February

Only in town for the afternoon? Time to kill before your dinner reservation? Uncover things to do in Sarasota when you only have a few hours to spare.

Whether you’re here on vacation, for a sporting event or a business trip, or just passing through, you can find something to do every time of day on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here are 50 of our favorites:

In addition to its world-renowned shopping, dining, and beaches, modern St. Armands Circle is home to the Circus Ring of Fame

One century ago, the circus reigned supreme as the pinnacle of popular entertainment in the United States. Beginning in the 1880s and continuing well into the post-war midcentury, exquisite, caravans of colorful wagons carried "The Greatest Show on Earth" from coast-to-coast.

The simplicity of the Newtown Historical Gallery is what provides its unique charm, though not nearly as charming as the man behind it.

Walking into the Newtown Historical Gallery on Osprey Avenue in Sarasota is like walking into a time capsule filled with proclamations, family photos, artifacts, and an intangible aura of pride that permeates through the small, yet full space.

The gallery is a museum of sorts paying homage to the wide and diverse history of Sarasota’s oldest Black community.

There’s no better place to spend time with your sweetheart than sunny Sarasota! How can you say “I love you” during your stay? Let us count the ways…

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, wooing a Valentine, or scheming to surprise your partner "just because" — Sarasota is a great place to plan out a unique and thoughtful date that'll charm your darlin'.

Make a Map to Your Heart

Did you know Sarasota was nearly home to a “Winter White House?” Every U.S. president since 1976 has made a stop in Sarasota, some more fortunate than others.

Was President Warren G. Harding was a socks-and-sandals man? Did First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt ever don a bikini? (Our understanding is that she preferred a one-piece — but what happens in Sarasota stays in Sarasota.) What we do know is that Sarasota has served as host to a number of U.S. presidents and their kin — both on the campaign trail and in leisure.

Looking for a memorable dining spot to brag about to your friends and family after visiting Sarasota County? Here are some of the best Sarasota restaurants that offer an experience for the eyes and the stomach!

CoolToday Park in the southern Sarasota County is done and ready for the latest Major League Baseball franchise to come to Southwest Florida: the Atlanta Braves.

The current crown jewel of Wellen Park Florida – the massive master-planned community between Venice and North Port – is CoolToday Park; the new spring training home of the Atlanta Braves.

Everyone in the family can find something they will love to do at these top attractions

Sarasota is a great spot for a family vacation. Whether your kids still need a stroller or spend hours scrolling through their phones, young visitors of every age will find something to love at Sarasota County’s major attractions. Here’s an easy guide to get you going.

The Ringling

When you’re ready to take a break from that beach body diet, we’ve got you covered with some of the best menu items around town on which to indulge

You’ve worked and worked to fit into that bathing suit, but now you’re here, and it’s time to let those taste buds go on vacation too. From fried lobster mac and cheese to savory cheeseburgers, and even a deep fried hot dog, we’ve compiled a fabulous list of indulgent treats for days when you’re ready to ignore those calories and tuck-in for a full on feast.