Behind the Scenes of Sarasota: Tours You’ll Love

Whether it's your first trip to Sarasota County or 100th time, there's always something new to learn about this pocket of Florida's Gulf Coast. Many tour operators have local in-depth knowledge so you can learn the best places, activities and fascinating facts on a variety of entertaining and informational tours! 

Check websites for specific tour days, times and fees. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen and have fun!

History and Cultural Tours

Sarasota Suncoast Tours

Step into Sarasota’s history, legends and local lore with Sarasota Suncoast Tours. Tour offerings include a special "Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Sarasota,” a “Wild Women of Sarasota” tour that includes a 1920s deep dive and a “Shark’s Teeth & More” tour in Venice, where the beaches are home to millions of washed-up, fossilized shark teeth. Custom tours are also available for private groups.   

Venice Florida Tours

Uncover the fascinating history of the "Venice of America." Explore on foot with the "Downtown History Stroll" or dive into Venice’s prehistoric roots and Native American heritage on the "Heritage Park Stroll." For a more relaxed experience, climb aboard the "History Tour of Venice by Golf Cart" to cruise past historic homes and landmarks with up to five passengers.

Food and Beverage Tours

Key Culinary Tours

Operated by the same folks as Sarasota Suncoast Tours, Key Culinary gives you a mouthwatering feel for Sarasota’s foodie scene. Their two to three-hour tours take you to several restaurants in different areas of Sarasota, including downtown and St. Armands Circle. The “International Wine Walk” lets you explore the globe without hopping on a flight. As a bonus, you’ll glean tidbits about Sarasota’s history and culture.   

Sunset Food Tours

Discover Sarasota’s culinary scene one bite at a time with Sunset Food Tours. Choose from experiences like the "Morning Exercise Walking Tour," which pairs light cardio with local stories, or the popular "Taste of Downtown Sarasota Tour" for a culinary adventure packed with generous tastings at top local restaurant spots. Each tour offers a flavorful way to explore the city–all timed to catch Sarasota’s golden-hour glow.

Trolley Tours

Discover Sarasota Tours

Learn all about the cities of Sarasota and Venice while taking in the view aboard Discover Sarasota Tours' air-conditioned narrated trolley tours. Entertaining and informative local tour guides help you discover the history, people and places of each city during their many daytime themed tours—including the "City Sightseeing Tour” around Downtown Sarasota or Venice, or the “Circus Tours” to discover Sarasota’s famed history as the winter home of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. From “Public Art” and “Psychic Sundays” to “Leading Ladies of Sarasota” and “The Amish Experience” tours, there’s no shortage of themes to explore. 

At night, enjoy live musical theater shows on wheels, including Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The Circus Queen and Sing-Along Trolley. To get in the Halloween spirit, don't miss the Haunted Sarasota "Ghost Stories, Mystery Guests, & Spooky Fun" trolley tour for an historical musical journey through Sarasota’s eerie past.

Newtown Alive Trolley Tour

When passengers load upon the Newtown Alive Trolley Tour, they can expect to be greeted with laughter, praise and worship, and of course, Vickie Oldham. Oldham, the mastermind behind Newtown Alive, is a product of the community north of Downtown Sarasota and a historian who deftly captured more than 100 years of its history into a tourist attraction. Oldham will often solicit the help of other community residents to join these tours, adding an authentic perspective about the past, present and future for Sarasota’s oldest Black community.

Boat and Kayak Tours

Kayaking SRQ Tours & Rentals

Discover two of Sarasota's hidden gems: the Exotic Mangrove Tunnels, located on Lido Key, or Jim Neville Preserve, located on Siesta Key. Guided kayak or paddleboard tours will weave you through calm waters and lush greenery while searching for manatees, dolphins, sea birds and other marine life who call Sarasota Bay home. Prefer to explore independently? Rent a kayak or SUP and set off with a detailed map to uncover your own adventure. Anglers can join guided kayak fishing trips for catch-and-release fun amidst Sarasota's coastal scenery.

Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures

Located on Longboat Key, Happy Paddler offers laid-back guided tours and rentals for every level to explore Sarasota's more northern barrier islands. Glide through serene mangrove tunnels on the "Mangrove Paddle Tour," discover hidden coves on the "Lido Key Exploration" or soak in breathtaking views on the "Sunset Kayak Tour." Friendly guides ensure a safe and fun experience whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler.

LeBarge Tropical Cruises

See Sarasota’s natural beauty and rich history unfold on a narrated cruise along the bay. Choose a "Dolphin & Manatee Watch" led by a marine biologist, a lively sunset cruise with live music and dancing or the "Rhythm on The Bay" tour featuring steel drums and delicious drinks. For a magical evening, book the Full Moon Cruise to catch stunning views of the sunset and moonrise over Sarasota Bay. Every tour departs from Bayfront Park and marina. Don’t forget to book ahead and dress to impress!

Key Sailing

Set sail on "Key Breeze" with the native captains of Key Sailing. They offer a wealth of insight and knowledge about the area's history and heritage, so your charter will be anything but ordinary or boring as you cruise out of Marina Jack to tour the neighboring shorelines adorned with luxury waterfront homes and coastal scenery. Opt for a personalized sunset and sightseeing cruise of Sarasota Bay or the Gulf, ranging from two to eight hours. 

Hike and Bike Tours

Sarasota Bike Tours

Do you prefer to wheel your way around a new area? Tour participants with Sarasota Bike Tours get everything they need for a biking adventure, including a bicycle or high-powered e-bike, plus helmets, equipment and a local guide. The “Downtown Historic Tour” runs year-round and is the company’s most popular excursion. The two-hour tour covers seven miles, including the Bayfront and Payne Park, as well as the city’s historic neighborhoods. Other tour options include “Siesta Key Sunset,” “Lido Key Bike & Kayak” and “The Ringling Museum.”   

Sarasota Vortex Tours

Explore Sarasota in a mindful way with guided walking tours that combine movement, meditation and natural energy. These immersive experiences lead you through Oscar Scherer State Park's peaceful and powerful outdoor setting, known for its subtle vortex energy. Along the way, you’ll learn about Sarasota’s unique natural landscape and history, while practicing breathwork, grounding, guided meditation and energy awareness.

Nature in Motion Tours

Cruise through Myakka River State Park’s pine forests and open prairies, where you can spot bald eagles, alligators and other wildlife on a peaceful, private e-bike tour. Pedal-assist bikes make the journey comfortable and customizable to your pace. Along the coast, the "Fort DeSoto Bird Photography Tour" takes you on an easy electric ride through stunning shorelines and tidal wetlands, offering exceptional opportunities to capture wading birds, shorebirds and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Wonderbound Adventures

To explore Myakka River State Park by foot, book a guided hike and trek with the local ecotour experts and naturalists of Wonderbound. Hikes are inspired by Florida's flora and fauna, including birding and learning about native wildflower blooms. Tours range from hour-long child-friendly hikes, where kids explore wild spaces at their own pace, to day-long hikes for the backpacking adventurer to go deeper into the remote stretches of wild Myakka.