A weekend in Sarasota means sunshine, seafood, and plenty of fun surprises along the way.
This small Gulf Coast city packs a big punch, offering everything from cool museums and wild nature spots to powdery beaches and great food.
It’s the kind of place where you can kayak with gators in the morning, grab lunch in town, and watch a dreamy sunset with your toes in the sand.
If you’re planning a short trip and want to squeeze in all the good stuff without wasting time, this itinerary has you totally covered.
1. Mote Science Education Aquarium
Mote Science Education Aquarium is located near I-75 at Nathan Benderson Park.
It’s known for its research-based exhibits and hands-on marine science fun, featuring hundreds of species like sharks, manatees, penguins, and sea turtles.
You’ll watch sharks glide through a 400,000-gallon saltwater tank, touch stingrays in the interactive Ray Touch Pool, and learn about sea turtle care.
Fun fact: Mote SEA is part of the Mote Marine Laboratory, which has been studying ocean life since 1955.
2. The Ringling
Just 15 minutes from Mote SEA, The Ringling is a massive 66-acre cultural complex that’s much more than just a single museum.
It’s packed with surprises, including a world-class art museum, the grand Ca’ d’Zan mansion (winter home of John and Mable Ringling), and even a secret garden.
Inside the main galleries, you’ll find over 10,000 artworks, featuring pieces by Rubens, Velázquez, and an impressive painting called The Defenders of the Eucharist.
And if you’re into weird and wonderful stuff, don’t miss the Tibbals Learning Center, home to the world’s largest model circus with tiny acrobats and parades.
3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
After all that art and circus magic, slow things down with a stroll through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, set along Sarasota Bay in downtown.
This 15-acre garden is all about tropical plants, with over 6,000 orchids in wild colors and fun shapes that don’t even look real.
You’ll also find a mangrove walkway, an on-site cafe, and a giant 100-year-old banyan tree.
If you’re visiting with kids, head to the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, where rope bridges, waterfalls, and jungle trails create a mini adventure.
4. St. Armands Circle
When you’re ready for a bite or a little shopping break, take a quick seven-minute trip from Marie Selby to St. Armands Circle.
This roundabout-style plaza is lined with more than 130 places to eat, shop, and grab a treat, from local boutiques to the famous Columbia Restaurant.
It’s also full of history, having been designed by circus legend John Ringling in the early 1900s, with statues and plaques that still celebrate his performers.
Whether you’re craving gelato, picking up beachy souvenirs, or just people-watching from a shaded bench, this spot is perfect for a chill afternoon.
5. Siesta Beach
Take a 20-minute drive from St. Armands Circle to Siesta Beach, a great spot to soak up the Florida sunshine.
This place is famous for its powdery white sand made of 99% quartz, which stays cool and feels as soft as flour under your feet.
It’s also easy to spend the whole day here, with lifeguards on duty year-round and a public pavilion with picnic tables, snack stands, and clean restrooms.
Make sure to stick around for sunset, when the sky glows in shades of orange and pink and never fails to look Instagram-perfect.
6. Venice Beach
Ready for more beach time? Make the quick 25-minute drive to Venice Beach.
It’s known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” where you can actually dig up real fossilized shark teeth right along the shore.
Bring a sand sifter or grab one from a local shop nearby, because searching for those tiny black teeth is weirdly addicting and way more fun than it sounds.
And when you need a break, there’s a beachside pavilion with snack bars and restrooms, plus free beach yoga most mornings if you’re feeling up for a stretch.
7. Myakka River State Park
Wrap up your trip at Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and biggest state parks, covering a whopping 58 square miles.
Here, you can explore the William Boylston Nature Trail or rent a kayak to paddle through alligator-friendly waters.
For a different perspective, climb the 74-foot Canopy Walkway for a treetop view of the whole park.
And if you’re lucky, you might see wildlife along the way like gators, wild pigs, roseate spoonbills, and maybe even a bobcat.
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