21 free things to do in Sarasota-Bradenton area while visiting Siesta Key
Activities that are fun and cost nothing
Have some fun without spending that hard-earned money needed for bills, meals, gas(!) and all the other expensive essentials. Here’s our annual list of free things to do in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
1. Admire the masterpieces at The Ringling
Every Monday the Museum of Art, including special exhibition galleries, are free to the public.
2. Take a selfie from Westin Sarasota’s The Roof Bar and Eats
Bar is on 19th floor overlooking downtown and Sarasota Bay and there’s no cover charge to enter. Of course, the spectacular view is even better when paired with one of the bar’s adult beverages.
3. Visit your neighborhood library
Check out a book or a video, or attend one of the many free programs that cater to a variety of interests, including coloring and computer classes.
4. Unearth sharks’ teeth on Caspersen Beach
Locals and tourists have been coming to this beach for years to collect prehistoric sharks’ teeth, which make for totally rad jewelry.
5. Kiss under the Kissing Statue
The 26-foot-tall statue officially titled “Unconditional Surrender” on Sarasota’s bayfront is the perfect place for a smooch, especially when there’s lots of traffic cruising by on U.S. 41.
6. Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch
The first Friday of every month, from 6 to 9 p.m., Lakewood Ranch hosts a concert on its Main Street. Dogs are welcome.
7. Bang the drum on the beach
Drum circles regularly form around 6 p.m. on Sundays at Siesta Key Beach, and Nokomis Beach on Wednesday and Saturdays. Even if you’re not a percussionist, you can groove to the rhythms along with a crowd that will usually include at least a few belly dancers and hula hoopers.
8. Climb the tower at Robinson Preserve
Admire the views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
9. Take an artwalk through TowlesCourt
The creative arts community in downtown Sarasota hosts its artwalks third Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m.
10. Walk, ride, skate and play on the riverside
Bring your skateboard, bicycle, running shoes, volleyball, dog and/or child and spend the day at Bradenton Riverwalk, which also includes a splash park and playground.
11. Ride the Siesta Key Trolley The route starts at Turtle Beach and run north, to the village. It makes several stops at beach access points before heading back down to Turtle Beach.
12. Bike the length of the Legacy Trail
It starts just south of the city of Sarasota and continues about 10 miles to Venice.
13. Spend an afternoon at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota
Relax in the shade while enjoying the views and breeze of Sarasota Bay and/or take the children to the splash park.
14. Bring your pooch to Paw Park
Venice’s South Brohard is the only beach in the county where canines are allowed. Trust us, your doggy will thank you after a day at Paw Park.
15. Discover something new at the Village of the Arts
Bradenton’s funky live-work community filled with colorful historic cottages hosts its Artwalkthe first Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of every month. You’ll find live music, food and galleries of indie and folk art and other fun stuff.
16. Anna Maria Island Trolley Travel via trolley from the Anna Maria City Pier to Coquina Beach with plenty of stops in between on the 7-mile key.
17. Observe the manatees at PortosuenoPark
This yacht basin off Palma Sola Bay in northwest Bradenton is a popular hangout for sea cows during summer mating months.
18. Play disc golf
In Sarasota, free courses include Payne Park, Lakeview Park and North Water Tower Park. In Venice, Pinebrook Park has a nine-hole course. In Bradenton, you can play at G.T. Bray Park.
19. Learn about the Cortezians at Florida Maritime Museum
Inside this renovated 1912 schoolhouse you’ll learn about the tough, amazing lives of the people who inhabit Cortez, one of the last remaining commercial fishing villages in Florida. The museum is surrounded by the Cortez Nature Preserve in this neighborhood nestled along Sarasota Bay off Cortez Road in Bradenton.
20. Test your skateboard, bike or inline skate skills
The North Port Skate Park features concrete bowls, ramps, jumps and rails with restrooms, two small shelters and vending machines.
21. Get to the beach for sunset
We have some of the best beaches on the planet and few things are more perfect in nature than witnessing the sun sink into the Gulf waters.