Sarasota, Florida is a beautiful coastal city with something to offer everyone. From its pristine beaches and world-class museums to its vibrant arts scene and delicious dining options, there’s never a dull moment in Sarasota. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 9 best things to do in Sarasota May 2024. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting cultural experience, we’ve got you covered.
Sarasota is a city that truly comes alive in May. The weather is warm and sunny, and the flowers are in bloom. It’s the perfect time to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
May is also a great time to visit Sarasota because there are several special events happening throughout the month. These events include the Sarasota Film Festival, the Sarasota Music Festival, and the Sarasota Chalk Festival. If you’re interested in art, culture, or music, then May is the perfect time to visit Sarasota.
1. Visit the Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Sarasota. The museum is home to a vast collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum also has a circus museum, which houses one of the largest collections of circus memorabilia in the world. The Ringling Museum is a great place to spend a day exploring art and history.
2. Explore Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a beautiful 15-acre botanical garden located on Sarasota Bay. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. Spend a Day at Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach has white sand, clear water, and gentle waves. Siesta Key Beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, or build sandcastles. The beach also has a number of restaurants and shops, so you can easily spend a whole day here.
4. Visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a 10-acre botanical garden and zoo. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a great place to learn about wildlife and see some amazing animals up close.
5. Take a Boat Tour of Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is a beautiful body of water that is home to a variety of marine life. There are several different boat tours that you can take of the bay, so you can choose the one that best fits your interests. Boat tours are a great way to see the beauty of Sarasota Bay and learn about the local ecosystem.
6. See a Show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is a world-class performing arts center that hosts a variety of shows, including Broadway musicals, concerts, and dance performances. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is a great place to see a show and experience the performing arts.
7. Visit the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion
The Ca’ d’Zan Mansion is a beautiful mansion that was built in the early 1900s. The mansion is now a museum, and visitors can tour the mansion and learn about its history. The Ca’ d’Zan Mansion is a great place to learn about Sarasota’s history and see a beautiful example of architecture.
8. Explore the Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market is a weekly market that features fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods from local farmers and vendors. The market is a great place to buy fresh, local food and support the local economy. The Sarasota Farmers Market is also a great place to people-watch and experience the local culture.
9. Visit the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a world-renowned marine research center and aquarium. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life and see some amazing animals up close.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, Sarasota has something to offer everyone. So come explore this beautiful city and discover all that it has to offer.
Culture in Sarasota
Sarasota is a city with a rich culture and heritage. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues. Sarasota is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.
Best Months to Visit Sarasota
Sarasota is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months (March-May and September-November). During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot or humid. The summer months (June-August) can be hot and humid, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time if you’re not a fan of heat.
Nearby Transportation
Sarasota is easily accessible by car, plane, and train. The city is served by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), which is located just 5 miles from downtown Sarasota. There are also several Amtrak train stations in the area, and the city is connected to the rest of Florida by a network of highways.
Local Food
Sarasota is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Some of the most popular local dishes include grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, and Key lime pie. Sarasota is also home to a number of farmers markets, where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods from local farmers and vendors.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels in Sarasota to choose from, no matter what your budget is. Some of the most popular hotels include The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; The Westin Sarasota; and The Hyatt Regency Sarasota.
Conclusion
Sarasota is a beautiful and vibrant city with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting cultural experience, Sarasota has it all. So come explore this amazing city and discover all that it has to offer.
