Location: Sarasota
Top Things to do in Sarasota
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Sarasota That You Shouldn't Miss
What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
Restaurants in Sarasota
1. Gulf Gate Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By kbofsrq
Well laid out - great children's section - tons of DVDs, etc., puzzles, computers. Their meeting rooms and study rooms are great.
2. Sarasota Opera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
The excitement is palpable during the Sarasota Opera season. As you arrive at your seats, you'll see the familiar faces of opera lovers just like you, and also meet new people. Our intimate 1119-seat theater—with the perfect acoustics for live opera—gives a sense of intimacy to our performances while enhancing your overall experience. Now in its 59th Season, Sarasota Opera is the only opera company in the world to have performed all of Verdi's works. People from all corners of the world come to see our world-class productions, which range from early Italian Bel Canto to contemporary American opera. This Winter, we are bringing to you Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, Bizet’s Carmen, Bellini’s Norma, and d’Albert’s Tiefland. All performances have simultaneous English translations above the stage and opera goers are encouraged to dress as they feel comfortable: suits and ties mix with khaki and jeans. Tickets start at only $19!! Come and experience the magic that is Sarasota Opera!
Reviewed By WarmWeatherPlease013
We made our first visit for a Friday evening performance in March 2020. We were delighted by the lovely venue, the wonderful pit orchestra, the beautifully created sets, and the well executed performances by the singers. Our seats were excellent (AA 10 & 11) in the front row of the 1st mezzanine. One note is that they do not allow you to bring anything purchased from their two bars into the theater. We will definitely return.
3. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By arlene123
Seeing WBTT’s production of “Caroline, or Change” was a highlight of our visit to Sarasota. The ensemble was top notch, and the recently renovated theater is comfortable and attractive, with excellent sound and lighting. There was a full house the night we went, so buy your tickets well in advance. Also, arrive early at the theater because the parking lot is not large enough to accommodate a full house and picking up tickets at Will Call takes longer than at other theaters.
4. Painting With a Twist
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 545 reviews
Uncork your inner artist! Come enjoy an evening out with friends, have a date night, celebrate a special occasion, or come alone and meet new people! Bring your favorite wine, beer, soda, snacks, etc. and have a pARTy. We supply everything you need to complete your masterpiece, including a local artist. No Experience Required!
Reviewed By bethhkinz - Sarasota, United States
I have attended a few "Painting with a Twist" classes in Sarasota now, and I am absolutely hooked. My girl friends and I are thrilled that we found this studio - so many different classes are offered from canvas to wine glasses to wood plank and even tote bags. No matter what your artistic style is, PWAT Sarasota has something for everyone. The teachers are all super fun and engaging, but I have to give a huge shout out to Phil, as he is the reason I will continue going to this studio! Phil shared with us his knowledge and expertise in the art field in a way that was easy to follow, simple to replicate, and above all was FUN! Phil really knows how to get the party started and keeps it going the whole time you're in class, while still keeping everyone on track and painting. He truly is the perfect host - a mix of a teacher and entertainer - I cannot rave about Phil enough! I will definitely be requesting him to run my birthday party this October, and I highly suggest anyone reading this review do the same. Thank you PWAT Sarasota for creating a space where everyone can express themselves while still leaving with a gorgeous piece of art work! I wish I could give this studio 10 stars!!!!
5. Siesta Key Rum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 831 reviews
At our Sarasota, Florida distillery our spirits are hand-crafted from start to finish in small batches using only the finest ingredients and hands-on distillation in a copper pot still. Our distillery is open for free tours and tastings. You must pre-register on our website or by phone to attend tours. Our gift shop/tasting room is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 5.
Reviewed By chrisbangs2019
Daniel from XO took us to Siesta Key Rum Distillery and various points of interest around Sarasota. The distillery is a very friendly, informative and well-run tour with a great tasting room and loads of funny anecdotes and stories. Daniel took us through town to a number of historical buildings and had wonderful stories to share of the people and times that built Sarasota.
6. The Cat Depot
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 413julietm - Saint Paul, United States
Cat Depot is an amazing experience. The environment is incredible, the cats are housed in secure but open and airy pods, with the little "catios" where the cats can go sit outside and enjoy the Florida tropic climate. The staff consider every adoption on a personal basis and I send the best of all wishes to everyone who has been engaged at Cat Depot and who will be in the future. Thank you for the little kitty heaven you provide.
7. Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 155 reviews
At Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa & Boutique, we believe in treating our guests, body, mind and spirit with our award winning reputation of excellence. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with the calming scents of essential oils and warm smiles from our staff. We offer spa treatments and boutique shopping in an elegant, yet cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re coming in for a couple’s spa day or one of our med-spa treatments, you will be welcomed with luxury spa services at affordable prices performed by knowledgeable, and highly trained staff. We offer our guests many spa options including luxury organic couples treatments, spa packages, massage therapy, clinical skincare treatments, microblading and much, much more. We use only the finest skin care with results-driven cosmeceutical skin care from Environ and organic luxury skin and body care from VOYA. With such a vast selection of treatments available, you may find it difficult to choose just one!
Reviewed By Z1731OEteresag - Sarasota, United States
I am new to the area and this was my first experience at Shore Rejuvenation. The whole staff is outstanding. Amber did a great job and is very personable and makes you feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this spa to anyone local or visiting the area. I will be returning next week to have my lashes done with Charity
8. Escape Room Sarasota
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
The escape room is a new adventure for your family and friends that will challenge your group to work effectively together, to ESCAPE A LOCKED ROOM! We create scenarios where participants must rely on each other; their ability to communicate and their creative genius to ESCAPE. Those that do escape have to practice positive thinking and never give up no matter how much time is left. CanYouEscape
Reviewed By cfritzsche - Ellenton, United States
What do you get when you tell 8 best buddies that you’re gonna lock them in a “cabin in the woods” and that they will have to solve clues to escape? What you get is one week of anticipation filled with laughter. Then the lock up happens. One hour full of teamwork complete with more strategizing and laughter is what you get. Finally you’re freed and head out for lunch and libations and of course, more laughter.
9. Urbanite Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Urbanite Theatre produces daring theater in the most intimate venue in Sarasota. Urbanite Theatre committed to creating visceral, shared experiences by fearlessly lifting up the boldest new voices in theatre. We believe in inclusive, artist-first storytelling, daring honesty, and the powerful connectivity of an intimate space.
Reviewed By MarkWBoca - Boca Raton, United States
Within an intimate space, Urbanite Theater stages quality acting and directing of plays which most other theaters would not present. The Urbanite is so small that every seat features great sight lines and acoustical clarity. Prices are inexpensive and parking is plentiful on the second floor of the Whole Foods parking garage a block away.
10. Escape Reality
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 182 reviews
Sarasota's newest escape room with a twist! We want you to Stay and Play in our Puzzle Bar with interactive group games. We also have special evening events like Karaoke Roulette, Nerd Trivia, Improv Comedy and more!
Reviewed By woodem090402 - Bradenton, United States
The detective in my heart went insane with this place! My brother, a family friend and I went and did two rooms: the Clue-Dunnit and the Robot Toy Factory. Clue-Dunnit was our favorite, but they were both extremely fun and challenging! Suzi Q was amazing! She was so kind when we came in, and was great at answering any questions and making us feel at ease in a place we haven’t been before and doing something we had never done. Would highly recommend!
