Sarasota is a vibrant city on Tampa’s Gulf Coast with a fascinating history, world-class attractions, and some of the state’s most beautiful beaches. While no longer dubbed the “Circus Capital of the World,” Sarasota has gracefully evolved into a sophisticated destination that blends cultural richness with its natural beauty. Here’s your road trip to Sarasota, Florida, a guide to the best things to do and see for travel enthusiasts visiting this part of the state.
The Ringling: A Legacy of Art and Circus
No visit to Sarasota would be complete without exploring The Ringling, a testament to the city’s storied past. John Ringling, one of the famed Ringling Brothers or Ringing Bros World Greatest Shows fame, left an indelible mark on Sarasota with his 66-acre estate.
That massive attraction includes the Circus Museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and Ca’ d’Zan, a Venetian Gothic revival mansion.
The Circus Museum: Reliving Childhood Joys
The Circus Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts celebrating the magic of the circus. Every exhibit tells a story, from the whimsical costumes of clowns and acrobats to the intricate Howard Bros. circus model, which comprises 44,000 pieces.
It’s a joyful experience that rekindles childhood memories and offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the circus era.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art: A Visual Feast
Often mistaken as “just a circus museum,” The Ringling also houses a world-class art museum with an impressive collection of European paintings, Asian art, and contemporary pieces.
The museum’s immaculate grounds, adorned with statues and offering picturesque waterfront views, provide a serene backdrop for art enthusiasts.
The Peter Paul Rubens Galleries are the cornerstone of this sensational art venue.
Ca’ d’Zan: A Venetian Getaway
Ca d’Zan, the Ringlings’ winter home, is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Touring this 56-room mansion is like stepping into another era, where opulence and elegance reign supreme.
The attention to detail in every room is a testament to the Ringlings’ dedication to bringing a piece of Venice to Sarasota.
Downtown Sarasota: A Blend of Chic and Historic
Downtown Sarasota, particularly the Five Points area, is a bustling hub of activity. The intersection of Main Street, Pineapple, and Central Avenues is where you’ll find chic cafes, gorgeous art galleries, and plenty of shopping options.
St. Armand’s Circle: Shopping and People-Watching Paradise
A short drive from downtown, St. Armand’s Circle is perfect for those who love shopping and people-watching. The area is dotted with high-end stores, restaurants, and Greek and Roman gods statues—gifts from Mr. Ringling in the 1920s.
Make sure to visit the Wyland Galleries and, if lucky, meet notable visiting guest artists like Disney artist Steve Barton, creator of the Wavy frames and one of my favorites.
Historic Burns Square: A Culinary and Cultural Haven
Burns Square is a charming and popular area known for its upscale dining options, antique shops, and foreign film cinema. The restaurants here are superb whether you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine or fresh seafood.
Don’t miss the Sarasota Opera House, which presents four operas each season, plus concerts and recitals.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: A Horticultural Oasis
For nature lovers, the Marie Selby Botanical Garden is a must-visit. This 15-acre property is home to over 22,000 plants, including a rare orchid garden. Selby Gardens is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to studying and displaying epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants like orchids) and their ecosystems.
Selby House Café: A Culinary Delight
In the gardens, Selby House Café by Michael’s on East offers a delightful menu featuring salads, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go items. Enjoy your meal (like Chipotle-Roasted Cauliflower Tacos or Quiche of the Day) with a glass of wine or coffee while soaking in the garden’s beauty.
A Wonderful Sensory Overload: The Gardens
As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll encounter informative signs about each type of flower and tree, making the experience both educational and visually stunning.
Highlights include the Butterfly and Bromeliad Gardens and the Baywalk, which offers close-up views of mangroves and tidal swamp ecosystems that thrive in Florida.
You’ll find a treasure trove at Selby Gardens, from Banyan trees to bamboo and ferns.
Cultural Riches: Theatre and Arts
Sarasota boasts a surprisingly large number of cultural and arts attractions for a city of its size. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe offers dynamic musical productions and live dramas that captivate audiences.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts, with its 90-season history, provides classes, workshops, and theater productions showcasing music and dance.
The Florida State Theatre: A Hub of Creativity
Affiliated with the fine arts college, the Florida State Theatre offers a variety of performances, including the FSU Flying High Circus, lectures, ballet performances, and musical events. It’s a testament to Sarasota’s commitment to nurturing the arts.
Sarasota Bayfront: Iconic Views and Beaches
The Sarasota Bayfront is famous for its stunning waterfront views and the towering 26-foot-tall “Unconditional Surrender” statue. This iconic landmark is a popular photo spot and offers a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
Lido Key and Siesta Key: Beach Haven
Just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Lido Key, and Siesta Key are perfect destinations for beach lovers. Lido Key offers scenic spots for picnicking and walking trails, while Siesta Key is renowned for its sugar-sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets.
For more details on Siesta Key, check out our dedicated article on the best things to do there.
Culinary Adventures: Sarasota’s Hidden Gems
Your road trip to Sarasota wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its diverse culinary offerings. Here are some must-visit spots:
Breakfast Bliss: Simon’s Coffee House and Toasted Mango Cafe
Buttermilk Handcrafted Food is off the beaten path but worth the effort to get there. Inside an adorable and stylish building, Buttermilk has a fabulous coffee and tea selection and lip-smacking good biscuit creations.
I pick the sandwich with Benton’s bacon, pimento cheese, and baked egg. It was epic!
When closer to Siesta Key, start your day at Simon’s Coffee House, a whole foods restaurant specializing in raw, vegan, and vegetarian fare. The Costa Rican Crepes are fabulous!
Another excellent breakfast option is the Toasted Mango Cafe, known for its delicious French toast, omelets, and the impressive Breakfast Banana Split.
Lunch and Dinner Delights: Shore and Columbia
For lunch or dinner, head to Shore at St. Armand’s Circle. Choose from Grouper Tacos, Crab Cake Salad, or the delectable Shore Burger. Columbia, a gem of Spanish cuisine and one of Florida’s best restaurants, offers a fantastic half-and-half combo of their signature salad and Cuban sandwich.
Don’t miss out on the rich and delicious Cuban coffee; the cordadito gets my applause.
Keep it casual with a BBQ meal from Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse. They serve pulled pork, pizza, tacos, and the best collard greens. Stottlemyer’s has an enormous covered outdoor dining area with fun and live music.
Yoder’s: An Amish Treat
A unique lunch offering in Sarasota is Yoder’s Amish restaurant. This massively popular eatery offers curbside window ordering, a thriving dine-in, and carry-out orders. Yoder’s Roasted Turkey Breast and Stuffing with green beans, a side of cranberry sauce, and mac and cheese are exceptional.
Save room for the main attraction—gourmet pies and cakes. The property also features a produce and deli market and gift shop.
Sweet Treats: Kilwins and Choulala
At Kilwins, indulge in ice cream made from the original recipe or a sundae drenched in homemade caramel sauce. Their chocolate confections and Mackinac Island fudge are also worth a try.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Choulala for some of the best French pastries (filled with confectioner’s custard). My favorite flavors are passion fruit, chestnut, and pistachio.
Unique Stays: Sun n Fun RV Park
For a unique lodging experience, consider staying in a park-model RV at Sun n Fun RV Park. This award-winning luxury RV resort offers over 1,500 spaces for RV parking or park-model vacation rentals.
These units are like small cottages, fully equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen, living and dining area, washer & dryer, and screened-in porch. Mine had two bedrooms and two baths; linens were provided.
Many of the units are handicapped-accessible.
Amenities Galore
Sun n Fun RV Park offers a host of activities, including an Olympic-size heated pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and shuffleboard. The park is pet-friendly, with two bark parks for your furry friends. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Sarasota and its surroundings.
Conclusion: Sarasota’s Allure
Sarasota is a captivating city with a rich history, cultural treasures, and natural beauty. Whether you’re road-tripping Sarasota for the Ringling, lounging on Siesta Key’s pristine beaches, or indulging in the city’s culinary delights, there’s something for everyone.
Thanks to Visit Sarasota County for tickets to the garden and Ringling Museum. As always, all opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
Check out our other Florida posts:
Tam Warner Minton
Thursday 21st of December 2017
Don't forget the beach! Sarasota has nearby beaches that are sugary sand with blue as far as the eye can see!
Taylor Hardy
Wednesday 3rd of January 2018
Yes, Sarasota has beautiful beaches!