Sarasota & Local Attractions

From its downtown location, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota enjoys convenient access to the city's array of attractions. Spend a day browsing the shops of St. Armands Circle, observing the impressive art collections of the Ringling Museum, or head to the nearby Marina Jacks for a dinner cruise along the Gulf. With shopping, dining, entertainment, and more all close by, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring Sarasota.

John and Mable Ringling

Museum of Art

Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The estate features the spectacular Cà dZan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion that was restored in 2002. The Circus Museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, wagons, performance equipment, and other artifacts chronicling the history of the circus. The estate also features Mable Ringling's Rose Garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater, and comedy for more than 35 years.  The Van Wezel's educational and outreach programs have also touched the community, reaching out to everyone from toddlers to senior citizens.

A true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, the Van Wezel, (pronounced Van Wayzull), presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. This season, with more than 100 events, the Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, 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, the Sarasota Concert Association, and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series.

Mote Marine Aquarium

Mote recognizes the importance of advancing the understanding of sea science to the general public. To that end, Mote conducts extensive public outreach and operates a public aquarium that serves nearly 400,000 visitors a year. From the original focus on sharks, Mote's research has expanded to include seven major areas of concentration, organized into seven research centers. While each center focuses on its own specialty, Mote scientists are able to partner with others within the lab to integrate efforts across a number of fields. Mote scientists are committed to that process of discovery: advancing our understanding of the sea and what is needed to sustain it.

• Aquarium
• Shark, dolphin, and sea turtle exhibits
• Stingray petting pool
• Interactive HD theater showcase of fascinating marine life
• Environment boat tours

Marina Jacks

Looking for a relaxing sightseeing lunch or sunset dinner cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico? Marina Jacks is the place to be. Located on the Downtown Sarasota Bayfront, the open-air outside deck will provide you with the best way to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While dining, enjoy playful dolphins, warm sunshine, and relaxing ocean breezes. Sightseeing cruises and daily cruises are also available.

Boating, Fishing, and Watersports

The waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are rich with native grouper, snapper, snook, and tarpon. Experienced and novice anglers alike 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.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a living museum that brings global, living treasures to the public for study, conservation, and enjoyment of the natural world.

Several horticulture features that are among the most popular with guests and visiting scientists alike include:

• Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden
• Tropical conservatory
• Towering bamboo garden
• Banyan groves
• Mangrove bay walk
• Fern garden
• Koi pond

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 noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.

Big Cat Habitat

Big Cat Habitat became a full sanctuary with the goal of rescuing exotic cats and other native and exotic wildlife in need of a permanent home. Big Cat Habitat provides education to the public to foster appreciation of the animals and impart the importance of habitat preservation. The commitment is for the animal’s lifetime. At Big Cat Habitat, there are three large indoor/outdoor housing complexes with adjoining exercise habitats. Each habitat has a swimming pool, toys, and palm trees to provide the emotional enrichment that maintains optimal mental and physical health.

Siesta Key Beach

In a nod to its namesake, Siesta Key beaches are an invitation for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoying its reputation as one of America’s Best Beaches, Siesta Key Beach is made famous by its sugar-fine, quartz-white sand.

Siesta Key Village

While Siesta Key Village plays host to many festivals, the main reason for visiting "The Village" is for shopping or dining.  Filled with small boutiques, cafes, and fun points of interest, you’ll find exploring in the village a relaxing and fun adventure.

Popular shopping areas include:

• St. Armands Circle
• Prime Outlets Ellenton
• The Mall at University Town Center
• Sarasota Farmers Market