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Sarasota Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Sarasota, FL, offers residents and visitors plenty to get excited about, including beautiful sunny weather, popular beaches, natural beauty, and countless recreational activities. Even if you're just visiting, you may soon want to look at Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale so you can take advantage of all the area has to offer throughout the year.
Our real estate agents suggest exploring Sarasota's hidden gem attractions.
Sarasota Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Address: Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, FL 34236, and Historic Spanish Fort Campus, 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which has two bayside campuses in Florida, has been named one of Time magazine's "World's Greatest Places 2024". Its Downtown Sarasota campus comprises 15 acres and is an urban oasis filled with tropical plants. In addition to creating and hosting horticultural and garden displays, the museum also hosts artworks tied to these displays. The Historic Spanish Fort campus covers 30 acres and houses an outdoor archaeological and historic museum. For an in-depth look at what the campus has to offer, take a docent-led tour or a boat tour on a replica pioneer-era boat.
The Ringling
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243
Founded nearly 100 years ago by John Ringling (one of the famous Ringling Bros.) and his wife Mable, The Ringling is a unique destination that includes:
- Museum of Art
- Circus Museum
- Ca' d'Zan
- Historic Asolo Theater
The original 21 art galleries contain an amazing array of European art. And be sure not to miss the Circus Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history of The Greatest Show on Earth.
Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center
Address: 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240
Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center is a permanent home to exotic and domestic animals in need, and you'll be able to help their cause while seeing some amazing big cats and more. Their animals include:
- African lions
- Bengal tigers
- Clouded leopards
- Jaguars
- Ruffled lemurs
- Wolves
And if you're interested in a more interactive experience, you can pay extra to book Animal Encounters or Feedings with some of their residents. A petting zoo is also available with friendly goats, a tortoise, and more.
Myakka River State Park
Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL
For a journey into unspoiled nature, visit Myakka River State Park and the state's only designated wild and scenic river. The park's 58 square miles of diverse landscape encompasses:
- Wetlands
- Prairies
- Oak hammocks
- Pinelands
They create the perfect habitat for spotting many animals, including alligators, wild turkeys, and more. One of the park's can't-miss experiences is the Canopy Walkway and Nature Trail, a suspended pedestrian bridge offering treetop views.
Siesta Key Beach
Address: 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242
Siesta Key Beach was named the Best Beach in the U.S. for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, and it's easy to see why. Described by the magazine as "made for beach bums", the area has quartz-crystal sand that's soft and stays cool even in the hot sun. The water is a beautiful turquoise, and the beach is easy to reach, with ample parking. A free trolley is also available to connect you to downtown Sarasota as well as Siesta Key Village, which has over 100 shops, restaurants, and other destinations.
Interested in Calling Sarasota Home?
Contact us today if you'd like to call Sarasota home. Our experienced agents know the area extremely well and can help you find your dream home!