Things to Do in Sarasota County

Sarasota County packs a lot into a narrow strip of coast. The north end, around the city of Sarasota, is where you will find the big cultural draws, from The Ringling to the Van Wezel concert hall, along with the busiest beaches on Lido and Siesta keys. The south end, from Nokomis through Venice to Englewood and North Port, is slower and more outdoors-minded, with fossil hunting, fishing piers, state parks and long bike trails.

Below, each area shows a few of the top-rated tours and tickets you can book online, followed by a link to its own page with local highlights. Most guided trips here are on the water: kayak tours through mangrove tunnels, dolphin and sunset cruises on Sarasota Bay, and fishing charters out of the passes. The Legacy Trail, a paved path that runs about 30 miles from downtown Sarasota to Venice and North Port, is a free way to see the county by bike.

Things to Do in Sarasota, St. Armands and Lido Key

Viator

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

★ 5 (2,801 reviews) · 2 hr

From$59

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Viator

Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure

★ 4.9 (1,325 reviews) · 2 hr

From$65

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Viator

City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota

★ 4.8 (1,026 reviews) · 1.5 hr

From$86

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Viator

Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

★ 4.7 (643 reviews) · 1.3 hr

From$65

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More things to do Sarasota »

Things to Do in Siesta Key

Viator

Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour

★ 4.9 (1,109 reviews) · 2 hr

From$71

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Viator

Siesta Key, FL - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

★ 4.6 (267 reviews) · 1.3 hr

From$65

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Viator

Mangroves, Midnight Pass & Hidden Beach Kayak Tour | Siesta Key

★ 4.7 (113 reviews) · 2 hr

From$60

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Viator

Private Siesta Funship Adventure/Dolphin Cruise Sandbar Stops

★ 4.9 (55 reviews) · 4 hr

From$750

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More things to do Siesta Key »

Things to Do in Longboat Key

Uncrowded Gulf beaches, nature preserves and a bike path the length of the island.

Our guide to Longboat Key »

Things to Do in Venice, Nokomis and Osprey

Viator

Venice City Sightseeing Trolley Tour

★ 4.6 (17 reviews) · 1.5 hr

From$73

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More things to do Venice »

Things to Do in Englewood and North Port

Lemon Bay, Dearborn Street, Warm Mineral Springs and Braves spring training.

Our guide to Englewood and North Port »

Tours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best of Sarasota County may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.