When I think of Florida for vacation, Sarasota doesn’t come to mind. That said, this underrated Florida city of 60,000 is low key place to visit. While in Ocala, I took a few days off from the horse shows and popped down to the west coast for a lovely 48 hours in Sarasota.
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Go Birding at the Celery Fields
It was unseasonably cold in January when I visited Sarasota, but that didn’t stop me from walking my dog in 40-degree, drizzly weather. I did so at the Celery Fields where I was surprised to find so many birds given the weather.
I put Annie back in VANgo in order to get some photos of some sandhill cranes which were quite cooperative once my dog didn’t pose a threat. Celery Fields, which also functions as Sarasota’s storm water collection zone, is home to 200,000 aquatic plants and trees which attract over 200 species of birds. It is a little slice of nature operated by the Sarasota Audubon Society in the city.
Eat at Buttermilk
Not far from the Celery Fields is Buttermilk. They serve some of the best avocado toast and baked goods around. The atmosphere of this little coffee shop is extremely inviting too! It was a perfect place to warm up after a few hours in the cold!
Visit the Ringling Museum
From Buttermilk, I headed northwest to the Ringling Museum. I’ve been wanting to visit this circus museum, the gardens, and the house for years now. I finally made it! The gardens were lackluster in January, but the Ringling Museum and their house were truly great.
I particularly liked all the colorful circus posters and wagons at the museum and the stained-glass windows and ancient kitchen appliances at the house. You can find out more with this post: The Ringling Circus Museum
Island Hop
I felt like it wouldn’t be a trip to the beach if I didn’t make it to at least one of the islands off Sarasota’s coast. Lido Key features St. Armands Circle an eclectic shopping area and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium which includes manatee, shark, and many other exhibits. The tiny island also has Lido Beach and a few cute restaurants.
Siesta Key is also nice. I loved Siesta Key Oyster Bar. Anytime I find a place with dollars tacked up on the wall, I wonder how many there are. The fish tacos and laid back beachy atmosphere held their the late afternoon. It’s a hopping place!
I will say, plan to pay for parking. On this crummy day, it wasn’t too difficult to find a spot except that I had a giant Sprinter van, so I took advantage of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce parking lot one block behind the main drag.
Siesta Key has a lovely beach with many public access points. With that said, again, the parking was limited. In fact, using Uber might be best.
Finally, Longboat Key is ranked in the top 10 islands in the US by Travel + Leisure’s readers, so you really can’t go wrong with a beach vacation in Sarasota.
Look Back in History at Phillippi Estate Park
After taking a quick stroll beneath ominous skies on the sandy beach I turned inland to check out some history at Phillippi Estate Park. The 60-acre tract with a few shaded walking trails sits on Phillippi Creek. I sort of wished I had my kayak with me to paddle the tranquil waters.
Instead, Annie and I strolled around while I read the posted sign boards about Indian artifacts and the Keith Edson Mansion which was constructed in the early 1900’s. The mansion may be toured for free on Wednesdays at 10 am. The Phillipe Farmhouse Market also takes place on Wednesdays from 9 to 1 from October to April.
Find a Festival
Unfortunately, I visited Sarasota on a Monday and Tuesday, so I missed the Farmhouse Market as well as the Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival. But if you are in the area, be sure to check Sarasota’s Calendar of Events as the City hosts art festivals, dragon boat races and more.
Go to Spring Training
I was also too early for spring training baseball, but the Baltimore Orioles train at the Ed Smith Stadium in the Spring. And the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburg Pirates train in Venice, a short 30 minute drive south!
Take a Side Trip
Venice is a cute town in Florida with a lovely town square. Find out more with this things to do in Venice guide.
Other Attractions in Sarasota
Other attractions in Sarasota include the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and the Big Cat Habitat, so if you don’t like what I did, try these out.
Where to Stay in Sarasota
While I just stealth camped in VANgo for my overnight visit to Sarasota, I typically prefer a house or condo when on a beach vacation and there are plenty to choose from on VRBO. If you prefer a hotel, you might like the Art Ovation Hotel in downtown Sarasota. It features an art gallery, live music and a rooftop pool.
In all, the Circus City on the Cultural Coast of Florida known as a great place to retire is also perfect for a weekend getaway. ETB
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We always enjoy visiting Sarasota – especially the Ringling Museum. A great way to spend a day!