The best things to do in Sarasota County

35 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 35 places · showing the latest additions first

Waterford Golf Club

Entertainment

Waterford Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course playground, so you can keep rounds fresh between Waterford, Calusa Lakes, and…

1454 Gleneagles Dr (Venice) · ✓ checked Jul 28

“Waterford Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course playground, so you can keep rounds fresh between Waterford, Calusa Lakes, and Capri Isles. Public golfers are welcome, with leagues, lessons, and tournaments, plus a membership that covers all three if you’re chasing bragging rights this week.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 18, 2026

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If you want a course that makes you think, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club delivers an Arthur Hills design with ponds and wetlands touching…

Palmer Ranch, 8801 Stoneybrook Blvd (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Jul 28

“If you want a course that makes you think, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club delivers an Arthur Hills design with ponds and wetlands touching 17 holes, then keeps you around with an executive-chef clubhouse scene and a busy social calendar. Six tee placements mean your game can choose its own adventure.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Whether you want a quick nine before dinner or to test every shot in the bag, Heron Creek Golf & Country Club brings three Arthur Hills…

5301 Heron Creek Blvd (North Port)

“Whether you want a quick nine before dinner or to test every shot in the bag, Heron Creek Golf & Country Club brings three Arthur Hills designed nines that show off Florida scenery, plus post-round dining and a buzzing social calendar right here in North Port for when you’re done chasing birdies.”

From the North Port newsletter, October 13, 2026

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Playtime Paradise

Entertainment

Playtime Paradise is a spotless indoor play center for kids 0 to 7 with open play, specialty classes, and birthday party options, plus a…

4637 E Price Blvd Ste 4637 (North Port)

“Playtime Paradise is a spotless indoor play center for kids 0 to 7 with open play, specialty classes, and birthday party options, plus a cozy lounge so you can catch your breath and still keep eyes on the chaos. When the Florida heat hits, this is your week’s MVP.”

From the North Port newsletter, October 6, 2026

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The Palms Golf Club at Forest Lakes delivers premium conditions and laid back vibes on a Gordy Lewis designed par 64 that lets you use…

1990 S Beneva Rd (Sarasota)

“The Palms Golf Club at Forest Lakes delivers premium conditions and laid back vibes on a Gordy Lewis designed par 64 that lets you use every club without spending all day. Quick 9s, lively men’s and ladies leagues, and regular skins games make it an easy Sarasota staple.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Need a quick tune-up without leaving town? Venice East Golf Club is a mainly par-3 loop with a friendly vibe, a handy driving range, and…

107 Venice E Blvd (Venice)

“Need a quick tune-up without leaving town? Venice East Golf Club is a mainly par-3 loop with a friendly vibe, a handy driving range, and lessons with George Rudy, perfect for sharpening wedges after work or sneaking in a fast round with friends.”

From the Venice newsletter, October 11, 2026

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Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club has 27 holes, a legit practice setup, and a dining scene that goes way beyond post-round fries. The…

499 Derbyshire Dr (Venice)

“Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club has 27 holes, a legit practice setup, and a dining scene that goes way beyond post-round fries. The newly renovated Meadows nine rolls on Platinum Paspalum greens with reshaped bunkers, so your short game gets a glow-up while you call it strategy.”

From the Venice newsletter, October 12, 2026

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Myakka Pines Golf Club gives you 27 holes with TifEagle Bermuda greens, lush contoured fairways, and bunkers that actually make you think.…

2550 S River Rd (Englewood)

“Myakka Pines Golf Club gives you 27 holes with TifEagle Bermuda greens, lush contoured fairways, and bunkers that actually make you think. This week, hit the driving range, chipping and putting greens, plus a practice bunker, then loop 9, 18, or even all 27 and call it time well spent.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Newly renovated and proudly municipal, Bobby Jones Golf Club brings an 18-hole championship track, a state-of-the-art practice setup, and a…

1000 Circus Blvd (Sarasota)

“Newly renovated and proudly municipal, Bobby Jones Golf Club brings an 18-hole championship track, a state-of-the-art practice setup, and a clever 9-hole adjustable short course perfect for after-work laps. Leagues, lessons, and junior programs keep locals sharpening games between errands and afternoon storms.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, October 9, 2026

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Venice's only private, member-owned golf and country club, The Venice Golf and Country Club pairs year-round golf with tennis, dining,…

250 Venice Golf Club Dr (Venice)

“Venice's only private, member-owned golf and country club, The Venice Golf and Country Club pairs year-round golf with tennis, dining, wellness, and a lively social calendar. If you want a tight-knit community where your voice actually counts, this is the spot that keeps weekdays from feeling, well, weekday-ish.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 25, 2026

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The Grand Luxury Cinema keeps Venice cinephiles happy with a lineup that swings from throwback events like The Transformers: The Movie 40th…

2111 S Tamiami Trl (Venice)

“The Grand Luxury Cinema keeps Venice cinephiles happy with a lineup that swings from throwback events like The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary to family-friendly picks and Summer Kids Challenge screenings. When you want something new, weird, or wonderfully familiar, this is where to press play.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Serenoa Golf Club

Entertainment

Serenoa Golf Club is a shot-maker’s challenge, with water in play on every hole and a layout that plays bigger than its yardage, a design…

6773 Serenoa Dr #9276 (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 5

“Serenoa Golf Club is a shot-maker’s challenge, with water in play on every hole and a layout that plays bigger than its yardage, a design Florida Golf News ranks among Florida’s top 100. Swing by this week, finish at the Serenoa Bar and Grill, then brag about your heroic up-and-downs to the friendliest crew around.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Whether you're chasing a legit challenge or just want an easy round with friends, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club brings an 18-hole layout…

12060 Wellen Golf St (Venice) · ✓ checked Aug 7

“Whether you're chasing a legit challenge or just want an easy round with friends, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club brings an 18-hole layout near Downtown Wellen with multiple tees, water and sand that keep things interesting, plus lessons if your driver forgot how to behave.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Need a midweek mindset shift, not another errand? Sarasota National Golf Club delivers a premier 18-hole track with plenty of Florida…

25510 National Blvd (Venice)

“Need a midweek mindset shift, not another errand? Sarasota National Golf Club delivers a premier 18-hole track with plenty of Florida views, then the Palm Club for a solid post-round unwind. Local, laid-back, and exactly the kind of reset your week could use.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 29, 2026

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Amaze Games

Entertainment

Amaze Games is North Port’s OG escape room spot, once called Escape Rooms Unlocked, serving 60-minute, puzzle-filled adventures with…

14969 S Tamiami Trl (North Port)

“Amaze Games is North Port’s OG escape room spot, once called Escape Rooms Unlocked, serving 60-minute, puzzle-filled adventures with chaotic good energy. Round up the crew for Secret Agent Grandma, a 2 to 8 player spy mission, and watch for The Lost Wizard coming soon, ideal when your brain needs a reboot.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 28, 2026

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Mini-golf course featuring waterfalls, caves & live alligators that visitors can feed.

3815 N Tamiami Trl (Sarasota)

“Mini-golf course featuring waterfalls, caves & live alligators that visitors can feed.”

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Clubhouse at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is an easy win this week, pairing polished golf with memorable dining. Play the newly…

1601 Englewood Rd (Englewood)

“Clubhouse at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is an easy win this week, pairing polished golf with memorable dining. Play the newly redesigned par-71 by architect Gordy Lewis on smooth Seashore Paspalum, then settle in for casual lunches or a refined dinner and attentive service.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 27, 2026

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Heron Creek Information Center is where locals go for the inside scoop on Heron Creek’s Arthur Hills design across the Marsh, Oaks, and…

3401 S Sumter Blvd (North Port)

“Heron Creek Information Center is where locals go for the inside scoop on Heron Creek’s Arthur Hills design across the Marsh, Oaks, and Creek courses, plus the clubhouse and learning center. Curious about memberships or fees and rates, or just want community intel, they’ll get you squared away.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Arcade Monsters

Entertainment

Arcade Monsters is a buzzing, dimly lit playground stacked with classic cabinets, rhythm games, pinball and more, plus a rooftop deck…

326 John Ringling Blvd (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Sep 18

“Arcade Monsters is a buzzing, dimly lit playground stacked with classic cabinets, rhythm games, pinball and more, plus a rooftop deck slinging Cuban street food with slushies, wine and beer. Great for after-work hangs or birthday takeovers... and yes, you can actually book the whole place.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Lord Higel House

Entertainment

Built in 1896, Lord Higel House is Sarasota County’s second-oldest home, a Queen Anne gem that lets you peek at early citrus-grove life.…

409 Granada Ave (Venice)

“Built in 1896, Lord Higel House is Sarasota County’s second-oldest home, a Queen Anne gem that lets you peek at early citrus-grove life. Venice Heritage volunteers poured heart, cash, and countless hours into it, so locals get real, rootsy Venice without the museum fuss.”

From the Venice newsletter, October 10, 2026

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Plantation Golf & Country Club is where your swing gets sharper and the vibe stays social, with championship-caliber golf, tennis,…

500 Rockley Blvd (Venice) · ✓ checked Aug 7

“Plantation Golf & Country Club is where your swing gets sharper and the vibe stays social, with championship-caliber golf, tennis, pickleball, a laid-back pool, and legit dining, plus events worth dressing up for. Fun fact, it’s home to the LPGA annual tour qualifier.”

From the North Port newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Looking to level up your routine? The Meadows Country Club packs 54 holes of golf, 15 Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, a Junior Olympic…

6999, 3101 Longmeadow (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 21

“Looking to level up your routine? The Meadows Country Club packs 54 holes of golf, 15 Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball, a Junior Olympic pool, fitness center, and 14 miles of oak-canopied trails into one easygoing community vibe. Add lively socials and one solid restaurant, then call it a week well spent.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, August 27, 2026

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PopStroke

Entertainment

Mini-golf courses and a family-friendly restaurant with a full bar and outdoor games.

195 University Town Center Dr (Sarasota)

“Mini-golf courses and a family-friendly restaurant with a full bar and outdoor games.”

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Whether you’re chasing lower scores, picking up a new backhand, or just want a community that actually hangs out together, Heritage Oaks…

4800 Chase Oaks Dr (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 21

“Whether you’re chasing lower scores, picking up a new backhand, or just want a community that actually hangs out together, Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club delivers with rolling fairways, clinics, and a social calendar that hums. House-hunting nearby? Put this member-owned spot on your radar this week.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

6180 Edgelake Dr (Sarasota)

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

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Meadows Golf Club

Entertainment

Meadows Golf Club blends a modern, challenging Meadows Course with the executive, Arthur Hills-designed Groves set among real-deal Florida…

3101 Longmeadow (Sarasota)

“Meadows Golf Club blends a modern, challenging Meadows Course with the executive, Arthur Hills-designed Groves set among real-deal Florida scenery, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Locals love it for classic layouts without the fuss, though the Groves is currently limited to neighborhood access.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, October 12, 2026

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Burns Court Cinemas

Entertainment

Burns Court Cinemas is Sarasota Film Society’s cozy spot for first-run indie, foreign, and art films, with beer, wine, and popcorn that…

506 Burns Ct (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Sep 11

“Burns Court Cinemas is Sarasota Film Society’s cozy spot for first-run indie, foreign, and art films, with beer, wine, and popcorn that somehow tastes better during subtitles. When you want something smarter than another reboot, this neighborhood theater keeps the screens and conversations lively.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Circus Sarasota

Entertainment

Give your week a dose of wonder by getting Circus Sarasota on the calendar. This hometown Big Top packs international acrobats, jugglers,…

5851 Nathan Benderson Cir (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 13

“Give your week a dose of wonder by getting Circus Sarasota on the calendar. This hometown Big Top packs international acrobats, jugglers, AGT-loved pups, and a heart-stopping Wheel of Steel, plus classic concessions, all wrapped in Sarasota pride that makes even your group chat go quiet.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Whether you’re chasing a relaxed round or sharpening the short game, Capri Isles Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course lineup…

849 Capri Isles Blvd (Venice)

“Whether you’re chasing a relaxed round or sharpening the short game, Capri Isles Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course lineup that keeps things interesting. Public golfers welcome, with lessons, leagues, and tournaments that make it easy to play more and meet fellow locals this week.”

From the Venice newsletter, October 5, 2026

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Lake Venice Golf Club is the easygoing, award-winning local spot on the island, with 27 walkable holes hugging Gulf breezes and zero…

1801 Harbor Dr S (Venice)

“Lake Venice Golf Club is the easygoing, award-winning local spot on the island, with 27 walkable holes hugging Gulf breezes and zero housing clutter. Show up, pick from 1 or 19, walk or ride, and enjoy honest golf with year-round fair rates.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 7, 2026

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One of Golf In Venice’s three courses anyone can play, Calusa Lakes Golf Club brings smooth rolling greens, friendly vibes, and legit…

1995 Calusa Lakes Blvd (Nokomis)

“One of Golf In Venice’s three courses anyone can play, Calusa Lakes Golf Club brings smooth rolling greens, friendly vibes, and legit challenge, plus lessons, leagues, and tournaments. Public golfers are welcome, and a single membership covers all three, so your weekly round never gets stale.”

From the Venice newsletter, August 28, 2026

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When the couch just won't cut it, CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key pairs luxury recliner seats, in-theater dining, and a full bar, so you can sip…

3501 S Tamiami Trl Ste 1100 (Sarasota)

“When the couch just won't cut it, CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key pairs luxury recliner seats, in-theater dining, and a full bar, so you can sip and snack without missing a scene. Reserved seating and a mix of new releases and throwback favorites make it an easy Bradenton go-to.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, October 8, 2026

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Do The Beach - Adventure Park is North Port’s indoor, beach-themed inflatable playground where kids and grownups can bounce, climb, and…

14265 S Tamiami Trl (North Port)

“Do The Beach - Adventure Park is North Port’s indoor, beach-themed inflatable playground where kids and grownups can bounce, climb, and slide through obstacle courses and interactive games. Perfect for birthday parties or a spontaneous energy burn, with memberships if your crew gets hooked on the fun...”

From the North Port newsletter, September 26, 2026

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Village Green Golf Club delivers an executive 18-hole, par-58 layout that keeps the game friendly without skimping on challenge, with…

3500 Pembrook Dr (Sarasota)

“Village Green Golf Club delivers an executive 18-hole, par-58 layout that keeps the game friendly without skimping on challenge, with leagues for every skill level and three PGA Pros offering lessons, club fitting, and repairs. Family-owned with a clubhouse bar and daily lunch menu, it feels like classic Sarasota golf.”

From the Sarasota newsletter, October 6, 2026

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