Lilian’s guidebook
Theatres/Entertainment
From professional, engaging main stage shows to original cabaret performances and hilarious improv shows with audience input, there is a wide variety of choices to enjoy.
74 locals recommend
Florida Studio Theatre
1241 N Palm AveFrom professional, engaging main stage shows to original cabaret performances and hilarious improv shows with audience input, there is a wide variety of choices to enjoy.
From launching new musicals such as Tale of Two Cities and Bonnie and Clyde to the widely acclaimed classic The Sound of Music, the Asolo offers Broadway performers supported by the best local talent. Dramas and comedies are offered as well as musicals.
62 locals recommend
Asolo Repertory hosts the Mertz Theatre
5555 N Tamiami TrailFrom launching new musicals such as Tale of Two Cities and Bonnie and Clyde to the widely acclaimed classic The Sound of Music, the Asolo offers Broadway performers supported by the best local talent. Dramas and comedies are offered as well as musicals.
Sarasota has a vibrant opera season with fantastic artists. The opera house itself is beautiful and intimate. There almost isn't a bad seat in the house.
92 locals recommend
sarasota opera
61 N Pineapple AveSarasota has a vibrant opera season with fantastic artists. The opera house itself is beautiful and intimate. There almost isn't a bad seat in the house.
This edgy, contemporary theatre is now in its fourth season. All plays have been written in the last 5 years and cover controversial themes for our times. Language is often very raw as are the topics. But the performances are always riveting. You will have much to ponder and discuss after a performance here.
22 locals recommend
Urbanite Theatre
1487 2nd StThis edgy, contemporary theatre is now in its fourth season. All plays have been written in the last 5 years and cover controversial themes for our times. Language is often very raw as are the topics. But the performances are always riveting. You will have much to ponder and discuss after a performance here.
What to do on that rainy day? Try relaxing in the newly refurbished Hollywood 11 with big comfy recliner seating.
66 locals recommend
Regal Hollywood - Sarasota
1993 Main StWhat to do on that rainy day? Try relaxing in the newly refurbished Hollywood 11 with big comfy recliner seating.
Another rainy day option that is located in a mall so you can shop, eat, and enjoy a movie all in one place.
25 locals recommend
AMC Sarasota 12
8201 S Tamiami TrailAnother rainy day option that is located in a mall so you can shop, eat, and enjoy a movie all in one place.
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N Tamiami TrailWorld class musicians will transport you on a musical journey.
Our largest performing arts venue this is where the national touring companies perform. Everything from Broadway musicals to music and dance. There are even shows for kids.
154 locals recommend
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami TrailOur largest performing arts venue this is where the national touring companies perform. Everything from Broadway musicals to music and dance. There are even shows for kids.
Sightseeing
Beautiful grounds by the Bay, an extensive art collection, and the circus museum are all FREE on Mondays. For an added fee you can tour John Ringling's mansion, Ca d'Zan.
305 locals recommend
Ringling Museum station
Beautiful grounds by the Bay, an extensive art collection, and the circus museum are all FREE on Mondays. For an added fee you can tour John Ringling's mansion, Ca d'Zan.
The home of pioneer family, the Webbs, and later, wealthy Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer, learn what life was like in Florida before AC! Knowledgeable docents will lead you on a tour of the grounds, the 2 houses and the orange packing house. It took grit and ingenuity to forge a new life in this wild land.
73 locals recommend
Historic Spanish Point
401 N Tamiami TrailThe home of pioneer family, the Webbs, and later, wealthy Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer, learn what life was like in Florida before AC! Knowledgeable docents will lead you on a tour of the grounds, the 2 houses and the orange packing house. It took grit and ingenuity to forge a new life in this wild land.
If you're a nature lover you'll enjoy the trails of this park, the canopy walk, the alligators and a boat ride if you wish.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72If you're a nature lover you'll enjoy the trails of this park, the canopy walk, the alligators and a boat ride if you wish.
Food scene
Local laidback restaurant with open air seating and music. Get the island vibe.
167 locals recommend
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean BlvdLocal laidback restaurant with open air seating and music. Get the island vibe.
Baja inspired cuisine with live music and outdoor seating. Great place to people watch in the heart of the Village.
63 locals recommend
The Hub Baja Grill
5148 Ocean BlvdBaja inspired cuisine with live music and outdoor seating. Great place to people watch in the heart of the Village.
South American inspired cuisine. Personal favorites include wonton tuna and grouper sandwich. Don't miss the inner courtyard with live music.
68 locals recommend
The Cottage
153 Avenida MessinaSouth American inspired cuisine. Personal favorites include wonton tuna and grouper sandwich. Don't miss the inner courtyard with live music.
Topnotch Italian restaurant with fabulous food and service. Personally, I love the coziness of the wine cellar room. Check on Groupon for a coupon. Perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.
19 locals recommend
Cafe Gabbiano
5104 Ocean BlvdTopnotch Italian restaurant with fabulous food and service. Personally, I love the coziness of the wine cellar room. Check on Groupon for a coupon. Perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.
Voted Most Romantic restaurant, this bay side gem offers gourmet cuisine and service. Please note that parking is by valet only since space is so very limited. Reservations recommended. Great for special occasions.
64 locals recommend
Ophelia's on the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass RdVoted Most Romantic restaurant, this bay side gem offers gourmet cuisine and service. Please note that parking is by valet only since space is so very limited. Reservations recommended. Great for special occasions.
Heading to the beach for the day? Stop by Morton's deli to stock your cooler with yummy things for the beach.
26 locals recommend
Morton's Siesta Market
205 Canal RdHeading to the beach for the day? Stop by Morton's deli to stock your cooler with yummy things for the beach.