One of the best parts about vacationing in Sarasota is the abundance of activities available in the area. You can spend your days enjoying the sands of the local beaches, tasting the delicious local seafood from the best restaurants in town, or exploring one-of-a-kind museums and historical attractions. Though you should take some time to relax while you’re in Sarasota, you might also want some time to have an adventure!
Sarasota Activities on the Water
If you’re looking for things to do in Sarasota for a bit of a thrill, you’re in the right place. Whether you want to get in the water or stay on dry land, remain in Sarasota, or head out on a quick day trip, there’s excitement around every corner. You should try at least a couple of these activities while you’re in Sarasota! The Sarasota area has all kinds of exciting activities for you to enjoy with your friends or family, perfect for creating unforgettable memories on your vacation.
Whether you want to get in the water or stay on dry land, remain in Sarasota, or head out on a quick day trip, there’s excitement around every corner
Siesta Key Jet Ski Rentals
If you’ve never been on a jet ski before, your Sarasota vacation is the perfect time to try it out!
Whether you want to stay near the beach or venture through the mangroves, renting a jet ski is the perfect way to satisfy that craving for adrenaline while seeing some of the most beautiful nature in the area. Best of all, most jet ski rental companies will provide essential items like gas and life jackets. Get your jet ski rental from Siesta Key Watersports, Siesta Key Jet Ski Rental, or Island Jet Ski.
Boat Rentals
Get out on the water for some fun in the sun. Whether you are looking for a skiff, deck boat, or pontoon, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters has you covered. Rent for half-day (4 hours) or full-day (9 hours) and enjoy getting out on the water. CB’s Saltwater Outfitters also offers jet ski and golf cart rentals. They can be contacted by calling 941-349-4400.
For an opportunity to set out on the water for longer periods of time, Siesta Key Watersports boat rentals are equipped with GPS, ensuring your safe return, so you can plan your ideal experience on your time. Reservations can be made by calling 941-921-3030.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Want an exciting experience at a bit slower of a pace? You can still make the most of your time on the water with a kayak or paddleboard rental! Kayaks allow you to sit down and paddle through the water. Alternatively, paddleboarding is a standup activity, offering an option for everyone. Most companies will give you a quick lesson on your kayak or paddleboard before you begin, ensuring that your Sarasota paddleboard adventure is a fun and safe one.
You can rent your kayaks, paddleboards, and more from our premier rental partner, Robinhood Rentals. They are conveniently located in Siesta Key Village.
Things to do in Sarasota on Dry Land
All of the Sarasota activities that we’ve discussed so far have to do with being in the water. However, if you’re looking for a fun and thrilling activity on dry land, we’ve got one for you!
TreeUmph!
TreeUmph! Adventure Course allows you to zip through the trees and get an up-close look at the most beautiful nature Sarasota has to offer. There are endless opportunities on the huge aerial course that provides 10 football fields worth of aerial games and terrain, from the introductory courses to the challenging obstacle setups. You can start on the easy course to get used to being up in the air, and when you’re ready, move on to the moderate, challenging, or difficult courses if you’re looking to experience some thrills and get a great workout at the same time; TreeUmph! in Sarasota is the place to do it.
TreeUmph! is located at 21805 E. State Road 70 in Bradenton.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
This zoo is a staple attraction in the Sarasota area. Many of the animals and birds that call Sarasota Jungle Gardens home have been rescued. There are many interactive exhibits, allowing you to feed, touch and interact with alligators, snakes, flamingos and more. This is a great activity for families, and plenty to keep kids entertained. They’ll enjoy some time playing on the playground, giving you time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
You can book your tickets online and Sarasota Jungle Gardens is located at 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
Big Cat Habitat
Big Cat Habitat is not to be confused with the popular Tampa facility. This sanctuary is a growing large- animal rescue that offers permanent homes and placement to exotic animals. Aside from exploring the exhibits and watching demonstrations, you can participate in unique activities like fox yoga, lemur yoga or yoga with tigers. This is a fun place for the whole family. Children under 2 are free, and active military and veterans are also free admission.
Big Cat Habitat is located at 7101 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota. If you have questions, call them at 941-371-6377.
Elevate Your Sarasota Vacation
Elevate your travel experience with Vunique Vacations. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your Sarasota vacation exceeds expectations. Unlike traditional hotels, a stay in one of our Sarasota vacation homes offers you a retreat in your own private oasis, ensuring the utmost comfort and privacy for you and your loved ones. Not only is the experience unparalleled, but with Vunique you’ll discover traveling on your terms. From flexible arrival days, flexible cancellations, and new shorter stays available, to the endless in-home amenities like game rooms, beach equipment, bikes, and more the most difficult decision to make is how quickly you can book. Discover the unmatched value of a Vunique Vacation firsthand by booking your stay today!
MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
If you are looking for an indoor adventure full of interactive and educational experiences, check out MOTE. From games, crafts, educational classes, to activities, there is something for everyone of all ages here. It’s no wonder MOTE is such a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. Learn about and get up close with sea turtles, sharks, and playful otters.
MOTE is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year (including holidays), and is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota.
Seaplane Ride
You might have considered getting a bird’s eye view of the city with parasailing in Sarasota, but for a truly unique and thrilling experience, consider going up in the air in a seaplane! While there are quite a few companies in town that offer seaplane rides, Siesta Key Seaplanes is one of the most well-known and heavily praised.
Flights typically last around 30 minutes and give you an unmatched view of the Sarasota area. Your experienced pilot will be able to point out all the most fascinating sites down below. You’ll be able to see all of the attractions that the city is known for and can get a one-of-a-kind view of marine life, including dolphins and manatees! Book your excursion with Siesta Key Seaplanes.
FlyVENTURE in Sarasota
For a more intimate experience, a helicopter tour is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Sarasota landscape and Sarasota sunsets. FlyVENTURE offers exclusive landing sites across Florida. There are different adventures you can choose from like The Ultimate Doors Off Experience, The Quickie Tour, or The Romantic Tour which includes champagne and roses. And for skydivers holding a Class B license or greater, you can become one of the elite few who can experience helicopter skydiving.
FlyVENTURE can be contacted at 844-359-8363.
Inflatable Obstacle Courses
Bring excitement the whole family can enjoy with inflatable obstacle courses in Sarasota! These pieces of equipment can bring back that childlike wonder you’ve been missing, and if you’re bringing kids along with you on vacation, this is one guaranteed way to put a smile on their faces!
There are quite a few rental companies in the area that offer bounce houses, inflatable water slides, mechanical bulls, and all kinds of other inflatable activities, all of which can be the perfect way to keep your group entertained if you’re in town for a special occasion. While kids, in particular, enjoy these activities, adults can join in on the fun as well! Get your inflatables from Party Rock Inflatables, Party Jumpers, or Lets Jump Events.
Your Vunique Vacations Luxury Vacation Rental
These are just a few of the activities for you to take part in while you’re vacationing in Sarasota. There’s so much more for you to explore while you’re in town! At the end of a long day, head back to one of our distinctive Vunique Vacations Sarasota luxury rentals to relax and unwind with your family and friends. Vunique Vacations is proud to offer a wide range of vacation rentals for the discerning traveler that suit groups big and small. If you’re not sure which of our rental properties would be right for your group, contact Vunique today, and we’ll help you get started! Let’s get your vacation booked and bring you down to experience the beautiful shores of Sarasota!
