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Attractions FAQ
Visit our Special Offers & Deals page that gets updated year-round.
We have several great attractions that feature animals as well as tours and parks that offer wildlife viewing.
The Baltimore Orioles spring train in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium and the Atlanta Braves spring train in North Port at CoolToday Park. Don’t forget to read The Spring Training Guide to Sarasota County. We also have our own soccer team, Sarasota Paradise. Sarasota is also home to other unexpected sports.
Sarasota is home to The Ringling which is the state art museum of Florida as well as the Sarasota Art Museum. We also have an array of other art, history and wildlife museums.
Sarasota County has a variety of attractions for everyone's enjoyment, from art museums to natural science aquariums and other local must-sees. Learn more on our website here.
There are lots of great options.
There are drum circles throughout the week at Siesta Key Beach, Englewood Beach, Nokomis Beach and Venice Beach. Learn more here.
Any of our beaches offer the best sunsets. Area restaurants are another great option.
This area is within walking distance to Lido Key Beach and the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring distinct European flair and an eclectic variety of elegant dining and shopping options. You can explore the Circle with a self-guided history tour of its statutes or simply shop, eat and enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.
Yes, we carry the Golf Coast Magazine in our Sarasota and Venice Visitor Centers which lists all local public golf courses. Learn more about the history, and search courses on our website here.
Whether you are paddle boarding or kayaking on Sarasota Bay or the Myakka River (including Myakka River State Park), or taking a guided tour or a fishing charter, there is a big chance you will encounter a dolphin or manatee.
Sarasota has a big Amish and Mennonite community called Pinecraft with a variety of restaurants offering hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options as well as a variety of homemade baked goods (pies, ice cream etc.). Olaf’s Ice Cream, Yoder’s Restaurant and Amish Village and Der Dutchman Restaurant & Bakery are some! Der Dutchman and Yoder’s each have a gift shop (Carlisle Gifts and Yoder’s Gift Shop) featuring handmade items from clothes and jewelry to toys and home goods. The Carlisle Inn & Conference Center opened in 2018 and is located next to Der Dutchman.
Depending on your interests, you can explore area attractions such as The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. We also have several beautiful beaches, shopping options, and outdoor activities on the water or in our parks. Don’t forget to eat local while you’re here!