LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: Top 5 Things to Do in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota, Florida is the premier vacation destination for families & travelers to enjoy all kinds of fun & entertainment! Our home has plenty of historical landmarks such as The Ringling Museum of Art, newly developed aquariums with tons of learning opportunities, a flourishing culinary scene, and countless other entertaining events to keep yourself occupied during your time in Sarasota County. It doesn’t end there! On top of all that we have arcades, world-renowned beaches, botanical gardens, shopping malls, a farmers market, and even a performing art theater! Whether you’re moving to Sarasota to become a local or just stopping by for the week, we’re here to showcase a select few of Sarasota’s top attractions & best landmarks!
The Ringling – Art, History, & Opulence
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
If you’re looking for the most unique experience in Florida, let alone Sarasota, then look no further! There’s breathtaking scenery as soon as you walk in from the sight of the bountiful banyan trees. Wonder what else Ringling offers for your visit? Here’s a glimpse:
- The Ca’d’Zan was a vacation home to the Ringling’s, and you’re able to explore the first floor of this astonishing architectural structure. Gain an insight into the clothes, kitchenware, furniture, and more of the famous brothers John & Mable Ringling.
- The Museum of Art has cyclical and permanent exhibitions for you to witness some of the world’s greatest art ranging from Dutch landscapes, Japanese betsu-zuri, Mediterranean sculptures, and community works from the Sarasota/Manatee area! (Some exhibitions listed may be no longer on display after November 2026)
- Then there are the original 21 art galleries, a center for Asian art, the contemporary art gallery, a glass pavilion that shines light on art techniques utilized by glass artists, multiple gardens, a restored Renaissance-era jewel-box theater, and more!
- Last, but not least, the Circus Museum showcases the circus history & The Ringling Brothers’ impact on Sarasota and the surrounding communities.
See for yourself what The Ringling has to offer and witness a world-renowned art institution like no other!
Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) – Aquatic Setting, Lifechanging Learning
225 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
This towering aquarium located near University Town Drive is dedicated to educating us on ocean innovations & technologies, the intricate biomedical functions of aquatic animals, and the impact of MOTE’s ecological restoration of coral reefs. Their conservation efforts have been ongoing since 1982, specifically regarding the population of sea turtles in Venice.
The main draw of course is the aquarium & the majestic creatures nestled within the tanks themselves! They have 3 galleries of ocean animals to captivate your interest.
- MOTE’s first gallery you’ll come across is the Florida Gulf-Coast Gallery where you’ll learn about the founder’s history, other pertinent details, and be led to the first floor to witness sea turtles, cownose rays, and various species of sharks!
- Interested in coral reef preservation? You’ll find this next exhibit right up your alley! The Indo-Pacific Gallery displays sea stars, reef sharks, and a gorgeous coral reef. Ask an attendant about MOTE’s efforts to ensure safety for Florida coral reefs.
- Want to see a manatee? Then the Florida Waters Gallery will be sure to excite. Take a gander at otters, manatees, tortoises, snapping turtles, and even snakes!
Swim towards their building & immerse yourself in an aquarium experience like no other!
Big Cat Habitat – Don’t Miss This Sarasota Landmark!
7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Animal lovers just must see the Big Cat Habitat with all its unique animals from around the world! Founded in 1987, Kay Rosaire has used her love, passion, and expertise in the animal husbandry profession to craft an educational animal sanctuary for Sarasota. Their goal is to educate us on “the importance of species preservation to ensure the survival of these magnificent animals for future generations.”
At Big Cat Habitat, you’ll see all sorts of majestic beasts from the animal kingdom! They’ve got lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, leopards, wolves, and more!
Plan your visit carefully as they’re only open Friday-Sunday from 12PM to 4PM!
Tread on over to Big Cat Habitat fast & see the loving care shown to Sarasota’s exotic wildlife!
Arcade Monsters (Lido Beach) – Nostalgic Games & Modern Fun!
326 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Miss the feeling of using joysticks to shoot down some aliens? Maybe you’re looking to rock-n-roll your way through some pinball machines? Arcade Monsters of Lido Key has it all! Race away in the world of Mario Kart DX (2013) or drift down Mount Akina in Initial D: 8th Stage (2014), beat up some goons in X-Men (1992), eat up the ghosts on either Pac-Man (1980) or Ms. Pac-Man (1982), and experience so much more. They’ve even got Street Fighter and Mortal Combat arcade cabinets, over 7 pinball cabinets, and plenty of Japanese rhythm games!
Don’t forget to check out their food & drink menu which has a variety of delicacies to snack on during your gaming sesh!
No matter what you choose to play, this arcade’s sure to deliver what you’re looking for!
Relive your childhood & create fresh memories at St. Armand Circle’s alluring arcade!
Check for more information here »
Siesta Key – White Sand & Calming Waves
Sarasota, FL 34242
Ready to end your day of fun with the sound of relaxing waves? Siesta Key offers a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean, flaunts glistening soft white sands, and boasts over 4 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ awards! Rated as one of the cleanliest beaches, you’ll be basking in the sun with no worries about dirty debris. The 100% quartz-crystal sand offers an extremely comfy way to doze for the day. Don’t stress about parking as Siesta Key offers over 950 free spaces! Make sure to also take advantage of the free Sarasota County Siesta Islander trolley to tour around the island!
Stick your feet in the sand at Siesta Key and see for yourself Sarasota’s world-famous beach!
Sarasota, FL: The Place to Be in Southwest FL!
Sarasota’s more than just a place to relax & refresh; it’s home to tens of thousands of hardworking residents that pour their hearts into creating the best experiences one can find in Florida. When you visit Sarasota, you get first-hand experience of the community and culture of this city.
We hope this short list gets your Bradenton adventure started strong! Whether you take it easy & learn more about the history of Manatee County, strike it up at the local bowling alley, or score a hole-in-one, we know you & your family will enjoy visiting Bradenton, FL!
Manasota Movers: Making Moves Fun Since 2009!
No matter where you move, Manasota Movers is there to help you in all kinds of ways! We take the stress away and handle all the heavy lifting so you can start planning your Sarasota entertainment itinerary as quickly as possible. We can pack, move, and even provide helpful tips about where you should go next in Sarasota as we showcased today!
Get started on your moving journey here »
…and enjoy your time in the city of Sarasota, FL!
— Written by Xander Cantrell, November 14, 2025
NO AI SOFTWARE WAS UTILIZED IN THE CREATION OF THIS BLOG POST
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