The 5 Best Things To Do In Sarasota Florida From A Local

After seeing so many videos made about things to do in Sarasota from people who don't live here, who are basically just traveling around from one place to the next, I decided it was time to share my top five favorite things to do.

So, as someone who has been living here for 24 years, these are my favorite activities in the city as a local.

#5 - The Attractions

There are a lot of attractions in Sarasota and the surrounding areas that can be a lot of fun.

If you're around during the right season, get yourself tickets to Circus Sarasota, a small and intimate circus with talented performers.

You can also visit the Ringling Museum, where you will learn some of Sarasota's history. There is also the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and my personal favorite, the guided tour of Ca' d'Zan, John and Mabel Ringling's home.

But besides that, the city also offers so much connection to the water outside of the beaches, like, for example, Mote Marine and its research institution, full of marine education and a huge aquarium where you can spend all day learning.

#4 - The Food

There is nothing like waterfront dining.

One of the many reasons why people choose to live here is to be near the water, and a restaurant on the water just has a whole different feel.

My personal favorite is New Pass Grill & Bait Shop located on City Island, where you can sit on picnic tables and feed the pelicans while your kids jump in the water.

Another restaurant I absolutely love is Mar Vista on Longboat Key, where you can literally dine with your feet in the sand, and it's the perfect spot for a date.

#3 - Parks & Trails

Believe it or not, I'm just a regular person who enjoys doing regular things.

I love taking my kids to the park, going outside, having a picnic, and enjoying the sun, and Sarasota has some perfect spots to do so.

One of my favorite parks is Sarasota's Mountain, a tall hill with walking trails throughout, located on the eastern side of the city. The views from the top are incredible, and it's a great spot to watch the sunset.

Another incredible park is Bayfront Park and Marina, located in the downtown area right in front of Sarasota Bay. There, you will find a walking path along the marina and the bayfront, and they are about to open a newly renovated park and splash pad.

You can also go to Bayfront Park on Longboat Key and enjoy their tennis, pickleball, and shuffleboard courts. It overlooks the bay, and you can even take your fishing pole to try and catch some fish.

This park is my little secret; it has the most relaxing views of the bay, and if you walk across the street, you will find a secluded beach access.

#2 - The Beaches

If you know Sarasota, you know it's got to be all about the beaches.

We have over 10 main public beaches in the area, and a unique feature is Sarasota's Islands – or keys, as we call them. But the best thing is they each have their own unique atmosphere and are quite different from one another.

Let me start with one of my favorites: Lido Key. The white sand, the walkability, and the easy access to the beach make it a must-visit place. Besides, you are just a walk away from St. Armands Circle, with its stores and restaurants.

Siesta Key, the most famous beach, has the best amenities out of any of our beaches in the area. The white sands, the volleyball courts, and the expansive space to throw a frisbee or a football are some of the reasons why this beach is so famous.

Last, we have Nokomis Beach and Longboat Key. The first one is a quiet and secluded beach, really peaceful, and the second is mostly residential with only a few beach accesses but an unbeatable atmosphere.

#1 - Water Activities

My number one favorite thing to do in Sarasota is to get on the water.

This is not the same as going to the beach. I'm talking about boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.

Getting on a boat in Sarasota Bay offers incredible views, and it's a fun thing to do. You get to see the city from a whole different perspective, and you can also use it to stop at a fishing dock or go to a waterfront restaurant, and even swim.

But if you don't want to go boating, you can get on a kayak or a paddleboard. There are mangrove tunnels right off South Lido Key where you can explore the bay and see some dolphins swimming as well.

Every time you go out, the wildlife, the salt water, and the sun are part of the experience of living here in Sarasota.

Either way, if you have just started your research on Florida, I have the perfect resource for you. All you have to do is click here to download my Sarasota relocation guide, a one-stop shop that breaks down the different areas and lifestyles of the region.

If you have more questions or if you're already looking for a house, my team and I would love to jump on a call with you and help you every step of the way. Make sure you reach out to me at:

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