If you are looking for something to do in Sarasota, FL with your family, partner, or by yourself, this is the list for you.
When it comes to doing tourist-friendly activities, you know the ones you find on every “thing to-do list”, you are going to find those activities on another site.
This list is all about unique, underrated, but extremely enjoyable activities that are fun things to do especially during Spring Break.
So, if you are someone looking for unique outings and/or indoor activities in Sarasota that are not normally found on lists, grab your pen and/or document to take notes.
1. Mixon Farms
Now, technically, this is located in Bradenton, Fl but when you are on the hunt for something fun to do, you’ll find a lot of places are 30 minutes away.
I like Mixon Farms for their Orange Blossom Tram Tour they provide, and their groveside cafe serving everything from sandwiches to ice cream.
There is something for all families, couples, and solo travelers here, tours are year-round and their wildlife rescue program alone makes this the place to prioritize to visit.
2. Myakka State Park
Myakka State Park has one of the best nature trails in Sarasota. It’s on that list for kid-friendly things to do in Sarasota, fl due to the many options the park offers.
The cost per vehicle is $6, the park stays open 365 days a year from 8 am until sunset which is great for those families who are looking to experience any and everything in Sarasota, Fl.
Some of the park’s amenities include bicycling (available to rent at the Outpost), bird watching, boat tours, camping, and primitive camping.
Last year during late Spring, my husband and I took photos of their once-a-year yellow flowers in bloom.
One thing to note, the large bloom lasts for 2-3 weeks and usually starts to show around May so if you are visiting anytime during April, give the park a call to see if they’ve spotted anything yet.
3. Gator Club
This is one of the adult Sarasota activities I recommend if you want to enjoy a night out without the kids or with your partner.
People visiting often will ask my husband and me, “What are some things to do in Sarasota at night?”
Jah Movement is one of the most popular reggae bands that knows how to engage a crowd that plays and sings music that you actually want to listen to and sing to.
Every Thursday at the Gator Club, you’ll hear their band playing some of your favorite songs and it is a sight you must see and experience in person.
To save you some time, go directly to Jah Movement’s schedule and see what other places locally they will be.
4. Sarasota’s Farmer’s Market
If you’ve been a reader of Kb in Bloom since the beginning, you know one of my first blog posts published was about the Sarasota Farmer’s Market.
The Sarasota farmer’s market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm downtown.
Trust me, it’s hard to miss the signs, people, and vendors so you’ll find the market with no problems.
During their peak hours, you’ll enjoy every bit of everything from food, plants, teas, pastries, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Come early to grab a nice parking spot so you don’t have to walk too far from where all of the fun is at.
5. Asolo Theater
Moving on to the Asolo theater, you must catch a show here!
As a kid dancing locally, I performed in the Asolo theater for many recurring years and it’s beautiful inside.
Check out their website for current and upcoming performances from some of the most talented theater and dancers around.
6. Pinecraft Neighborhood
If you’re looking for family things to do in Sarasota fl, this neighborhood is a great little outing to take your kiddos.
The Pinecraft neighborhood is small but mighty and offers so many cute places to check out from ice cream shops to mini food markets.
One of the known restaurants you’ll see get mentioned in this area is Der Dutchman, known for its hearty Amish-style meals.
7. Endless Summer Bike Rentals
On the top of my list of cool things to do in Sarasota is renting a bike from Endless Summer Bike Rental.
My husband and some family decided to be tourists for the day and rented bikes to celebrate my cousin’s birthday.
From their high-end tires to the staff’s stellar customer service, booking a tour on their Siesta Key Sunset tour was everything you can imagine.
Midway while we all enjoying the final moments of the sunset, the staff gave us champagne glasses and cheers to end a beautiful night together.
Talk about the sunset bike tour ever!
8. Explore The Legacy Trail
One of the free things to do in Sarasota is to explore the Legacy Trail. It’s 12.5 miles long of scenic views.
If you arrive without a bike, no worries, you can just book with Endless Summer Bike Rentals and they will drop off the bikes right to you.
As told by Friends of The Legacy Trail, the trail connects with the Venetian Waterway Park Trail at the Historic Venice Train Depot on Venice Avenue, forming a continuous 20-mile non-motorized path from Palmer Ranch in southern Sarasota to Shamrock Park and Caspersen Beach Park in Venice.
These two trails connect Sarasota, Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, and South Venice.
Enjoy the sights of your little nature friends like turtles and beautiful roadside foliage. I could stay out there all day.
9. Eat Ice Cream At Orange Octopus
I scream, we all scream for ice cream! I love a delicious sweet treat guaranteed to cool me off in the Florida heat.
As my husband puts it, Orange Octopus offers good ice cream that’s not overly buttery that everyone appreciates.
A family-run shop operated out of 2 Sarasota locations, this is one of my favorite things to do in siesta key or when I’m just leaving Trader Joe’s.
Their slow-churned ice cream that offers 24 delectable flavors will have you craving it days later. My two favorite flavors of theirs are cookies and cream and butter pecan.
10. Eat Good Food
When asking yourself, “what is going on in Sarasota today on our agenda?” Eating delicious food has to be on your to-do list.
On any given night, getting something delicious to eat is the best way to end your day.
Some of my personal favorite eateries include Spice Station for their pad thai and spring roll or Owen’s Fishcamp (located in Burn’s Court) for their crispy chicken.
If neither of those sounds appetizing enough for you, check out this 2022 list of the best SRQ restaurants.
11. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
As mentioned on their site, WBTT comprises talented black performers whose mission is to produce professional theatre that celebrates African American history and experiences.
Throughout the year, you will find a season of special events lined up with some fantastic plays featuring some of the most committed thespians around.
Truly, there’s something for everyone on this list!
12. Newtown Farmer’s Market
Another great farmer’s market to check out is one located in Newtown, a predominantly black neighborhood in Sarasota, Fl.
Every Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm at MLK Park, you’ll find some incredible vendors selling goods and products ready to purchase.
Support these vendors by purchasing some product, an item, or two from them while visiting!
13. Waterside Crest
When you’re visiting Sarasota, you may or may not hear about Lakewood Ranch and what they have to offer.
But, there are some new and exciting things to discover in the area that have recently opened up.
Lakewood Ranch things to do could go either way but I want to point your attention to the newly built area, Waterside Crest.
Recently, I discovered that this area offers some fantastic day and night entertainment, you must check this out!
14. Blueberry Picking
The Albritton Farm, family-owned is located east of I-75 offers its delicious berries up for grabs every season beginning in March.
Blueberry picking on their property begins March 18th. So, mark your calendars!
One of the unique qualifiers about this farm is that they carry 4 blueberry varieties within their field.
Some of my favorite blueberries are the Arcadia blueberries known for their sweet flavor and firm texture.
15. Take A Barre3 Class
For the last 10 years, I’ve taken plenty of barre3 classes which is why I talk about it so much.
Their classes have evolved into encompassing strength training, cardio, and mindfulness and I absolutely love every second of their classes.
Head down to Lakewood ranch to try out a class for yourself while vacationing.
Related Post: Taking A Barre3 Class
16. Phillipi Farmer’s Market
At this point, I’m sure you’ve noticed a trend with me and farmer’s markets. I love them so much.
And for the folks who are visiting, I highly recommend you try this market and the other ones listed.
Phillipi Farmer’s Market occurs every Wednesday from 9 am-2 pm, October through April.
With over 50 vendors in attendance, you will find a variety of them selling produce, plants, and prepared foods among other cool items.
17. Grab A Donut
I’ll just get right to you. My two favorite donut spots are Peachy’s donuts and Farmhouse donuts.
Peachy’s larger-than-life donuts offer your tastebuds something special. Their donuts literally melt in your mouth.
Equally yummy, farmhouse donuts offers bite-size donuts that you can order in a dozen or half dozen.
Go to both of these places and thank me later!
Things To Do In Sarasota
Whether you are looking for free stuff in Bradenton, the best parks in Sarasota, fun indoor things to do in Sarasota, or just want to know what is close to Sarasota Florida, there is something for everyone!
Tell me, what will you be adding to your itinerary when visiting Sarasota, FL?
