Arts, Museums & Galleries

Here's a look at how some Sarasota County arts attractions are adding new sanitizing, social distancing and mask-wearing measures for audience safety

If you appreciate the finer things in life, you'll have no trouble appreciating a few nights in one of these artfully curated accommodations.

Life truly imitates art when you stay in Sarasota, Florida—the coastal destination affectionately dubbed Florida's Cultural Coast® for good reason.

A good laugh in Sarasota isn't hard to find at some of the area's established institutes for comedy acts (and art).

Mark Twain once said, “Telling the truth is the funniest joke of them all.”

And if truth be told, a good laugh in Sarasota isn’t hard to find. The city has numerous venues that offer open-mic nights where local comedians are sure to tickle your funny bone with some great material.

Discover art galleries and artistic gems beyond the ordinary and see what makes Sarasota County shine as Florida's Cultural Coast. 

Both local and renowned visiting artists of Sarasota display their craft and talents in exhibitions and galleries all year round. And if you come on the right day, you may even catch an opening night or get the opportunity to meet the artist. Though, no matter when you show, you can expect to leave feeling more inspired and enlightened than when you came.

There's so much to do in Sarasota County that it can be difficult to narrow it down, much less cram it all into a weekend. You can't, of course, but if you're only here for a few days, here's a helpful itinerary designed to give you a taste of the beaches, cuisine and culture of Sarasota, while keeping it relaxing and mostly outside.

Friday

If you arrive in the afternoon, unpack and settle in at your hotel before heading downtown. If you already live here in paradise, follow suit and start with happy-hour cocktails at the spot that fits your mood.

In search of coastal cuisine, cultural attractions, and enough sunshine to cure their lingering polar-vortex blues, a couple heads south for a week in Florida's cultural capital.