Sarasota County Flood Zone Map
Sarasota County Flood Zone Map
Explore the Top Attractions
Sarasota County is home to many top attractions that offer a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Visit the Ringling Museum of Art to see the largest collection of art and artifacts from the Ringling Brothers Circus. Take a stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which features over 20,000 plants. Don’t miss out on the Sarasota National Cemetery, a beautiful and peaceful place to pay respects to fallen heroes.
Discover Hidden Gems
While Sarasota County is known for its popular destinations, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Check out the Crowley Museum and Nature Center, where you can learn about pioneer life and explore the natural surroundings. Another hidden gem is the Oscar Scherer State Park, a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Indulge in the Food Scene
Sarasota County is home to a vibrant food scene that offers a variety of cuisines. One must-try spot is Indigenous, which serves up farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. For a unique experience, visit The Table Creekside, a floating restaurant on Phillippi Creek. Seafood lovers will enjoy the fresh catch at Walt’s Fish Market and Restaurant.
Save Money with Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? No problem! Sarasota County has plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy. Take a walk on the beach at Siesta Key or Lido Key, both of which are free. Visit the Sarasota Farmers Market, which offers local produce and artisan goods. Take a bike ride on the Legacy Trail, a 10-mile paved trail that runs through several parks.
Get Outdoors for Adventure
Sarasota County offers plenty of outdoor adventures for all ages. Take a kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels with Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures. Visit Myakka River State Park, where you can hike, bike, and see wildlife such as alligators and birds. For a unique experience, try stand-up paddleboarding at Siesta Key.
Explore Historical Landmarks
Sarasota County has a rich history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. Visit the Historic Spanish Point, a 30-acre museum and environmental complex that showcases the area’s history. Take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a stunning Venetian Gothic-style mansion that was once home to John Ringling. Don’t miss the Venice Train Depot, a restored train station that serves as a museum and community center.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities
Sarasota County is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Visit Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, where you can see marine life up close and personal. Take a trip to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, where you can see lions, tigers, and bears. For a fun and educational experience, visit the Children’s Garden and Art Center.
Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for unique experiences, Sarasota County has plenty to offer. Visit the Sarasota Architectural Foundation’s SarasotaMOD Weekend, a celebration of mid-century modern architecture and design. Take a ghost tour of the historic downtown area with Sarasota Ghost Tours. For a truly unique experience, try a goat yoga class at Wild Ginger Apothecary.
Marvel at Natural Wonders
Sarasota County is home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. Visit the Myakka River State Park, where you can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Take a trip to the Celery Fields, a reclaimed landfill that is now a birdwatching hotspot. Don’t miss the Venice Beach Pier, where you can watch dolphins and manatees swim by.
Experience Vibrant Nightlife
Sarasota County has a lively nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. Visit the Daiquiri Deck for frozen cocktails and live music. For a more upscale experience, try the rooftop bar at The Westin Sarasota. Don’t miss out on the Sarasota Opera House, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
Shop Local Markets
Sarasota County has a variety of local markets where you can find artisan goods and fresh produce. Visit the Sarasota Farmers Market, which offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Check out the Rosemary District Farmers Market, which features vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and more. For a unique experience, visit the Siesta Key Farmers Market, which takes place on the beach.
Relax on Beaches and Mountains
Sarasota County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visit Siesta Key Beach, which is known for its powdery white sand. Take a trip to Lido Key Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. For a different experience, visit the Myakka River State Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Immerse in Cultural Experiences
Sarasota County is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the Sarasota Opera House, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Take a tour of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, a world-renowned theater company. Don’t miss the Sarasota Film Festival, which showcases independent films from around the world.
Enjoy Art and Music Scene
Sarasota County has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries and venues to explore. Visit the Art Center Sarasota, which features a variety of exhibits and workshops. Take a trip to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. Don’t miss the Sarasota Art Museum, a contemporary art museum that features works from around the world.
Take Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore Sarasota County and learn about the area’s history and culture. Take a tour of the historic downtown area with Sarasota Walking Tours. Visit the Ringling Museum of Art, which offers guided tours of the museum and the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion. Don’t miss the Sarasota Architectural Foundation’s SarasotaMOD Weekend, a celebration of mid-century modern architecture and design.
Discover Architectural Marvels and Historical Sites
Sarasota County is home to many architectural marvels and historical sites that are worth exploring. Visit the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a stunning Venetian Gothic-style mansion that was once home to John Ringling. Take a tour of the Historic Spanish Point, a 30-acre museum and environmental complex that showcases the area’s history. Don’t miss out on the Sarasota Opera House, which is housed in a historic theater building.
Explore Biking Routes
Sarasota County has many biking routes that offer scenic views and a great workout. Take a ride on the Legacy Trail, a 10-mile paved trail that runs through several parks. Visit the Venetian Waterway Park, which offers a scenic route along the Intracoastal Waterway. Don’t miss the Carlton Reserve, a nature preserve that offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Relax at Wellness Retreats
Sarasota County has a variety of wellness retreats where you can relax and rejuvenate. Visit the Lido Beach Resort, which offers yoga classes and a full-service spa. Take a trip to the Zen Den Yoga School and Retreat Center, which offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, and wellness workshops. Don’t miss out on The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, which offers a variety of spa treatments and wellness programs.
Enjoy Adventure Sports
Sarasota County has a variety of adventure sports to enjoy, from parasailing to skydiving. Take a parasailing trip with Parasail Siesta or Jet Ski Sarasota. For a unique experience, try a hot air balloon ride with A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure. Don’t miss out on the Skydive Venice, where you can experience the thrill of skydiving with a tandem instructor.
