Things to Do in Sarasota
Sarasota is truly the jewel of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Beloved for its beautiful beaches, stunning golf courses, glorious weather and outdoor sporting opportunities, Sarasota is also a haven for dining, entertainment, and performing arts opportunities. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center hosts numerous Broadway shows and world-class performances. The Ringling Museum of Art houses 21 galleries, and Sarasota’s cultural district includes numerous theater, ballet, and opera offerings. Nearby Tampa and St. Petersburg also offer internationally acclaimed entertainment options.
The renowned Asolo Theater, home to the highly acclaimed FSU/Asolo Conservatory, is famous for producing the highest quality professional theatre in rotating repertory, which means as many as nine plays are in rotation, with a different show each night.
If you love to shop, St. Armand’s Circle on Lido Key, Sarasota’s downtown district, or Siesta Key Villages are all filled with boutiques and cafes, perfect for browsing or meeting with friends. A Saturday outdoor market attracts more than 8,000 weekly visitors, with vendors that include food, flowers, plants, spices, artisan crafts, and much more.
Just two hours away, you can enjoy Disney World as well as Universal, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Hard Rock Live. Even closer, Tampa Bay is home to Busch Gardens, the Salvador Dali Museum, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and, for sports fans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and the Devil Rays.