48 Hours in Sarasota

Sarasota, the heart of Florida’s Cultural Coast, is a city with a thriving arts scene shaped by Gilded Age grandeur and showmanship. Circus mogul John Ringling, cofounder of the Ringling Brothers Circus, put Sarasota on the map in the 1920s, transforming it from a simple fishing village surrounded by pristine, white-sand beaches into a flourishing cultural destination.

Today, Sarasota boasts numerous beachfront resorts and boutique hotels for a relaxing Florida escape. Sarasota has no shortage of renowned resorts, name-brand hotels, and boutique-style inns to base your stay. For something artfully chic, consider the AAA Four Diamond Art Ovation Hotel, and for something more family-friendly, opt for the Lido Beach Resort.

Here are some of the top Sarasota attractions to visit during a two-day trip.

Day 1

One of Sarasota’s most iconic attractions is The Ringling Museum, the extravagant 66-acre bayfront estate of John and Mable Ringling, built in the 1920s. Stroll through its banyan tree-filled Bayfront Gardens, and marvel at the Ringling Family’s lavish winter home: the Mediterranean Revival-style Ca’ d’Zan mansion. Don’t miss Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, a fragrant sanctuary where 1,200 roses bloom in spring and fall.

The Ringling’s Renaissance-style Museum of Art, John Ringling’s gift to the people of Sarasota and the world, offers a place for exploration and respite. Before stepping inside, you’ll be enchanted by its courtyard sculpture garden, inspired by Italian Renaissance villas. Inside, an extensive collection of global art awaits.

After immersing yourself in art, stop for lunch at The Ringling Grillroom, where you can savor modern American dishes with views of the Bayfront Gardens. You’ll want to refuel before heading behind the scenes of the American circus at the Circus Museum. It features two buildings full of fascinating exhibitions about circus history. You can even try your hand (or feet) at circus skills such as juggling or balancing on a low tightrope.

Finish your afternoon at The Ringling with a visit to the Historic Asolo Theater, a jewel-box theater originally constructed in 1798 inside a Renaissance-era palace in Asolo, Italy, and then relocated to Sarasota in 1949. The theater is considered the birthplace of performing arts for the region. Depending on the schedule, you might even catch a show.

In the evening, head to charming St. Armands Circle, another jewel of the city designed by John Ringling. The European-inspired shopping and dining district, nestled on an island, features sidewalk cafes, upscale shops, and a lush central park—all arranged in a layout reminiscent of a circus wagon wheel. Sip sangria and savor tapas on “The Circle” at the Columbia Restaurant, a historic venue known for its Spanish- and Cuban-inspired cuisine.

St. Armands Circle is located just a short walk from tranquil Lido Beach, a picturesque place to catch a sunset. You might even feel drawn to return for a relaxing beach day on your second day in Sarasota.

Day 2

Continue diving into Sarasota’s cultural treasures by spending the morning at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This lush bayfront sanctuary in downtown Sarasota was named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” in 2024—one of only eight US locations to make the list, solidifying it as one of the top Sarasota attractions.

Orchids, bromeliads, and gesneriads are among the highlights of Selby’s plant collection.  You can sometimes marvel at art surrounded by air plants, as a series of immersive, rotating exhibitions at the gardens explores master artists and their connections to nature.

While at Selby Gardens, have lunch at its garden-to-table restaurant, The Green Orchid, which features a seasonally inspired menu with fresh ingredients from local farms and the on-site rooftop garden. The restaurant is operated by the AAA Four Diamond Michael’s On East and runs entirely on solar power; it’s soon to be the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant.

As your stay in Sarasota winds down, take a stroll through its sophisticated, walkable downtown. Take in the breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay at Bayfront Park as you sample downtown Sarasota’s unique shops and art galleries. Cap off the evening with dinner at a downtown restaurant—you’ll be spoiled for choice of international cuisine, with everything from local seafood to Asian fusion—a testament to the cultural mecca this corner of Florida has become.