Park

Named after the Myakka River, this is one place every nature lover must visit. Here one can view the wildlife in a designated boardwalk and get on the canopy walkway above the treetops. Would you love to take your family on a refreshing trip to the outdoors? Do you want to try camping, boating, canoeing, and kayaking? You can even give the camping boat a try and fish! These are just some of the activities offered by Myakka River State Park. It even has cabins, campgrounds, concession, and restaurants, and so much more. It's one of the most exciting and relaxing places to visit on earth!

Guided boat tours are also available, which are usually educational, especially about the wildlife found in the area and its history.

9. Sarasota National Cemetery

Established in 2007, this is one of the most famous places in Sarasota. This is where very many of the country's veterans and heroes have been laid to rest.

The Patriot Plaza amphitheater has art pieces that can be viewed during a guided tour and are also where most ceremonies take place,
Wrap Up

Sarasota is most famous for its exquisite sandy beaches that are known the world over. The Ringling Museum is known for its Italian architecture and culture, while the Mote Aquarium is renowned for its rich marine life collection.

The Sarasota School of Architecture is a famous style that developed as the mid-century Modernist architecture’s variant. The Crocker Church is a prominent historic structure counted amongst the top attractions in Sarasota, Florida.

While you are in the city, consider visiting the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which are unparalleled in their epiphytes and orchids collection. Numerous TV series and films have been shot at Sarasota’s exotic locations, bearing testimony to the beauty of this incredible city that prides itself on being one of Florida’s most colorful cities.

Your Sarasota Movers share these places you must visit when in Sarasota, Florida.

Abraham Berger

Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.