Things to Do in Sarasota in 2025

Image: Sheila Jellison / Unsplash
Sarasota is undeniably a beautiful place and if you plan to visit, you will surely have a great time there. There are plenty of things to do in Sarasota that will make your stay more enjoyable.
This article will help you to know places that other people also find interesting in the city of Sarasota, and thus, you will have an amazing experience, and we guarantee it.
Explore Sarasota's Mesmerizing Beaches

Image: Tony Williams / Unsplash
It is a great destination for beach lovers because Sarasota is known for its wonderful beaches that keep on attracting them. Notably, Siesta Key, whose beach is famed for its exquisitely soft and smooth sand, is the main jewel among those beaches where one can take a stroll and still experience the comfort of the coolness of the sand that lasts even during peaks of sunrays.
For those who are looking for less crowded beaches and beautiful sightseeing, Lido Beach is a must. Lido Beach is quieter than most spaces, and it is considered as one of the top beaches in the US, which means that the public is welcome to bask in the beauty of the place.
At Sarasota, the beach and the barrier islands make one feel like being in a place yet to be discovered. For example, Longboat and Anna Maria are such islands that have a lot of fun on the beach. As the water sport there indeed opens a wide range for one to explore, revel in the clear sea, and blissfully enjoy the water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball as much as you want.
Visit the National Gaming Expo
Hello to all video game lovers! Pack your bags and get ready for some fireworks at the National Gaming Expo, which is located right in the middle of the Florida State Fairgrounds.
This extraordinary event of digital entertainment will be your land of unlimited tries, where you will be able to play new games, meet new websites for free CS2 skins, and enter the nail-biting tournaments to win the crowd over. If you are not crazily intense but still like to play, you will find your cup of tea at the expo, too.
- Discover upcoming games before the general audience
- Join in the tournaments, and work on your skills
- Build relationships with other people who share the same interests in gaming in those intense gaming zones
Call for your friends, decide on the date, and be ready to dive into the most amazing gaming world that only this festival will provide - a world that is so mesmerizing that it’s worth skipping everything else to take part in it.
Wilderness at Myakka River State Park
All you people who are into nature or adrenaline activities should not discount the opportunity to visit the Myakka River State Park.
One of the best natural parks in the area, Myakka River State Park covers 37,000 acres and has a diversity of habitats, including swamps, savannahs, piney woods, and more. It is the place with the highest biodiversity in Florida!
The peace and quiet of the environment allows a number of outdoor pursuits to be enjoyed, such as walking and riding a bike, no less of a fun way to bond with nature and an event for wildlife watching. The spot is also often called a wildlife sanctuary.
The trails, which have been carefully constructed to suit both the laid-back walkers and experienced hikers, make the park accessible to everyone. Visitors are not only treated to views of lofty proportions from well-sculpted walkways but also can enjoy a close encounter with the wild animals they naturally inhabit while learning about their adventure through the forest paths.
Immerse in Circus History at The Ringling

Image: Tessa Edmiston / Unsplash
If you get your head into the deep story of the circus, the best place you can do it is certainly The Ringling Museum, a museum originating from the dream of John Ringling, a key person in the famous Ringling Bros.
This museum is a fantastic place where the whole history of the circus, which had its heyday enchanting people all over the world, is told. The exhibitions are exceptional in representing this era of show-business, highlighting the greatness of the spectacle as well as the people who were in it.
While most of the exhibits at The Ringling Museum revolve around the storytelling of historical events, there still remains an area that is dedicated to today's artists and their efforts. The museum is trying to have an impact on Sarasota's culture by organizing numerous, diversified events throughout the year, and by offering exhibitions that change frequently.
Art and Culture Extravaganza
The cultural diversity of Sarasota is remarkable and vibrant. In the midst of all this, the Sarasota Art Museum represents an essential part of this vivid community, exhibiting a vast collection of various artworks extending from classic to contemporary art installations.
- There are more than 15,000 square feet of gallery space.
- Workshops and festivals dealing with culture and education
- Jazz Thursdays and community gatherings are some of the events highlighted in the center of the Sarasota Art Museum.
Behind these walls, visitors can see a chain of art galleries adjacent to film festivals and theatres that present both local and foreign artists. A stroll along St. Armands Circle fuses culture and relaxation in the core of an art kingdom, where not only various gastronomic delights but also shopping for anything from fine groceries to whimsical boutiques is befitting.
Pet-Friendly Adventures

Image: Krista Mangulsone / Unsplash
Sarasota is a place that is not only ideal for people but also for their pets. This city contains a great number of green sites, particularly one with dog parks that are off-leash where dogs can run and play with new friends. In Sarasota, there are also dog beaches where your furry friends can join you while sunbathing and frolic in the water.
- Beaches and paths that allow pets
- Guests can also enjoy eating at various outdoor pet-friendly restaurants like Old Salty Dog, Owens Fish Camp, and Crab & Fin.
- Are you a pet lover that happens to be taking a walking tour or renting a bike? Sarasota has you covered since walking tours and bike rentals are allowed with pets.
Dining with Amazing Views
Sarasota is indescribable! That's really amazing if you can get your meal and a view at the same time. This might be the best experience you have ever had.
- Marina Jack: Wonderful views of the city, nearby live music, and a really peaceful nautical atmosphere.
- Ocean Prime: High-end seafood and beef with the charm of the Quay district
- Old Salty Dog: Casual pub food on City Island with perfect scenes of the waterfront
- Swordfish Grill & Tide Tables: Max relaxation during mealtime as you see the Intracoastal Waterway
- St. Armand's Circle: A collection of culinary delights in a vibrant setting
No matter your tastes, there is no way that you won't be charmed by the combination of lovely food and great view.
Outdoor Activities at Sarasota Bay

Image: David Ranck / Unsplash
You will not find better outdoor pursuits than Sarasota Bay for lovers of outdoor life. In addition to enjoying the beautiful views of the Gulf Coast of Florida while participating in beach games such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball, this must also be a great revelation to you.
- Guided kayak excursions in the mangrove tunnels are a must-try
- Night kayaking is also a good idea provided that you have a glass-bottom boat and underwater lights
- A scene outing is also convenient by using a stand-up paddleboard
- Be the first to witness the natural beauty of a sunset on the cruise by the end of the day.
One may be in need of peace or adventure, and yet they can achieve the same through the above outdoor activities.
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
The city of Sarasota is really happening when the night falls and it is flooded with different types of people. At this time there is live music, artisanal cocktail lounges, etc. for the night people.
Leading the trending places where interesting things happen, craft beer pubs in this area with the ever-rotating beer choices, are fine establishments where one can find a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for having a cold drink and taking a load off.
Much more than just art lovers, Sarasota also makes the late hours alive by hosting events like film festivals, comedy nights, cultural performances, and other things. The most crowded place is the downtown area, which in the course of the night become alive with people in restaurants, shops, and entertainment places.
You can count on Sarasota to offer an attractive club scene, should you be a lively reveller, keen on dancing all night long or perhaps a quiet drinker who loves the solitude. The memories made while enjoying the dance floor of Sarasota are sure to bring pleasure for a long time.