Planning a trip to Siesta Key? If you’re seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, a day trip to Sarasota is an absolute must. Located just a short drive from the pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, Sarasota offers a delightful blend of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences that are sure to enhance your Siesta Key vacation. Whether you’re intrigued by world-class art, fascinated by marine life, captivated by culinary delights, or simply seeking things to do near Siesta Key, Sarasota has something for everyone. From visiting inspiring museums to exploring lush botanical gardens and savoring fresh seafood caught at local beaches near Siesta Key, the possibilities are endless.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best activities near Siesta Key, ensuring that your vacation is nothing short of extraordinary.
And for those looking for perfect coastal accommodations, our condo rentals in Siesta Key, FL, are readily available to provide you with an ideal retreat after a day of exploration.
Top Sarasota Attractions
The Ringling Museum of Art
John and Mable Ringling’s vision to create a world-class art museum was realized with the creation of the Museum of Art’s original 21 galleries, which have been wowing visitors since 1932. The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, and the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing are some of the galleries that promise to leave you inspired, making it one of the must-visit activities near Siesta Key. The museum’s collection represents a vast range of cultures, mediums, techniques, and stories. From ancient Indian sculptures to early photography and immersive contemporary installations to Baroque masterpieces, there’s something to captivate every visitor. The exhibits include Radical Clay, featuring 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary Japanese female artists, and EMBODIED, which expands the definition of the human figure through diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, fiber, video, and mixed media. The Parade exhibition speaks to the European artistic tradition, revealing the universality of human experience explored by artists throughout time while also foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
For nature enthusiasts, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a breathtaking sanctuary that connects people with the plants of the world, native nature, and regional history. Composed of the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in the Osprey area, Selby Gardens is renowned for its special focus on epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants. The Downtown Campus on Sarasota Bay is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of these plants. While the stunning collections themselves are reason enough to visit, don’t miss out on the captivating exhibits like Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica, which transport visitors into the lush, vibrant world of tropical artistry. The blend of natural beauty and historical richness found here makes Marie Selby Botanical Gardens a gem worthy of any itinerary.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
For those fascinated by marine life, the renowned Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers an enlightening and family-friendly experience. As one of Florida’s oldest marine research laboratories, Mote Marine has a storied history dating back to its initial opening in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory. Named in honor of benefactor William R. Mote, it has since expanded both in size and reputation. Located on City Island in Sarasota and with field stations stretching from eastern Sarasota County to the Florida Keys, Mote Marine Laboratory is a hotbed of scientific research and conservation efforts that span the globe. Visitors are treated to a 135,000-gallon shark habitat, resident sea turtles, playful otters, seahorses, and the mesmerizing movement of sea jellies. Explore coral reef displays and other ecosystems that highlight the real-world studies undertaken by the lab’s scientists. An interactive peek into the working labs adds a deeper appreciation for the marine biologists’ efforts to understand and conserve our oceanic worlds. It is a captivating, educational highlight that underscores Sarasota’s diverse offerings.
Plan Your Visit
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Must Try Sarasota Restaurants
Owen’s Fish Camp
After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to an exceptional dining experience at Owen’s Fish Camp. This local gem combines fresh seafood with Southern classics, all complemented by a thoughtfully curated craft beer and wine selection. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff strive to match the delicious food with exceptional service. Start your meal with their signature oysters Rockefeller embellished with crab, spinach, and hollandaise. For the main course, indulge in pecan crusted trout with crawfish butter, potatoes, and green beans. Finish off with the decadent fried black cherry pie, served with vanilla ice cream. Dining at Owen’s Fish Camp is not just a meal but an experience that solidifies Sarasota’s reputation as a culinary destination.
Duval’s
For another stellar dining option, Duval’s offers a dining experience infused with passion for locally sourced, fresh seafood. Duval’s commitment to supporting local fishermen and farmers ensures that every dish is made with the finest ingredients. Kickstart your meal with shaved steak spring rolls featuring knucklehead sauce and a blend of sweet and savory flavors. The main dish, Duval’s Seafood Sampler, is a succulent feast of lobster tail, shrimp, and U10 sea scallops grilled to perfection. Complement your meal with the irresistible bread pudding, which combines cherry, cheese, and apple danishes, caramel, crème anglaise, Chantilly cream, and fresh berries for a deliciously comforting dessert.
Circo
For something a bit more unconventional, head over to Circo, a taco and bourbon joint that brings a fun twist to traditional dining. Start with the Queso Fun-dido, made with Monterey jack cheese, chorizo, and salsa verde vinaigrette. Their taco offerings are just as enticing, with options like slow-roasted Angus tacos featuring braised beef, salsa rojo, cilantro lime slaw, queso fresco, and pickled peppers. Or, for a unique flavor combination, try the Thai shrimp tacos made with tempura flash-fried shrimp, honey-sambal aioli, napa slaw, mango salsa, pickled peppers, and tempura scallion threads. Cap off this flavorful journey with s’mores churros, caramel-stuffed churros served with toasted marshmallow dipping sauce and chocolate drizzle, an indulgent ending to an outstanding meal.
Book Your Siesta Key Condo Rental with Crescent Royale
For accommodations that perfectly blend convenience and comfort, look no further than our beachfront Siesta Key rentals. Our condos offer breathtaking views, top-notch amenities, and proximity to the local attractions, and Crescent Royale ensures your stay is as delightful as your day trips. After a day spent exploring Sarasota’s treasures, relax in the comfort of your cozy rental, enjoying the gentle breeze and stunning sunsets only Siesta Key can provide. By staying in one of our accommodations, you ensure a seamless transition from adventure-filled days to restful, relaxed evenings. Booking a comfortable and convenient condo at Crescent Royale completes a perfect getaway that blends relaxation and exploration in equal measure. So pack your bags, set your sights on Siesta Key, and prepare to be captivated by all that Sarasota has to offer.
