While residents of many parts of the country head inside during the cold winter months, Sarasota, Florida is blessed with warm weather throughout the year. If you’re spending your winter in Sarasota Florida, there’s plenty to do and see, including the following 10 activities you need to try:
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1. Arts and crafts shows
Sarasota hosts a number of art and crafts shows and festivals during the winter months. For a schedule of events, click here, and join the email list for updates.
Each December, the Sarasota Craft Show brings together over 100 artists, featuring works in ceramics, glass, wearable art, sculpture, and much more. The Sarasota Rotary Art Festival benefits Save Our Seabirds. This annual juried show features many local and national environmental artists and craftsmen, including painters, sculptors, jewelers, and photographers.
2. Farmer’s Market
The Sarasota Farmer’s Market is held downtown every Saturday and has over 5,000 square feet of produce and plants. It also hosts music, yoga, and kid-friendly activities such as decorating your own gingerbread man.
3. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium lets you see marine animals and fish up close on your Sarasota vacation. Check out the 135,000-gallon shark habitat, or take a tour on an eco-boat cruise. You’ll visit Sarasota and Roberts Bays, learning about – and hopefully seeing – marine animals such as dolphins, manatees, and osprey.
4. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit safe haven in Sarasota. You’ll see and learn about Siberian tigers, African lions, and rare white tigers. You’ll also be able to see other animals, such as bears, birds, and chimps.
5. Snow Fest Sarasota
If you’re from a colder climate and miss the snow, enjoy the Annual Snow Fest Sarasota, held every year in December. Enjoy the giant snow slides and go tubing or sledding down a mountain of snow. This is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
6. Thunder by the Bay
The Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival has brought a roar to Sarasota for 18 years. Even if you don’t own a motorcycle, check them out and enjoy all the surrounding activities on your Sarasota vacation, including a downtown festival.
7. Nokomis Beach Drum Circle
Every Wednesday and Saturday, year-round, an informal group gathers on Nokomis Beach near the lifeguard tower to drum. They gather about an hour before sunset, playing drums, bongos, or whatever they have. Bring your own noisemaker and join in the fun.
8. Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Opera will host a Winter Opera Festival featuring works from Verdi, Beethoven, and Mozart. There are also opportunities to meet the singers and artistic staff and attend lectures.
9. Marie Selby Botanical Garden
The Marie Selby Botanical Garden is open every day except Christmas. Located on the shores of Sarasota Bay, this urban oasis offers tours and a wide variety of classes in everything from horticulture to art to health and wellness. If you’re a photography buff, you’re sure to find plenty of subjects.
10. Renew Your Vows
Renew your wedding vows at Sarasota’s annual “Say I Do Again” event on Siesta and Caspersen Beaches. Held on Valentine’s Day, this non-denominational service draws hundreds of people who want celebrate this romantic day by renewing their vows on the beach.
If the idea of enjoying plenty of activities year-round is appealing, contact The Islands on the Manatee River to find out more about one of the finest waterfront communities in Florida.
