Are you looking for some free things to do in Sarasota as early as this weekend? If so, you’re in luck! The city always offers lots of no-cost or low-cost activities and events for everyone. Additionally, you can enjoy hiking and biking, kayaking, and of course miles of pristine beaches!
Check out 10 FREE things to do in Sarasota, with kids or as a special date night idea. Also, ensure you check websites or call ahead before stepping out. That way, no unexpected events will get in the way of enjoying your time in this great city!
Top 10 Free Things to Do In Sarasota
Here’s a list of 10 great things to do in and around Sarasota, with either a low-cost or FREE admission.
1. Ringling Museum of Art
If you love the circus, you must visit the Ringling Museum of Art! This museum is jam packed with mementos from when the Ringling circus was at its heyday. While admission is typically $25, you can enjoy FREE admission to the museum every Monday. For directions and more information, check out their website:
https://www.ringling.org/museum-art
2. Sunday Siesta Key drum circle
Release your inner hippie with a weekly drum circle, held every Sunday on Siesta Key Beach. Starting about an hour before sunset, you can enjoy an eclectic range of chanting, dancing, and singing. Also, be sure to bring your own bongos, tambourine, or anything else you choose and join in the fun! Look for the group between lifeguard stands 3 and 4, weather permitting.
3. Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
As the name implies, the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy offers a wide range of eclectic artwork, sculptures, and more. You can enjoy a stunning mix of modern paintings, classic garden fairies, and interior design.
Admission is free but the museum does accept your donations with gratitude! Additionally, the museum closes periodically through the year. In turn, be sure to check current hours before heading out:
4. Tour the Siesta Key Rum Distillery
Even if you don’t necessarily enjoy rum, watching how it’s made is entertaining and educational! The Siesta Key Rum distillery in Sarasota offers free tours and samples throughout the week. You can also get some suggestions for using their creations in co*cktails and other recipes. To find out more, visit their website:
5. Sarasota Farmers Market
Whether you need fresh produce and homemade goods, or want to support local artisans, check out the Sarasota Farmers Market. This market always features dozens of unique vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to homegrown fruit and vegetables, locally harvested honey, baked goods, and more.
There is also live music to enjoy and booths from local charities you can support! The market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information including a current calendar of events and performers, check out their website:
https://sarasotafarmersmarket.org/
6. Explore One of the Local Downtowns
One of the greatest parts about the Sarasota area is the smaller communities within. If you’re feeling laid back and ready for a drink, try out the Siesta Key Village area. Siesta Key Oyster bar (SKOB) and Daiquiri Deck are crowd favorites. There are fun restaurants and nightlife.
Maybe you’re looking for the city vibe. In that case, check out downtown Sarasota. It’s a beautiful place for a stroll. Be sure to walk by the library, Burns Court, and the bayfront. You can even grab a drink at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar or enjoy the view for free on a park bench.
In the mood for lavish living? Hit up St. Armand’s Circle. This area is known for its high-end shops and polished restaurants. A personal favorite is Shore. It shore won’t disappoint!!
7. Art Center Sarasota
You can enjoy even more art at the Art Center Sarasota. Here, you can also take a class or watch today’s artists as they work on their creations. Admission is free but a donation is recommended. To find out current hours and workshops, check out their website:
8. Sarasota Ski-a-Rees shows
What better way to enjoy the outdoors than by checking out a ski show? The Sarasota Ski-a-Rees offer FREE demonstrations on Sundays throughout the spring season. You can also visit their practice sessions to see how they get themselves prepared for their shows! Visit their website for current show hours:
9. Bike the Legacy Trail
The 12-mile Legacy Trail is excellent for biking, walking, running, skating, and more. The trail offers lots of trailheads with free parking and restrooms and stunning landscaping. Wide lanes ensure a comfortable time no matter your choice of transportation!
https://www.sarasotasalvage.com/
10. The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
For one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else, check out the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. This eclectic indoor market features over 40 local artisans and vendors, offering everything from artwork, crafts, produce, and more.
There are also lots of food trucks on hand so be sure to arrive hungry! The market is open every Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To find out more, check out their website:
https://www.bazaaronapricotandlime.com/
What Is There to Do in Sarasota This Weekend for Cheap?
In addition to all these great free things to do in Sarasota, there are plenty of low-cost attractions you might enjoy! Check out a few suggestions to try this weekend:
- For $5 you can set up a primitive campsite at Myakka River State Park. These primitive sites are set back from the trailhead, offering added privacy and a rustic setting.
- The Lido pool offers low-cost swimming for everyone in the family. Adult admission is just $4, and kids are only $2 each! Be sure to check current hours as the pool does close seasonally.
- On Sundays you can watch some polo at the Sarasota Polo Club. For just a few dollars you’re invited to spread out on the grounds and check out the “fastest game on four feet.”
- The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is a must-see for automotive enthusiasts of all ages! There, you’ll find antique roadsters, muscle cars, and even a great selection of motorcycles. Admission is typically less than $20 for adults and around $10 for children.
- Every Saturday morning there is “Yoga by the Bay with Erin.” This has become a Sarasota staple for a great way to kick off the weekend!
- For $5 you can set up a primitive campsite at Myakka River State Park. These primitive sites are set back from the trailhead, offering added privacy and a rustic setting.
- The Lido pool offers low-cost swimming for everyone in the family. Adult admission is just $4, and kids are only $2 each! Be sure to check current hours as the pool does close seasonally.
- On Sundays you can watch some polo at the Sarasota Polo Club. For just a few dollars you’re invited to spread out on the grounds and check out the “fastest game on four feet.”
- The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is a must-see for automotive enthusiasts of all ages! There, you’ll find antique roadsters, muscle cars, and even a great selection of motorcycles. Admission is typically less than $20 for adults and around $10 for children.
- Every Saturday morning there is “Yoga by the Bay with Erin.” This has become a Sarasota staple for a great way to kick off the weekend! https://www.facebook.com/YogaByTheBayWithErin/
Is Sarasota Worth Visiting?
Sarasota is one of the best places to visit year-round! The city and surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Of course, Sarasota is probably best known for its beaches, natural trails, and other outdoor spots. Check out just a few that make any visit to this city worthwhile:
- The Lido Key mangrove tunnels are an excellent spot for kayaking or paddle boarding. The tunnels offer lots of shade to get out of the harsh sun. There is also just enough water to enjoy a lazy paddle, perfect for beginners just getting accustomed to their chosen craft!
- Historic Spanish Point in Osprey offers lots of charm and history. You can also check out a unique view of Sarasota Bay from the park.
- For another unique perspective, check out the canopy walk at Myakka River State Park. These treetop walkways give you an elevated view of the park below, for a stunning sight, you won’t soon forget! Park entrance is a mere $6 per vehicle.
Which Are the Best Beaches in Sarasota?
Sarasota offers miles of stunning beaches, perfect for getting a swim or enjoying a sunset. And of course, it’s something free to do in Sarasota county. Various beaches around the city offer a variety of attractions you might enjoy:
- Longboat Key sits along the northern part of Sarasota’s coastline and offers over 12 miles of shore. If you visit during the summertime, check out the many turtles that visit the key to nest and lay eggs. Also, Longboat Key usually means smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere than other Sarasota destinations. Beer Can Island is a favorite spot among the locals if you can figure out how to get there.
- Lido Beach is a perfect spot for picnicking and lounging. You might enjoy the mangrove tunnels while there and get some exercise with a kayak or paddleboard.
- Many people consider Siesta Beach on Siesta Key as one of the best beaches in the world! The key also offers Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach, home to lots of night life especially as the sun goes down.
- Casey Key, along the southern area of Sarasota, is more family friendly and designed with tourists in mind. On this key you’ll find concession stands, lots of areas for picnicking, and even manned lifeguard stations.
- Venice Beach and its neighbor, Caspersen Beach, are a bit more rustic and rugged than other area beaches. Check out its hiking paths and pavilions, as well as it’s dog-friendly Brohard Paw Park.
- Englewood Beach on Manasota Key is the place for sports lovers! You’ll find lots of outdoor sports equipment and facilities on Englewood, or you might head over to Stump Pass Beach on the same key and try some hiking and bird watching.
If you’ve enjoyed this list of affordable and downright free things to do in Sarasota, bookmark this page and come back often! Every week we post some great activities you can find in and around Sarasota during the weekend, so you’re never without some amazing things to do and see when in this stunning city.
