Attractions

Explore Sarasota's top animal attractions, from lazy manatees and flamingos to majestic elephants and big cats.

Are you amazed by animals? Or do you feel particularly connected to them and jump at every chance to be close to them? Well then, Sarasota County is a great place to be! We’ve got lots of local attractions where visitors can get up close and personal with all kinds of creatures—from tiny seahorses to fierce-looking lions.

Take a spin in our time machine, and plan an excursion filled with nostalgic charm from breakfast 'til bedtime

Ever have the urge to plot an escape to a different decade?

Maybe there's a tropical shirt in your closet that's screaming for a kitschy, oh-so-Florida tourist backdrop from the 1950s like flamingos or a tiki lounge? Perhaps you're in the mood for a sophisticated splash of Mid-Century Modern, or the Roaring Twenties sounds like the bee's knees.

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.

Guide to the Top Wildlife Encounters and Wild Animal Experiences in Sarasota County

Long to get up close and personal with some beautiful, wild creatures? Sarasota County's year-round subtropical climate means we've got a longer list than most destinations for sanctuaries, nature preserves and conservation foundations—land and sea. Whether you're here for just a visit or live here, the wildest of places are all within a 30-minute drive of Downtown Sarasota, so you can sneak in an exciting afternoon with some exotic animals.

Art aficionados and creatives traveling Sarasota County will have their hands, and hearts, full with artful museums.

See Sarasota's true colors shine. From contemporary-chic art installations to historic, circus-themed exhibitions and botanical-inspired masterworks of art, Sarasota's notable and revered arts scene—both historic and modern—is not afraid to show off its imaginative culture and creative expression.

From larger-than-life murals to sculptural works of fine art, spot a sundry of public art pieces as you road trip or stroll Sarasota County.

Truly an art lover's paradise, especially for those who'd rather stumble upon public art outside in nature instead of inside the walls of a museum or

Revel in these cutting-edge galleries featuring various mixed mediums on display for the modern art-goer.

Art enthusiast or not, a trip to Sarasota or Venice is not complete without a stop into one of the dozens of art galleries in the area. Robust cities of profound arts and innovative artists, there are almost as many galleries as there are restaurants per capita in the area for the visual art enthusiast to enjoy in between their meals.

Making the trip to Siesta Key for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic? We've got the perfect long weekend itinerary sculpted for you. 

A November visit to Siesta Key isn't complete without the chance to witness the sand art mastery of the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival.

Dive into aquatic adventures below the blue by snorkeling or free diving sites off Sarasota's vibrant coastline

Overflowing with water sports and water activities, Sarasota is a coastal dreamscape for those who'd rather be in water than on land. And for those who'd prefer to spend time under the water, can dive into the handful of snorkeling and dive sites of Sarasota County.