Things to do.

Walkable Lido Key landmark with more than 100 shops and restaurants, landscaped medians, public art, the Circus Ring of Fame, and easy pairing with nearby beaches.

Large wild-Florida state park with wetlands, alligators, birding, scenic drives, trails, paddling, and a canopy walkway with an observation tower. The park’s boat and tram tour operator has closed.

Bayfront Sarasota botanical garden renowned for orchids, bromeliads, tropical conservatories, art exhibitions, and immersive garden installations.

Bayfront Sarasota campus combining the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, landscaped grounds, and the Venetian Gothic Ca’ d’Zan mansion; interior mansion access uses separately scheduled tours.

New three-level science education aquarium at UTC Sarasota with global marine habitats, interactive research exhibits, and family learning spaces.

Classic Florida zoological garden with free-roaming flamingos, tropical paths, reptiles, birds, small mammals, and daily wildlife presentations.

Contemporary-art museum in Sarasota’s restored 1926 high school, with rotating exhibitions, sculpture-filled grounds, architecture, programs, a shop, and an on-site bistro.

Nonprofit Sarasota sanctuary caring for big cats and other rescued wildlife, with animal presentations and reservable encounters.