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Spring in Sarasota
From popular outdoor events to balmy beach days, Sarasota shines in the springtime.
Sarasota blooms during the spring. Pleasant weather meets blossoming landscapes, a perfect blend for outdoor activities and sports, al fresco dining and open-air festivals.
The beach is always in season in Sarasota, so why not swim, shell or just suntan at Siesta Key Beach or Caspersen Beach in Venice? Hit the links at public courses like Bobby Jones Golf Club or the University Park Country Club, or get a seasonal membership and enjoy championship-style courses at Laurel Oak Country Club or TPC Prestancia. And sports lovers, rejoice! Spring brings two MLB teams to Sarasota County each year for annual training. Watch the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium and the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park.
Did you know Venice is considered the shark tooth capital of the world? Celebrate the city and its most unique treasure at the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival in early April. Enjoy the best of Sarasota’s arts at the Sarasota Jazz Festival in March and the Sarasota Film Festival in April.
Things to Do During the Spring in Sarasota
Spring Outdoor Activities
Spring in Sarasota brings mild temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s, warmer water and little rain — prime weather for a day at the beach. At Siesta Key Beach, rent an electric bike from Sarasota Bike Tours and ride along the coastline. Splash in the warm Gulf waters, play beach games and hunt for shimmering seashells at Lido Key, or spend an afternoon soaking up the sun at one of Longboat Key’s rarely crowded beaches.
Kayak or paddleboard through shaded, ethereal mangrove tunnels at Ted Sperling Park — an unforgettable, near-magical experience. Take a guided tour and learn more about this fascinating ecosystem with Sea Life Kayak Adventures or Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures, during which you might spot crabs, jellyfish and all manner of fish.
While Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is beautiful year-round, it truly comes alive during the spring. At the Downtown Sarasota campus, spot the signature Noble Dendorbium orchid, a stunning purple flower that blooms on mossy rocks and trees. Take in the butterfly tree, also called the “Flower of Fire” for its incandescent orange flowers that unfurl during the spring.
Golfers from the north have flocked to Sarasota’s beautiful landscape for decades, and for good reason. There are more than 50 public and private golf courses to choose from, and the year-round sunshine offers a warmer alternative to snowy days hitting the links. The Bobby Jones Golf Club hosts 45 holes of terrific golf, plus a fully stocked clubhouse, hydration station and dedicated practice putting green. The Resort at Longboat Key was awarded Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” award and features 45 challenging holes with breathtaking views of the Gulf. If you prefer to watch, the Lakewood National Golf Club hosts PGA hopefuls each April during the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Arts & Culture
Historic Downtown Sarasota during the spring invites visitors to experience a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, outdoor recreation, and arts and culture. Dine on the patio at C’est La Vie, which serves authentic French bistro fare like crêpes, baguette sandwiches and quiche, or enjoy a waterfront meal at Marina Jack, whose menu features upscale seafood, pasta and salads. Stop at locally owned boutiques like Simply Jo’s and Pineapple Lain, or wander through art galleries like Milan Art Gallery or MARA Art Studio + Gallery.
Family-Friendly Things to Do During Spring Break
Visiting Sarasota for spring break? Bring the little ones to Sarasota’s top kid-friendly attractions. Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center offers interactive animal experiences, like big cat enrichment opportunities, bear feedings, pony rides and a petting zoo. At Selby Gardens, the Anne Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden features a rainforest classroom, canopy walk and rope bridge, and research station to allow kids to interact with the ecosystems of the rainforest. And the whole family can find something exciting to do at St. Armands Circle. Parents can browse dozens of shops, including a Tommy Bahama retail store and Coastal Cowgirl Curator boutique, while the kids explore two floors of classic arcade games at Arcade Monsters.
Sarasota Spring Events
Sarasota spring events highlight the incredible arts and sports communities in the county. The Sarasota Jazz Festival in early March showcases GRAMMY-award winning musicians and up-and-coming artists. Past performers include Terell Stafford, Marcus Miller, Emmett Cohen and Tony Monaco. The Sarasota Film Festival in April celebrates cinema and filmmaking, and draws locals and visiting cinephiles to watch hundreds of highly curated films. Local experts solicit and curate the best films each year, and many go on to receive Oscar nominations.
In May, head to Nathan Benderson Park to experience a race unlike any other. The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival brings teams from around the world to paddle their way through the park in 200m, 500m and 2k pursuits. Cheer from the sidelines, or visit the Health and Wellness Village to learn about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Baseball Spring Training
MLB fans, don’t miss spring training in Sarasota! The county has hosted five renowned teams, including the New York Giants and Boston Red Sox, for more than 100 years. Now, locals and tourists can watch the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles at CoolToday Park and Ed Smith Stadium, respectively.
Sarasota Spring Weather
Spring is a transitional season in Sarasota, with perfect weather from March through May. The temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the high 80s F (24–31°C). It rarely rains in Sarasota during the spring, so expect clear, sunny skies — perfect for long days at the beach and enjoying outdoor festivals and events. During the evening, temperatures can dip to the mid-50s and low 60s (13–17°C), but rarely below 50°F (10°C). Don’t forget a light jacket for cooler nighttime walks on the beach.