If you are planning an upcoming vacation to the Sarasota area, there’s so much more to do than lounging on the beach. Of course, you should take some time to enjoy the Florida sunshine, sample some fresh local seafood, and get to know the locals in nearby shops. However, Sarasota is also a perfect place to take advantage of cultural opportunities. Here are some of the best cultural attractions near our luxury Lido Key vacation rentals.
The Opera
For a night out on the town with your sweetheart, consider visiting the Sarasota Opera. Experience all of your favorite works from composers like Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, and more. Productions typically last a month or more, though there are some special productions that are only available for a weekend. If you’re vacationing with your kids, consider coming out to see a show from the Sarasota Youth Opera!
The Sarasota Opera is located at 61 North Pineapple Avenue. The events calendar and ticket prices can be viewed on their website.
The Best Museums
Sarasota is chock-full of museums, so there’s a little something for every interest. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is one of the most popular destinations, featuring more than 66 acres of art, architecture, and circus. You can spend the entire day browsing the exhibits located at 5401 Bay Shore Road.
Located within the Ringling College Museum campus, the Sarasota Art Museum featuring some of the area’s best contemporary art exhibits. You’ll experience more than 15,000 square feet of exhibition gallery space, as well as extensive grounds, a sculpture courtyard, and an auditorium for educational events and performances.
For something truly unique, visit the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. Visitors young and old will love checking out the historic cars on display here, featuring everything from Porsches to Ferraris to Volkswagens, Alfa Romeos, and anything in between. Visit at 5500 North Tamiami Trail.
Be Our Guest
We’re located near some of the area’s best attractions, and at the end of a long day, you can return to your resort-like rental. You’ll have a one-on-one relationship with your property manager who is available to meet your needs or answer your questions.
Most Popular Art Galleries
Art lovers thrive in Sarasota thanks to the incredible art galleries. The Dabbert Gallery has won multiple awards and is home to a selection of incredible visual works across the range of mediums. Whether you’re interested in oil paintings, sculptures, drawings, or any other form of art, you’re likely to find it here. Works displayed come from a wide collection of award-winning local, national, and international artists, so you’re sure to find a new favorite piece of artwork. They are located at 46 South Palm Avenue.
Art Uptown has been a staple of the Sarasota Community for more than 40 years. The gallery is instrumental in connecting artists and consumers in order to create an authentic sense of community. Visual art pieces exhibited often include paintings, photography, and three-dimensional pieces like ceramics and wooden jewelry. One unique feature of Art Uptown is the collection of digital pieces. See for yourself at 1367 Main Street.
State of the Arts Gallery is a newer operation, having just opened six years ago. However, the artists that contribute to the gallery are incredibly experienced and provide a unique atmosphere to the collection. You’ll find two-dimensional works in mediums like mixed media and collage, as well as three-dimensional work like sculptures and other irregular media. Be sure to check out the art lounge where you can browse the gallery space and collection of art books. State of the Arts Gallery can be found at 1525 State Street.
Architecture Tours
Sarasota is an incredible destination for unique architecture, so including an architecture tour in your itinerary is a great way to get to know the city better. The Center for Architecture Sarasota hosts trolley tours every Thursday that you simply won’t want to miss out on. You’ll learn from one of the alternating tour guides, either Lorrie Muldowney or David Baber, and you’ll get to know the historic Sarasota neighborhoods inside and out.
Both guides know everything there is to know about the rich architectural legacy of Sarasota, and you’ll be taken back in time to discover more about the significant buildings and the architects who design them. These tours are held every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.
Lido Key Vacation
Once you’ve had a full day of taking in the cultural sites of Sarasota, as well as exploring the shops and restaurants, you’ll need a place to relax. Head to nearby Lido Key to experience one of our luxurious Lido Key rentals.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and come meet us down in Lido Key. Contact us today to learn more!
