Sarasota, in Florida, is one of the best places which will give you an exotic experience. Besides, this place is known for the nation’s best beaches and the powdery white sand. There are many things to do in Sarasota, where you can find sun, water, and sand, which will amaze you by their beauty.
However, a trip to Sarasota is not affordable for many. Nevertheless, there are ways to minimize vacation costs, like availing free and fun activities to do.
Here are 10 Exciting and Free Things to do in Sarasota –
1. Swim at the beach
Sarasota is covered with beaches. It is a country that has 35 miles of shoreline. Well, people love beaches because of the relaxation that they get while exploring beaches. Besides, it’s free of cost. The famous beaches are Lido Beach, Venice Beach, and Siesta Beach.
You need to have a few things like a towel, umbrella, sunscreen, and a few drinks and snacks to enjoy the beach. Also, it is a perfect place to run, walk, or just sit back and relax.
2. Ringling Museum of art
Sarasota is a country that is loaded with art and culture. Visiting Ringling Museum is one of the popular things to do in Sarasota. If you visit on Monday, then it’s free of cost. It is known for exhibition galleries, which is a must-watch. The museum showcases over 70,000 Asian and European art items.
Ringling Museum has a café also, which is known as The Museum Café or Muse, where you can snack and dine.
However, it also has a circus museum that isn’t free. If you wish to explore, then you have to pay entry fee even on Mondays.
3. Children’s fountain in Bay Front Park
Bayfront Park is located nearby Ringling Bridge. Well, the view of the park is impressive, and kids will enjoy this park. Besides, it’s the best place for a picnic if you are thinking of enjoying your time with your kids.
Moreover, you will get to see gorgeous grass, open areas, picnic tables, and a bar with outdoor seating and music. Also, you can hire a boat to get a nice view of the summertime.
4. Towels Court Art walk
Are you a lover of art and music? Well, then Towels Court is a place to be. You can visit the place every third Friday between 6 to 10 pm to enjoy the art walk. They also offer refreshments and fantastic music. Also, here you can explore handmade art. These arts are made by locally renowned artists and cater to textile designs to watercolor.
5. Community Drum circle
When you are in Sarasota, there are many things to do in Sarasota, like exploring, chilling, gaming, relaxing, and so on. Well, one such cool thing is watching hippie Community Drum Circle, which takes place every Sunday at Siesta Key Beach before sunset.
People form a big circle, and the center is kept empty for the kids to play and enjoy themselves. Travelers, who love to dance, can join and tune in to the beats. Besides, you can bring your chair and enjoy the sunset.
6. Visit The Celery Fields
The Celery Fields is located in Sarasota and one of the fun things to do in Sarasota. It is famous for its hilltop views and its bird watching. Besides, it’s a wetland area for birdwatchers and a very popular destination for field trips and outings.
Moreover, one can witness the same wildlife here as compared to a paid park named Myakka River State Park. Hence, if you want to save some penny, then this is the place to visit for free.
7. Coquina Beach
This is another free beach in Sarasota. Well, travelers, as well as the locals, visit the beach to experience the white crystal sand and warm water—besides, it best for swimming.
Moreover, you can get to see very cute and friendly squirrels. These squirrels live in the woodland, and they are fun to play with on the beach. This beach offers free parking as well.
8. Unconditional Surrender Statue
Sarasota is well known for the unconditional statue. It is one of the free things to do in Sarasota. The statue was built to depict the end of WWII. Well, you must take some fantastic selfies with the Unconditional Surrender statue to capture the beautiful moments.
However, the statue has controversy as well. The statue showcases a Navy sailor who kissed a woman. The woman was a nurse. It is said that sailor George Mendosa kissed a nurse Greta Friedman. Besides, the man and the woman did not know each other. But, he grabbed her and kissed her to portray his happiness at the end of the war. Hence, many find the statue as an assault.
9. Visit the area farmers market
Sarasota’s farmers market is a great thing to explore. It is a place to explore the products and services of local farmers. Besides, this is known as a true food paradise. Besides, you can experience a fresh and friendly vibe. You can have fun while interacting with the vendors and can grab some food items that are produced locally.
10. Parkway 8 cinema
Sarasota is one of the amazing places to spend your vacations. At Parkway 8 Cinema, you can enjoy the latest movie, and it is budget-friendly too. Besides, if you are done with your trip to beaches and want some time out to watch some classic movies, then you can opt for this movie hall.
Moreover, the tickets are cheap, and a matinee show ticket is just $2, and $2.5 for an evening ticket.
Other cheap things to do in Sarasota –
1. You can go camping at Myakka River State Park. It costs $26 per night.
2. For family fun activities, you can visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. It costs $46 for an adult.
3. Besides, you can visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. The entry is $20 per person.