Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy: Sarasota’s Most Playful Hidden Gem
Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy Sarasota delights visitors with colorful sculptures, vibrant paintings, and joyful surprises inside and out.
Some attractions are famous because they’re beautiful. Others become memorable because they help you understand the place you’re visiting.
That’s what I love about Sarasota.
You can spend the morning walking beneath ancient oak trees along the bay, the afternoon exploring one of Florida’s oldest wilderness parks, or discovering the circus history that helped put Sarasota on the map.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed living here since 1988.
If you’re exploring Sarasota for the first time, I’d resist the temptation to see everything. Start with three attractions that each tell a different part of Sarasota’s story. Then come back and discover everything else.
Experience the wild Florida that existed long before Sarasota became a destination, from canopy walkways & wetlands to alligators & ancient oak hammocks.
See where Sarasota gathers. Banyan trees, sailboats, Marina Jack, waterfront sunsets, and the everyday moments that make downtown feel alive.
Discover the circus legacy that shaped Sarasota’s identity and why this city became known as the winter home of “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
From world-class museums and historic estates to colorful contemporary art, these Sarasota attractions reveal the art, architecture and stories that have helped shape our cultural identity.
Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy Sarasota delights visitors with colorful sculptures, vibrant paintings, and joyful surprises inside and out.
Explore the Sarasota Art Museum, where historic architecture and contemporary exhibitions create a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
Experience opulent elegance at the Ringling’s grand Venetian-style mansion on Sarasota Bay.
Explore the Ringling Museum of Art—iconic galleries, Statue of David, banyans, and after-5 events that make it a Sarasota favorite.
Sarasota isn’t only beaches and palm-lined streets. Explore preserves, state parks, mangrove tunnels and wild Florida landscapes where hiking, paddling and wildlife take center stage.
Discover Red Bug Slough Preserve Sarasota — hidden trails, peaceful lakes, and quiet moments for dog walkers & nature lovers off Beneva Road.
Explore Oscar Scherer State Park Campground — a peaceful Old Florida escape for camping, kayaking, and discovering Sarasota’s natural beauty.
Discover Ted Sperling Nature Park Lido — Sarasota’s best spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, and exploring its mangrove tunnels and hidden beaches along Lido Key.
Explore Myakka River State Park — Sarasota’s wild heart. From alligators and cabins to Deep Hole and the Canopy Walkway, experience Florida as it once
From imaginative gardens and neighborhood parks to playgrounds, walking trails and waterfront spaces, these are some of Sarasota’s best places to get outside, explore and spend time together.
Discover The Children’s Garden Sarasota — a hidden gem near downtown where fairies dance, dragons grin, and children’s imaginations bloom.
Discover 15 Sarasota family activities—from flamingo feeding to kayaking mangroves—told through real stories from nearly 40 years of local life.
Payne Park Sarasota celebrates the city’s circus legacy with colorful playgrounds, shady trails, and family fun just off Ringling Boulevard downtown.
The Bay Park Sarasota brings art, nature, and community together — home to the stunning Ibis Playground, bayfront trails, and events for all ages.
Urfer Park in Sarasota blends family fun, fitness trails, and history — a beloved local park with playgrounds, wildlife walks, and room to roam.
Discover Nathan Benderson Park Sarasota — from hidden lake to world-class rowing venue, family playground, and year-round waterfront events.
Some of Sarasota’s most memorable places aren’t the ones everyone talks about. Venture beyond the familiar favorites to discover quiet parks, unexpected landmarks, natural hideaways and a few places that even longtime locals can overlook.
Discover Boca Grande Florida on Gasparilla Island — an Old Florida gem with island charm, rich history, tarpon fishing, and unforgettable character.
Discover Crescent Beach on Siesta Key — Sarasota’s quiet, vintage beach near Point of Rocks with top snorkeling, shelling & classic old-Florida charm.
Experience Sarasota National Cemetery — sacred grounds honoring veterans and families through Patriot Plaza and community remembrance.
Bird Key Park Sarasota offers bayfront sunsets, leashed-dog water access, and scenic walks along the Ringling Causeway—just minutes from downtown.
Climb the tallest hill in Sarasota at Celery Fields Sarasota — a peaceful landmark where sunsets, bird calls, and unexpected adventures meet.
Discover Point of Rocks on Siesta Key—rugged limestone ledges, rare shells, snorkeling, and King Tide surprises on Crescent Beach.
From intimate theatre and Broadway-caliber productions to concerts on the bay, Sarasota’s performing arts scene offers an impressive range of live entertainment throughout the year.
Celebrate The Ringling’s Toys for Tots Holiday Splendor—free admission with toy donation, student performances, and festive Ca’ d’Zan décor.
Discover Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota—cabaret, comedy & improv in the heart of downtown’s arts district, steps from dining, galleries & nightlife.
Experience Asolo Repertory Theatre Sarasota—Broadway-caliber productions in a historic setting on the grounds of The Ringling Museum.
Discover Van Wezel Sarasota—the iconic “Purple Cow” on the bay with concerts, Broadway tours, FridayFest, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
From waterfront concerts and downtown block parties to community festivals and neighborhood stages, live music is woven into Sarasota’s social life—often outdoors and often free.
Catch FridayFest Sarasota: bayfront live music, food trucks, and sunset views on the Van Wezel south lawn—easy, family-friendly summer nights.
Music on Main Lakewood Ranch: free live music, food & beer vendors, kids’ activities, and monthly non-profit spotlights on Main Street.
Fresh Fridays Sarasota: live music, food, vendors, art & giveaways every first Friday downtown. Free concerts & fun in the heart of the city.
Experience the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival this January—fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and Florida art by the bay.
Thunder By The Bay Sarasota roars each winter with motorcycles, live music, vendors, and community spirit at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Sarasota makes a great home base for exploring more of Florida. These easy getaways range from Old Florida islands and family-friendly wildlife attractions to the theme parks and entertainment of Tampa and Orlando.
Experience Sarasota National Cemetery — sacred grounds honoring veterans and families through Patriot Plaza and community remembrance.
Bayfront Park Sarasota blends banyan trees, bay breezes, and tropical vibes from O’Leary’s and Marina Jack — Sarasota’s #1 park for sunsets and memories.
Discover 12 tiki bars in Sarasota and nearby towns. Savor tropical cocktails, watch sunsets, and soak up island vibes on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
From tiki bars to lifeguard stands, explore 15 must see icons of Sarasota that continue to shape the community and define its character.
Discover Van Wezel Sarasota—the iconic “Purple Cow” on the bay with concerts, Broadway tours, FridayFest, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Discover Sarasota lifeguard stands — from Siesta’s yellow tower to Scooter of the Beach and the colors that capture Sarasota’s coastal spirit.
Sarasota makes a great home base for exploring more of Florida. These easy getaways range from Old Florida islands and family-friendly wildlife attractions to the theme parks and entertainment of Tampa and Orlando.
Anna Maria Island blends Old Florida charm, three distinct island vibes, and decades of family memories—just a short drive from Sarasota.
Discover Boca Grande Florida on Gasparilla Island — an Old Florida gem with island charm, rich history, tarpon fishing, and unforgettable character.
Zoo Tampa Lowry Park blends wildlife, conservation, family-friendly encounters, and Christmas magic into a relaxed zoo experience perfect for younger kids.
Experience Harry Potter Universal Orlando—Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Express, thrilling rides, immersive details, and family magic.
Experience Disney Springs Orlando with great dining, imaginative shopping, live entertainment, LEGO fun, free parking and the Disney magic.
Busch Gardens Tampa blends wildlife, thrills & Christmas magic. A Florida resident shares real memories & why this park keeps families coming back.
From Sarasota’s neighborhood lights and local celebrations to St. Augustine, Tampa and Orlando, these are some of my favorite ways to experience Christmas in Florida—without the snow.
Christmas around Sarasota comes alive with glowing neighborhoods, garden lights, trolley tours, and warm family traditions.
Nights of Lights St Augustine blends history and Christmas charm—but does it live up to the hype? A firsthand family experience and honest comparison.
Experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom — festive parades, fireworks, stage shows, treats, traditions, and family memories you’ll never forget.
Experience Gaylord Palms Christmas — the unbelievable 9° ICE! attraction, magical atrium nights, family traditions, memories, and why locals love it.
Discover the ultimate guide to Disney Resorts at Christmas, from the Grand Floridian gingerbread house to Wilderness Lodge’s towering tree and holiday magic.
Experience UTC Christmas—Sarasota’s best lights, shows, and holiday vibes. Fireworks, movies, Santa, Wonderland, and unforgettable memories.
Explore Sarasota Lifestyle’s local guides — from beaches and dining to arts, attractions, outdoor fun, family activities, events, and places to stay.
