Top 10 Things to Do in Sarasota: Explore the Best Attractions, Restaurants & Trendy Spots
Sarasota is paradise on earth with more sun than you can take home! Visit us and you may never want to leave:)
Welcome to Sarasota’s ultimate guide for the best things to do, trendy places to visit, and top dining experiences. Whether you're a local or just visiting, our recommended list highlights the most popular attractions, stylish boutiques, and must-visit restaurants and bars. From exploring fun nightlife to discovering hidden gems in Sarasota's unique neighborhoods, you'll find everything you need to plan the perfect day or night out.
Stay up to date with the latest happenings by exploring our event calendar, where you’ll find the most exciting current events and activities.
Dive in and uncover Sarasota's best-kept secrets and top spots that will make your visit unforgettable.
Stay up to date with the latest happenings by exploring our event calendar, where you’ll find the most exciting current events and activities.
Dive in and uncover Sarasota's best-kept secrets and top spots that will make your visit unforgettable.
Sarasota has it and serves it! Elegant restaurants for fine dining, some great Italians, waterfront restaurants with spectacular views, romantic restaurants and places for the whole family.
Sarasota has some major nightlife areas, were you can enjoy sunset drinks, a romantic date or spend all night partying or go barhopping, but always remember, party responsibly.
Sarasota is full of activities that are fun for adults or the whole family. We created some local expert tips for some must-see attractions and things to do, like Helicopter rides and kajaking.
Sarasota has cute and unique boutiques, a variety of gourmet shops, healthy lifestyle shops, jewelry stores, the famous St. Armand's Circle and some wine & cigar shops and much more.
What's up Sarasota?
Find Weekend Events, Live Music, Entertainment, Arts, Movies, Theater and of course the best Sarasota Parties!
04
Jul
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02 Jan
Free Yoga By the Bay with Erin -2026
Free Outdoor Yoga – 2026 Community SeriesJoin us for free outdoor yoga with certified instructor Erin Collins, offered weekly as a gift to the community.🧘♀️ ...
Free Yoga By the Bay with Erin -2026
Free Yoga By the Bay with Erin -2026
Saturday Jul 4 2026
- Saturday Jan 2 2027
9:00 am thru 9:01 am
Location: 5 bayfront drive, Sarasota, FL
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Free Outdoor Yoga – 2026 Community Series
Join us for free outdoor yoga with certified instructor Erin Collins, offered weekly as a gift to the community.
🧘♀️ Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
🌿 Saturdays at 9:00 AM
These classes are open to all levels—whether this is your first time on a mat or you’ve been practicing for years. This is more than just movement; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that has been gathering for years to breathe, move, and gently reframe the mind toward gratitude in the everyday moments of life.
Together, we practice remembering that life is beautiful, you are worthy, and that the shame game does not serve you. This hour is your invitation to step outside, connect with others, move your body with intention, and come home to yourself.
Make yourself a priority.
Show up just as you are.
Give yourself this one hour.
✨ Bring a mat, water, and an open heart. We can’t wait to practice with you.
Join us for free outdoor yoga with certified instructor Erin Collins, offered weekly as a gift to the community.
🧘♀️ Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
🌿 Saturdays at 9:00 AM
These classes are open to all levels—whether this is your first time on a mat or you’ve been practicing for years. This is more than just movement; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that has been gathering for years to breathe, move, and gently reframe the mind toward gratitude in the everyday moments of life.
Together, we practice remembering that life is beautiful, you are worthy, and that the shame game does not serve you. This hour is your invitation to step outside, connect with others, move your body with intention, and come home to yourself.
Make yourself a priority.
Show up just as you are.
Give yourself this one hour.
✨ Bring a mat, water, and an open heart. We can’t wait to practice with you.
04
Jul
Selby Gardens - Fourth of July All-American Cookout
Fourth of July All-American Cookout 🇺🇸🌸July 4, 20265:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Downtown Sarasota campusDon’t miss one of Selby Gardens’ most beloved summer ...
Selby Gardens - Fourth of July All-American ...
Selby Gardens - Fourth of July All-American Cookout
Saturday Jul 4 2026
5:30 pm thru 9:30 pm
Location: Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Thanks for contacting us!
We'll get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Your information has been saved!
You can come back at any time to finish up and submit your certification.
Fourth of July All-American Cookout 🇺🇸🌸
July 4, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota campus
Don’t miss one of Selby Gardens’ most beloved summer traditions! Celebrate Independence Day at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and enjoy a wonderful tradition at our annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout! Enjoy an evening packed with family-friendly fun, including lawn games and activities on the Great Lawn, the mesmerizing Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, and a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up Sarasota Bay.
Come hungry and ready to celebrate! Feast on smoky barbecue favorites, cool off with refreshing frozen treats, and indulge in festive summer sweets available for purchase throughout the evening from a variety of local vendors.
This event is rain or shine. General Admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort.
Parking Info:
A limited number of Parking Passes for parking onsite in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) parking structure are available for purchase. You may also park off-site with complimentary trolley service at the Senior Friendship Centers (1888 Brother Geenen Way).
Media Sponsors:
WUSF Public Media
Observer Media Group
Sarasota Magazine
July 4, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota campus
Don’t miss one of Selby Gardens’ most beloved summer traditions! Celebrate Independence Day at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and enjoy a wonderful tradition at our annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout! Enjoy an evening packed with family-friendly fun, including lawn games and activities on the Great Lawn, the mesmerizing Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, and a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up Sarasota Bay.
Come hungry and ready to celebrate! Feast on smoky barbecue favorites, cool off with refreshing frozen treats, and indulge in festive summer sweets available for purchase throughout the evening from a variety of local vendors.
This event is rain or shine. General Admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort.
Parking Info:
A limited number of Parking Passes for parking onsite in the Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) parking structure are available for purchase. You may also park off-site with complimentary trolley service at the Senior Friendship Centers (1888 Brother Geenen Way).
Media Sponsors:
WUSF Public Media
Observer Media Group
Sarasota Magazine
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Florida - the Capitol of Vitamin C!
Believe it or not, Florida produces more than 70% of oranges in the United States.
Famous for its stunning weather, white sand beaches, and beautiful clear springs, Florida is known as a sunny paradise. It is actually known as one of the most-visited destinations in the world, and we are here to help you plan the most perfect vacation.
Also known as the Sunshine State, Florida beaches are home to 80% of loggerhead turtles in the United States, so be aware of turtle nesting season which runs from June until September! And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even be around to see some of these sweet infant turtles hatch and make their way to the shoreline.
Florida got the nickname “Sunshine State” in 1970 due to its year-round warm climate. The average temperature ranges from 65 to 77 degrees. Other than being called the Sunshine State for its’ sunny weather, Florida actually got its name from Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who named it “La Florida”, which means “land of flowers”.
Florida is also the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In this case, wherever you are in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles away from a beach! Talk about a dreamy destination spot.
Small-town charm and big-city experiences - all wrapped up in Florida. Enjoy beaches, a spring break extravaganza, a summer you won't forget, or just come and see what all the Florida fuss is about!
Famous for its stunning weather, white sand beaches, and beautiful clear springs, Florida is known as a sunny paradise. It is actually known as one of the most-visited destinations in the world, and we are here to help you plan the most perfect vacation.
Also known as the Sunshine State, Florida beaches are home to 80% of loggerhead turtles in the United States, so be aware of turtle nesting season which runs from June until September! And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even be around to see some of these sweet infant turtles hatch and make their way to the shoreline.
Florida got the nickname “Sunshine State” in 1970 due to its year-round warm climate. The average temperature ranges from 65 to 77 degrees. Other than being called the Sunshine State for its’ sunny weather, Florida actually got its name from Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who named it “La Florida”, which means “land of flowers”.
Florida is also the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In this case, wherever you are in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles away from a beach! Talk about a dreamy destination spot.
Small-town charm and big-city experiences - all wrapped up in Florida. Enjoy beaches, a spring break extravaganza, a summer you won't forget, or just come and see what all the Florida fuss is about!
© Image: Lux Travel Buzz
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Insider tips in Sarasota
What to do and where to go!
What to do and where to go!
Top10 Sarasota businesses are personally tested and selected by our city scout team and our readers.
They represent our personal opinion and experiences.
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