Staying at Crescent Arms puts you at the heart of one of Florida's most celebrated destinations. Siesta Key is famous for its sugar-white quartz sand and world-ranked Crescent Beach, but the adventures waiting beyond the shoreline are just as remarkable. Whether you are traveling with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or simply looking to explore Florida's Gulf Coast at your own pace, Sarasota and the surrounding area offer an extraordinary range of experiences — from world-class museums and lush botanical gardens to thrilling wildlife encounters and endless water sports. Here is your guide to the best things to do during your stay.
Your First Stop for Local Insight — The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1921, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce doubles as an official Visitor Information Center and is one of the best resources you can tap before exploring the area. Located at 1945 Fruitville Road in downtown Sarasota, the Visitor Center is staffed by locals who know the county inside and out. Stop in to grab free maps, the official Sarasota Visitors Guide, and trusted recommendations on dining, attractions, and events — all in one place. Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota FL 34236 941-955-8187 | Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | sarasotachamber.com
Top 10 Things to Do Near Siesta Key and Sarasota
1. Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key Village Crescent Beach, right at your doorstep, is made of 99% pure quartz sand and has earned the title of America's Best Beach multiple times. After a morning on the water, stroll over to Siesta Key Village for dining, boutique shopping, beachside bars, and the beloved free Sunday Night Drum Circle.
2. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art The Ringling campus includes the State Art Museum of Florida, a Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens, and Ca' d'Zan — the Ringlings' spectacular 36,000-square-foot Venetian-inspired mansion on Sarasota Bay. It is easily a full day's worth of art, history, and architecture. ringling.org
3. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Named one of the World's Greatest Places by TIME Magazine, Selby Gardens sits on the Sarasota Bay waterfront with more than 20,000 plants across eight greenhouses, including orchids, banyan trees, ferns, and rotating art exhibitions. The nearby Historic Spanish Point property in Osprey adds an archaeological and historical dimension to the visit. selby.org
4. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Home to a 135,000-gallon outdoor shark tank and dozens of other marine species, Mote is a world-class marine research institution that is equally engaging for families and ocean enthusiasts. It offers a hands-on connection to the very Gulf Coast ecosystem guests are enjoying every day. mote.org
5. Myakka River State Park One of Florida's largest state parks, Myakka spans 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, and pinelands with a river and two lakes. Hike the Canopy Walkway, kayak, fish, or take a narrated tram tour — it is a paradise for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers. floridastateparks.org
6. St. Armands Circle Just across the bridge from Lido Beach, St. Armands is Sarasota's premier open-air shopping and dining district with over 130 boutiques, restaurants, and galleries surrounding a beautifully landscaped roundabout. Plan your visit around sunset — the atmosphere is hard to beat.
7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens Open since 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens delivers classic Old Florida charm with free-roaming flamingos, playful lemurs, and live animal shows set within a lush tropical garden. A great half-day outing for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. sarasotajunglegardens.com
8. Historic Spanish Point This 30-acre waterfront preserve in Osprey tells 5,000 years of Florida history through shell mounds, archaeological sites, and native plants. Now managed by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, it is a quiet and genuinely fascinating stop for history lovers. selby.org/hsp/visit-historic-spanish-point
9. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary This nonprofit sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates big cats, bears, and primates, giving visitors an up-close encounter with extraordinary animals. Live shows and feeding opportunities make it a standout afternoon for families and animal lovers. bigcathabitat.org
10. Lido Key Kayaking and Water Adventures Paddle through Lido Key's peaceful mangrove tunnels for a completely different view of Sarasota's coastline — calm, scenic, and accessible to all skill levels. The area is also a hub for boat rentals, dolphin tours, parasailing, and fishing charters.
