Attractions & Tours

If you’ve got a mini–Jacques Cousteau at home, Sarasota County is an ideal place for a family vacation with kiddos who are fascinated by sharks. 

Whether you think sharks are misunderstood predators or total undersea villains thanks to movies like Jaws, there’s no denying that they’re fascinating aquatic creatures. In fact, you might have a son or daughter who’s totally obsessed with the toothy fish, in that classic way kids have of forming full-throttle passions.

If you want to ensure you see reptilian basking beauties, Sarasota can make that happen, be it in their natural habitat, at a protected enclosure, or in your arms.

Get out on the water or stay on dry land and learn about the animals, plant life and ecology.

Many of us have fond memories of school field trips when we got to leave the stuffy classroom and learn hands-on, often outdoors. You can re-create those days during your next Sarasota County vacation (without the permission slip and the grades!). Several area attractions and tour operators offer science-related, active educational experiences.

With its long history and otherworldly vibe, the Sarasota area abounds with ghostly tales.

This Halloween season, get the lowdown on spooky local stories and haunted places – and, perhaps, dabble in a little ghost-hunting yourself – with local experts on these ghost tours, or set your own pace and explore the creepier side of Sarasota’s most famous haunts on your own.

Here's why you’ll want to visit Sarasota’s newest waterfront space again and again.

Need help finding a 2022 New Year’s resolution? Here’s an easy one: Visit The Bay – and visit often. Sarasota’s beautiful, ever-evolving waterfront attraction is a vibrant expanse of green space that draws locals and visitors alike.

There is a ton to do here, so resolve to visit often.

Here are five fun ways to experience The Bay in 2022.

For those looking for a bit of romance and fun this Valentine's Day, Sarasota's got experiences to make you melt, on and offshore

From Lido's shores to Siesta's sunsets, two wheels and a motor are arguably one of the best ways to explore the beaches of Sarasota County. Jump on an e-bike yourself and see what all the hype is about!

Grab your friends, family and loved ones, or cruise solo to experience a fun, relaxing and informative ride—either down the entire length of the #1 Beach in the country, over scenic bridges, through architectural neighborhoods.

Forage fresh, seasonal produce and wildflowers at Sarasota's U-Pick farms and orchards

Corral your friends and family for a fun, springtime day out in the fields of Sarasota County's U-Pick farms and orchards—where you can harvest your own fruits or vegetables to take home, or back to your accommodations, and cook up your own farm-to-table Florida meal! These Sarasota-based farms provide the necessary equipment/buckets for picking and for getting your bundle home safely in a bag.

Find no shortage of putting courses and driving ranges in and around Sarasota for golfers to perfect their game.

From seasoned players honing their power swing and chipping skills to families squeezing in a round of mini-golf or beginners looking to develop more consistency in their stroke and confidence on the putting green, the area has something for all levels and interests. Tee up at these more relaxed Sarasota golf experiences beyond the fairways and country clubs.