We want our visitors in Sarasota to have the best possible time while in town so we have put together a list of the most fun and best things to do in Sarasota along with the best restaurants in Sarasota.
Best Things To Do In Sarasota
1. Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Sarasota
Of course, we are a bit biased, but the dolphin and manatee kayaking and paddle boarding tour is the best way to truly see the amazing wildlife and beautiful waters that the Sarasota area has to offer. We see a ton of the West Indian Manatees, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, Roseate Spoonbills also known as the “Florida Flamingos”, bald eagles, huge conchs, and much more. The amount of wildlife and all the different types of wildlife that we see on tour is why we rate this kayak or paddle board tour the number one thing to do in the Sarasota and Siesta Key area. The tours are great for all skill levels and anyone ages 4 and up. We are also conveniently located close to anywhere in Lido Key, Siesta Key, or Sarasota.
2. The Ringling Estate
The Ringling Estate offers a number of different options to its visitors including The Museum of Art, The Circus Museum, CA’D’Zan, The Historic Asolo Theater, The Education Center, and the Bayfront Gardens. This is a great adventure for a rainy day because there is a lot to see indoors however, the Bayfront Gardens and the Ringling Mansion are beautiful on a good sunny day.
3. Trolley Tour
The Trolley Tour of Sarasota is a great way to see the entire area and learn all of the highlights and interesting facts. This is a great option for a super hot day because all of the cars are air-conditioned. After taking the trolley ride you can then go back and visit any of the sites that looked interesting to you.
Top Restaurants In Sarasota
It can be hard to find the freshest seafood or the best atmosphere when looking for restaurants in a new city, so here are our recommendations for the best places to eat in Sarasota and the surrounding areas.
1. Deep Lagoon
This restaurant definitely serves some of the best and freshest seafood in town! The reason Deep Lagoon comes in at number one on our list is that it not only has extremely fresh seafood, but it also has some of the best varieties of seafood around. There are not many restaurants anywhere that serve Tripletail, Cobia, and Wahoo regularly on their menu. They also sell fish and have a little seafood market in front of the restaurant. This is also a great restaurant to pull the boat up to after a long day on the water.
2. The Cottage
The Cottage is a great place for a light meal and a good drink. It has an excellent Tiki Hut feel, and you often find great live music. The menu is more tapas style and seems to have something for anyone. A personal favorite here is the Lobster Bisque and the Tuna Tacos.
3. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill
This place is not your average Tiki Bar. Anywhere you choose to sit at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, you are guaranteed to have an amazing view. All of the umbrella-covered tables sit on top of white sand right on the water’s edge. The property itself is built on a peninsula so the views are breathtaking and make for a great photo opportunity.
