Arts, Museums & Galleries

One of the reasons so many people choose to visit Sarasota is because of its natural beauty.  Of course, the mild winters also have a little something to do with it, but everything here is so picture perfect that it draws people from all over the world.  From the beaches to the historic parts of town and all the wildlife in between, there's no escaping the beautiful scenery that Sarasota has to offer.

That's why Sarasota lends itself perfectly to a form of artwork known as plein art painting. By definition, plein painting is simply "painting in the open air".

Want to feel good while exploring Sarasota County? Volunteer opportunities help both you and the community!

While visiting Sarasota County, be sure to enjoy these activities – whether rain or shine!

The old adage is "April showers bring May flowers," but in Sarasota, an area celebrated for its year-round sunshine and inviting beaches, rainy days can feel like a drag. However, even the grayest clouds have a silver lining. When spring showers and summer thunderstorms put a damper on your beach days, don't let the stir-crazy blues get the best of you and your family.

Why let Sarasota's beautiful weather and sunshine go to waste because of a budget vacation? While fun isn't always wallet-friendly, free vacations aren't impossible. So splurge on the hotel, or even the airfare, because you can experience all of those (not quite) free vacations anytime of year. Also, vacations aren't just for visitors anymore. Yes, even us Sarasotans enjoy a vacation every now and then ... but why break the bank when paradise is right outside our front doors?

Sarasota's vibrant circus history springs to life at The Ringling, the official State Art Museum of Florida. 

The Ringling is not only home to the decadent and historic art collection of Ringling Circus founder John Ringling and his wife, Mable, but also a touchstone for delving deep into the captivating world of the circus. 

Sarasota is home to many famous authors. Consider picking up a copy of their work for vacation reading!

For more than a century Sarasota has been attracting well-known visitors, from John and Mable Ringling to many other world-famous personalities. Pristine beaches, cultural amenities and the tropical climate bring them here.

But it is also Sarasota’s climate for creativity that draws people.

Clyde Butcher, a world-famous photographer, is one of Sarasota County’s most well-known residents.

Five females who helped form the origins of Sarasota County and paved the way for the development of the city we love today

A city and its landmarks don’t just form on their own. Five of our most famous Sarasota attractions were formed as a result of the women behind the scenes. Mote Marine, Booker Schools, Myakka State Park, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the Ringling Art Museum each have a story behind them about one of four women who used their voices to help form the origins of Sarasota and pave the way for the development of the city we love today.

New trolley tours show off Sarasota’s noteworthy architecture at the Center for Architecture Sarasota

If you become enamored of Sarasota during your first visit here, you’re not alone. “People tend to come to Sarasota and just fall in love with the whole picture, like a first date that went really well,” says Harold Bubil, who was the real estate editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for two decades. “But to get beyond that first date, you really need to get to know a person a little better. And I think understanding our architecture helps people know Sarasota better.”