John and Mable Ringling Art Museum
Recognized as an official Florida State Museum of Art, the Ringling Museum of Art features 21 galleries of European and Cypriot antiques, Asian art, American paintings and contemporary art. The property includes the spectacular Cà d'Zan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion restored in 2002. The circus museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, floats, performers, and other artifacts that chronicle the history of the circus. The property also includes Mable Ringling's rose garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped lots overlooking Sarasota Bay.
- cultural and educational programs
- Traveling exhibitions throughout the year
- court concerts
- Lectures, workshops, training courses, public tours
- Children's programs
Contact: (941) 359-5700|Distance: 3.51 miles|website
Van Wezel Performing Arts Center
Located on Sarasota's beautiful Bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has entertained audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 35 years. Van Wezel's education and outreach programs have also touched the community, reaching everyone from toddlers to seniors.
A true pioneer in Sarasota's cultural development, the Van Wezel (pronounced Van Wayzull) showcases a diverse array of the world's top performers, representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. With more than 100 events this season, Van Wezel has continued the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international artists, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dance. The Van Wezel also hosts more than 50 performances and events presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series.
- Dazzling artists from all genres
- Beautiful family events
- Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright
- Views of scenic Sarasota Bay
Contact: (800) 826-9303|Distance: 0.59 miles|website
Asolo-Repertoire-Theater
A world-renowned acting company known for producing the highest quality professional theater in a truly rotating repertoire. Once a common dream of many regional theaters, rotating repertoire is now a rare performance method that challenges everyone involved, especially the performers.
- Up to four different plays were staged in a single weekend
- Presents classic and new works
- The Asolo Theater Festival is the country's only winter theater destination
- Performs primarily at the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theater
Contact: (800) 361-8388|Distance: 3.4 miles|website
Florida-Studio-Theater
The Florida Studio Theater (FST) operates three theaters: the 173-seat Keating Mainstage Theater, the 160-seat Gompertz Theater, and the 109-seat Goldstein Cabaret Theater. FST produces world premiere and contemporary works created on or off Broadway within the last five years. By focusing on the works of contemporary writers, FST has been able to offer its audience plays not typically produced by other theaters in the region.
- The Mainstage presents the best of contemporary theatre
- The cabaret offers fine dining and a unique theater experience
- Hosts the Sarasota Festival of New Plays, held each May
- Historical architecture in the city center
Contact: (941) 366-9000|Distance: 0.26 miles|website
Sarasota-Ballet von Florida
The ballet features a repertoire that includes the great classics, works by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers such as Alvin Ailey and Ben Stevenson, and works by Florida artists Todd Allen, Demetrius Klein, Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros and James Buckley. His repertoire also includes well-loved classics such as Swan Lake and Giselle and original works such as Madame Butterfly, Echo & Narcissus and Zal & Rudabeh - ballets that have received critical acclaim.
- Ballet season is from November to April
- Ballet Academy
Contact: (941) 552-1032|Distance: 3.4 miles|website
Sarasota-Orchester
Founded in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest surviving orchestra in the state of Florida. A dynamic, diverse organization dedicated to both performance and education. The symphony orchestra's performing ensembles include the Florida West Coast Symphony and four resident chamber ensembles. The season includes about 75 concerts per year.
- Presents over 100 concerts per season
- Performance of masterpieces, light classics, popular tunes and chamber music
- Themed events including the Great Escapes and Symphonic Pops series.
Contact: (941) 953-4252|Distance: 0.55 miles|website
Sarasota-Oper
Sarasota Opera produces outstanding operas that reflect the composer's vision to entertain, enrich and educate our communities and patrons from across the state and around the world. The Sarasota Opera House has become the cornerstone of Sarasota's Theater Arts District and Sarasota Opera has earned accolades from around the world.
- Hosted the 2007 Winter Opera Festival with Puccini's Madama Butterfly, Moniszuko's Halka, Verdi's Attila
- Performing a litany of classics and new favourites
Contact: (941) 366-8450|Distance: 0.35 miles|website
player theater
The Players Center for Performing Arts is Sarasota's community theater dedicated to providing quality productions of mainstage classics. They also offer classes as well as backstage at The Players - an intimate black box environment that encourages a deeply personal theatrical experience not possible at a larger venue.
Contact: (941) 365-2494|Distance: 0.8 miles|website
Conservatory of Circus Arts
The Circus Arts Conservatory's mission is to engage and educate students with unique and innovative learning programs. to measurably improve the quality of life of people in care facilities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and legacy of the circus.
Contact: (941) 355-9805|Distance: 2.1 miles|website
ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS FROM SARASOTA
Now in its 24th season, the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota brings premier musical experiences to Sarasota, spanning a variety of genres including classical, cabaret, pop, Broadway, orchestral and opera. The 2019-2020 season also ushers in a new mission with a focus on supporting and showcasing outstanding and critically acclaimed young artists from across the country and around the world. Concerts take place at a variety of dynamic venues including the Historic Asolo Theatre, the Sarasota Opera House, Michael's On East, the Plantation Golf and Country Club and in the music room of a unique private residence.
- Performances run from October to June
- Presents 28 concerts, both afternoon and evening
- Classic recitals
- Schlager, jazz and cabaret
- Chamber opening
- Concerts at lunch and dinner
Contact: (941) 306-1202 / Distance: Varies /website
Mote sea aquarium
Mote recognizes the importance of advancing the understanding of marine science for the general public. To this end, Mote conducts extensive outreach and operates a public aquarium that serves nearly 400,000 visitors a year. From the initial focus on sharks, Mote research has expanded into seven major areas of concentration organized into seven research centers. While each center focuses on its own specialty, Mote scientists can collaborate with others within the lab to integrate efforts across a range of areas. Mote scientists are dedicated to this discovery process: advancing our understanding of the sea and what it takes to preserve it.
- Aquarium
- Shark, dolphin and sea turtle exhibits
- Stingray Touch Pool
- Interactive HD theater with a fascinating underwater world
- Surroundings boat tours
Contact: (941) 388-4441|Distance: 3.46 miles from the hotel|website
Marina Jacks
Looking for a relaxing sightseeing lunch or sunset dinner cruise through the coastal waters and Gulf of Mexico? Marina Jacks is the place to be. Facing the Bay of Downtown Sarasota, the open-air outdoor deck offers you the best way to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Dine with playful dolphins, warm sunshine and relaxing sea breezes. Sightseeing cruises and daily cruises are also available.
Contact: (941) 365-4232|Distance: 0.6 miles from the hotel|website
Marie Selby Botanical Garden
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a living museum, bringing global living treasures to the public for study, conservation and enjoyment of nature.
Several gardening features are among the most popular with guests and visiting scientists alike, including:
- Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden
- Tropical conservatory
- Towering bamboo garden
- Banyan forests
- Walk through the mangrove bay
- Farngarten
- Koi-Teich
Contact: (941) 366-5731|Distance: 0.94 miles|website
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles - many of them rescued or donated - including Florida's well-known pink flamingos. All nestled in 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by meandering jungle trails.
Contact: (941) 355-1112|Distance: 2.8 miles|website
Habitat for big cats
Big Cat Habitat has grown into a full sanctuary with the goal of rescuing exotic cats and other native and exotic wildlife in need of permanent homes. Big Cat Habitat provides public education to promote animal appreciation and the importance of habitat conservation. The commitment is valid for life. At Big Cat Habitat there are three large indoor/outdoor living complexes with adjacent exercise habitats. Each habitat features a swimming pool, toys, and palm trees to provide the emotional enrichment that maintains optimal mental and physical health.
Contact: (941) 371-6377| Distance: 8.6 miles|website
Myakka Canopy Walkway im Myakka River State Park
A 30m long and 7.5m high walkway overlooking the subtropical Myakka River State Park.
Contact: (941) 361-6511 | Distance: 18.85 miles|website
Siesta Key-Strand
In a nod to its namesake, Siesta Key's beaches are an invitation to relaxation and rejuvenation. Siesta Beach enjoys a reputation as one of America's best beaches and is famous for its sugar-fine, quartz-white sand.
Contact: (941) 349-3800| Distance: 8.2 miles|website
Siesta Key Village
While Siesta Key Village plays host to many festivals, the number one reason to visit "The Village" is to shop or eat. Filled with little boutiques, cafes and fun sights, you'll find exploring the village to be a relaxing and fun adventure.
Contact: (941) 349-3800| Distance: 8.2 miles|website
St. Armands-Kreis
Known as a quaint marketplace, The Circle is a charming place filled with objects from the past and present surrounded by lush tropical plants, antique statues and contemporary architectural design. Whether guests are looking for trinkets or treasures, high fashion or gourmet snacks, St Armands Circle has it all.
Opposite Prime Outlets
Florida's largest outlet on the Gulf Coast is located between Tampa and Sarasota just 30 minutes from the resort. Daily savings of 25-65% at over 130 designer and brand outlets including Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Mikasa and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Food court and children's playground. Address: 5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton, FL 34222.
Contact: (941) 723-1150|website
Die Mall im University Town Center
Located off I-75 and University Parkway, this premier fashion and dining destination features Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Dillard's and more than 150 shops and restaurants, as well as many distinctive retailers not found anywhere else in the area and diverse offerings offer a mix of fashion and lifestyle retailers, popular favorites, sit-down restaurants and a children's play area.Address: 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243.
Contact: (941) 552-7000|website
Shopping in downtown Sarasota
Main Street in downtown Sarasota offers guests dozens of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Downtown Sarasota hosts several special events throughout the year including live music, arts festivals, parades and more.
Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market was founded in 1979 by Paul Thorpe and the Downtown Merchants Association. Its original purpose was to bring pedestrian traffic to the city center.
In 2009, the Sellers formed a non-profit organization to further strengthen the market with a focus on local farms and growers, and to support local non-profit organizations and create educational platforms.
Contact: (941) 225-9256|website
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Boating, fishing and water sports via Marina Jacks
The waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are teeming with resident grouper, snapper, snook and tarpon. Both experienced and novice anglers will enjoy fishing in and around Sarasota.
Marina Jacks is full of fun on and in the water! Including boating, deep sea fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and water skiing.
For complete information on boating, fishing or water sports in our area, please contact The Ritz-Carlton Concierge at (941) 309-2160.
trips
If you're looking for an exciting way to see the city of Sarasota and its hideaways - check out one of these excursions. Book one by clicking the link below or by contacting one of our Concierge staff at (941) 309-2160.
Dolphin Watching and Sunset Tours|website
Mangrove Tours|website
LeBarge Tropical Cruises|website
Segway-Tour|website
bike ride|website
To go biking
Enjoy a little exercise as you explore our warm and friendly city by bike. Bike rentals can be arranged through the resort concierge at (941) 309-2160.
Running & jogging
Jogging and strolling in downtown Sarasota is a wonderful diversion for guests. Joggers will find Bayfront Park, just south of the hotel, a great place to jog while enjoying the warm Gulf breeze and beautiful water views. On this romantic excursion, take a pre-dinner stroll across the John Ringling Bridge for stunning views of the sunset over the bay.
IMG-Akademie
Based in Bradenton, Florida, IMG Academy is the world's leading integrated academic and athletic training facility. For more than 30 years, IMG Academy has helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes reach their full potential in life and in sports.
Tennis
A lighted, player-friendly, cushion-life tennis court for guest entertainment. Racquets and other equipment can be rented. For seat reservations, professional instruction, and equipment rentals, please call (941) 309-2090.
MLB spring training
The Baltimore Orioles call Sarasota their second home for spring training. They perform at the newly reconstructed Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota from February through early April. Florida weather is ideal for major league baseball this time of year, and many major league teams host spring training camps and exhibition games in the area, including Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton), Tampa Bay Rays (St. Petersburg), Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater) . , New York Yankees (Tampa) and Boston Red Sox/Minnesota Twins (Ft. Myers). Soon to be joined by the Atlanta Braves (North Port in 2019).
Contact: (941) 893-6300|Distance: 3.4 miles|website
The "pros" of Tampa
Tampa Bay is home to many professional teams. If you like baseball, soccer or hockey we have a team for you!
Baseball
The Tampa Bay Rays play their games at Tropicana Field, better known as "The Trop," in St. Petersburg from April through October. In their stadium they have a tank full of manta rays! The Rays are best known for DJ Kitty and the creation of the previously undiscovered canine species Canus Manta Whatthefluffalus, also known as the Seadog.
Contact: (888) 326-7297 | Distance: 38.6 miles |website
Soccer
Tampa is home to the XXXVII. Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who happened to win the Major League title after the merger in 1979. The Bucs play their home games at Raymond James Stadium. If you're looking for a fun atmosphere with a "BOOM" good time, stay here for a touchdown and hear an authentic pirate ship cannon being fired.
Contact: (800) 826-9303|Distance: 57 miles|website
Eishockey
The 2004 Stanley Cup winner Tampa Bay Lightning plays all home games from October through April at the spectacular Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa. Their team name Lightning is after the city of Tampa, the lightning capital of North America. If you are interested in seeing this electrified team, please contact our concierge or call (941) 309-2160.
Contact: (800) 559-2333|Distance: 63 miles|website