Beyond the Beach: Uncovering Sarasota’s Hidden Gems

Almost everyone who comes to Sarasota obsesses over the white sand beaches and Gulf Coast sunsets. But, if you only come for the beach, you’re missing out on the deeper charm that makes this city majestic.

Sarasota may be known for its beaches but trust us when we say the real soul of this city lives inland.

We highly recommend you step away from the water for a moment and check out these hidden gems that lie beyond the sand.

Ca’ d’Zan & The Ringling

When John Ringling built Ca’ d’Zan for his wife Mable, he didn’t just build a home, he brought Venice to Sarasota. This 36,000-square-foot Mediterranean Revival mansion is sitting majestically on the Sarasota Bay. It is a symphony of stained glass, hand-carved doors, and soaring ceilings.

You can choose to tour the interior or simply stroll the bayfront terrace; either way, you get to enjoy the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.

Next door, the Ringling Museum of Art houses a world-class collection of European masterpieces. In there, you have Rubens, Veronese, and Velázquez, all tucked into a pink-hued courtyard surrounded by marble statues and tropical landscaping.

Then there’s the Circus Museum, which takes you behind the scenes of America’s greatest show. Full-sized wagons, calliopes, costumes, and an enormous model of the circus show how the Ringlings changed entertainment forever.

Pro Tip: Admission to the Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens, and Glass Pavilion is free on Mondays. A great time to visit if you’re exploring Sarasota on a budget.

Myakka State River Park

This is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, and it offers a true back-to-nature experience: over 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands, plus abundant wildlife including deer, alligators, wild boar, and hundreds of bird species.

You can spend a whole day here and never run out of things to do: hike scenic trails, kayak the slow-moving river, rent bikes, or opt for the iconic guided airboat tour. The canopy walkway, suspended 25 feet above ground, is a thrill of its own. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest and offers one of the best photography spots in all of Sarasota.

Park entry is affordable: $6 per vehicle, $4 for solo drivers, and $2 for pedestrians or cyclists.

The Arts Scene

Sarasota is, quietly but confidently, one of Florida’s most artistically vibrant cities. If you’re someone who seeks out art galleries more than tourist traps, this is your town.

Palm Avenue Art Walk

This historic downtown street is lined with independent galleries, many showcasing local Sarasota artists working in everything from oil and acrylic to sculpture, glasswork, and photography.

On the first Friday of each month, the Art Walk brings the street to life with galleries staying open till late into the night, musicians playing on sidewalks, and of course, wine flowing freely.

Sarasota Opera House

Even if you’re not an opera person, consider stepping inside the Sarasota Opera House. It’s a beautifully restored historic theatre that still hosts classic operas, modern productions, and symphonic concerts.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

This waterfront venue (designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright!) hosts Broadway musicals, dance performances, and famous comedians. The building itself is a lavender icon, hard to miss and impossible to forget.

Need a Place to Stay While You Explore Sarasota?

Now that you’ve seen just how much more Sarasota has to offer beyond the beach, you’re probably already dreaming about your first trip, or your next one. You’re most definitely going to need the right place to stay while you’re here, and that’s where we come in.

At Jennette Properties, we’ve spent years helping visitors like you find the perfect vacation rental for their Sarasota getaway. And when you fall in love with Sarasota, as so many of our guests do, and decide this is more than just a vacation spot, we’ll help you find something more permanent, too. So, if you’re already planning your visit, or even just thinking about it, reach out to us. Let us match you with a space that feels right, right from the start.