Sarasota, Fla., is an incredibly unique city with an impressive circus culture and outstanding arts programs. From the Sailor Circus to the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy, Sarasota offers an amazing array of cultural activities that will entertain the whole family. Beautiful wildlife and great outdoor activities also provide plenty of opportunities to explore Sarasota, and families enjoy incredible outdoor adventures all year.
Here are our picks for the best things to do in Sarasota:
Sofrito Mama’s
Sofrito Mama’s serves up delicious and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to the Sarasota community. There’s no place like Sofrito Mama’s to take the whole family for a fantastic and traditional meal. Their menu offers everything from amazing appetizers and authentic entrees to out-of-this-world desserts. If you’re in Sarasota, Sofrito Mama’s is a can't-miss dining spot with great food and awesome service.
Liquid Blue Outfitters
Liquid Blue Outfitters offers Sarasota’s go-to kayaking tours that the whole family will enjoy. Families from all over come for the popular Lido Key mangrove tunnel tours to experience paddling through Sarasota’s incredible wildlife habitat. Liquid Blue Outfitters guides its guests through an amazing adventure in the beautiful marine habitat and protected intracoastal waterways. It’s a remarkable adventure in the beautiful outdoors of Sarasota.
Sailor Circus
Hosted by the local Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, the Sailor Circus is a unique show put on by kids ages eight to 18. It plays a vital role in the unique culture of Sarasota, which has long been the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and encourages performers of all ages. By promoting young talent, the Sailor Circus continues the Sarasota circus culture while contributing to the entire community. It’s a must-see for anyone in the area.
The Ringling
The Ringling is Sarasota’s prominent art museum as well as circus museum. The art museum is dedicated to local education programs and is partnered with Florida State University to develop undergraduate and graduate-level seminars. However, the most unique part of The Ringling is its circus museum. Thriving off of Sarasota’s unique circus culture and the legacy of John Ringling, one of the original Ringling brothers from The Greatest Show on Earth, the circus museum is a great opportunity for families with kids of all ages to experience the history of the circus.
Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
The Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy is dedicated to founder Marietta Lee’s mission to share whimsical and humorous art with the Sarasota community. A unique and colorful experience for the whole family, the Marietta Museum stands out from the conventional art museum with its own flare for whimsical culture and inspiration. The museum aims to educate while entertaining its guests with a focus on Sarasota’s culture, history and environment. Bring the whole family to the Marietta Museum for a one-of-a-kind experience of Sarasota art and culture.
