12 Most Romantic Things to Do in Sarasota
Do you need some sweet ideas on where to spend the day with your Valentine in the beautiful city of Sarasota? We’ve got you covered! This is the internet’s best blog for learning about romantic things to do in Sarasota. We go above and beyond the cliche take-your-lover-out-to-a-candlelight-dinner and heat things up with off-the-beaten-path adventuring. You’ll love what we’ve found for you and your sweetheart to do here in Sarasota! Get ready for a romantic date night you’ll never forget.
Visit the Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan
The Ringling Museum is a world-renowned art museum located in Sarasota, Florida. As the largest art museum in the state of Florida, it is home to an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. In addition to its art galleries and collections, the Ringling Museum is also known for its stunning architecture. The museum was founded in 1927 by John Ringling, a circus magnate, and his wife, Mable.
The Ringling Museum is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission is free on Mondays.
When visiting the museum, take some time to explore the grounds. The museum is located on 66 acres of land and features an outdoor sculpture garden, a circus museum, and the historic Ca’ d’Zan mansion. There is also a café on-site, as well as a gift shop.
Whether you are an art lover or not, the Ringling Museum is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique museums in the country and is sure to provide you with an enjoyable and romantic experience.
Nature-Lovers Can Do the Myakka Canopy Walkway
Are you into nature and simplicity? Then we suggest taking your significant other to the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River State Park. Spend Valentine’s Day enjoying the canopy of Cypress trees, birds, and fresh air that can be found on this walkway. You’ll definitely find this lovely place to be one of the most romantic things to do in Sarasota.
Dogs are more than welcome to come with you on your date to Myakka Canopy Walkway, which for pet lovers, makes the outing that much more special. Imagine if you’re trying to impress a new boyfriend or girlfriend, and they love dogs. Major brownie points!
https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/canopy-walkway-myakka
Go See a Sarasota Opera
Who can resist the charms of the opera? Even if you aren’t familiar with this sort of performing art, you are sure to have a great time with the one you love. Going to the opera gives you an opportunity to dress up in your tux and ball gown and have an extravagant night out on the town. This incredible experience would be best paired with dinner beforehand if you want to up the ante of the date. Sarasota has many places to choose from.
People from all over the world travel to the Sarasota Opera because it’s an incredible and romantic experience.
Tickets start at just $19 per person. We bet you didn’t think a trip to the opera would be so affordable!
https://www.sarasotaopera.org/
Visit Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa
If you’ve ever wanted to give a couple’s massage a try, the Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa is right up your alley. Imagine yourself lying next to the one you love getting pampered with exotic oils and lotions in a comfortable room that’s the perfect temperature. That’s just one of many services that this exquisite spa has to offer.
Your sweetie will be overjoyed with the surprise of a visit to the Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa. Some services to choose from include body waxing, body contour wraps & treatments, makeup application, and much more.
The spa offers different packages for couples and may even have a Valentine’s Day special.
https://www.shorerejuvenation.com/
Take an Electric Bike Siesta Key Beach Sunset Tour
Are you into romance and excitement all at the same time? Going on an electric bike tour at sunset allows you to experience both! Hope on an electric bike with your partner and take in the sights and sounds of the Gulf of Mexico as the rich colors of orange, purple, and red spill over the water.
The Electric Bike Siesta Key Sunset Tour is a great Valentine’s Day expedition that is also active.
Prices start at $65.39 per person.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Sarasota/Electric-Bike-Siesta-Key-Sunset-Tour/d25738-136885P1
Stroll the Sarasota Farmer’s Market
When you think of romantic things to do in Sarasota, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t a farmer’s market; however, we suggest you give it a try. The Sarasota Farmer’s Market is filled with adventure, yummy things to eat, and an enormous selection of items to buy. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for your significant other that they can choose.
The market offers live entertainment such as street performers, magic shows, music, and more. There’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. Take a romantic stroll through downtown Sarasota.
Currently, the Sarasota Farmer’s Market is only open on Saturdays, but don’t let that stop you from making it a part of your Valentine’s Day plan. Find some amazing foods at the market and pack a picnic lunch for V-Day!
Explore Marine Life at MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
What could be more romantic than adopting a sea animal on Valentine’s Day? If your husband or wife is an animal lover, then this is going to be a dream come true for them. At MOTE you can also adopt the animal in your significant other’s name as a surprise. You’ll get Valentine’s Card, a stuffed animal, and a picture of your adoptee.
Choose from the following animals to adopt:
- Octopus
- Alligator
- Sea turtle
- Shark
- Seahorse
- Manatee
- Otter
- Jellyfish
Exploring the aquarium is part of the fun, and you and your lover will get to see where your adopted sea creature hangs out. It’s sure to be an incredible day filled with memory-making and excitement.
Visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Snugly settled on the shores of the crystalline Sarasota Bay rests the intriguing Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This place is nothing less than enchanting. There’s a butterfly house, live music, tropical flowers & plants, animals, marine life, and much more to explore.
Walking along the botanical garden is a quiet, low-key date for you and your loved one. It’s the perfect place to pop the question should that be on your romance agenda.
Prices for the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are relatively low at $10 per person.
Book a Romantic Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking for a romantic way to spend an evening in Sarasota, we recommend a sunset cruise. You can book a private charter or go on a group cruise, and either way, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful sunset views while cruising down the bay. There’s nothing quite like sipping cocktails and watching the sun go down with your loved one by your side!
One of the most common companies to book with is LeBarge which launches right out of the Sarasota bayfront marina. Be sure to bring a sweater! Most visitors don’t realize how cold it can get on the water after sunset.
https://lebargetropicalcruises.com/
Picnic at the New Sarasota Bay Park!
The Bay Park recently opened in Sarasota. A picnic at Sarasota Bay Park would be the perfect date for Valentine’s Day 2023. The park is a beautiful setting on the bay with plenty of open space for a picnic blanket and plenty of shade from the trees. Sit on the sand by the water and watch boats go by, or see if you can spot a pod of dolphins!
Visit a Rooftop Bar
A rooftop bar is a perfect place to visit with your significant other. The intimate setting and breathtaking views make for a romantic evening. Plus, you can enjoy cocktails and conversation while taking in the fresh salt air blowing in from Sarasota bay.
We recommend visiting the Westin hotel rooftop bar or Art Ovation – Perspective rooftop bar.
See a Show at the Van Wezel
The Van Wezel is a world-renowned performing arts center located in Sarasota, Florida. It was built in 1968 and named after Dutch-born businessman Vincent van Wezel. It’s located on the bayfront and offers stunning views of the water. The theater hosts performances by world-class artists and has been the site of many prestigious events over the years. It’s also home to the Sarasota Ballet, which is one of the largest ballet companies in the country. The center is home to the Florida West Coast Symphony and the Asolo Repertory Theatre as well.
Tickets to a show make for a great date night activity! You can find tickets to all sorts of shows, like concerts, ballets, and plays, online on the Van Wezel website.
Making Valentine’s Day & Date Night Extra Special This Year is Easy
Let’s move forward in 2023 together and have romantic moments. The above events and locations will surely put a kiss on your cheek and a thump in your heart, especially when you’re enjoying them with the one you love.
Sarasota county has so many things to offer, such as parks, fine dining and restaurants, parades, and activities. Every holiday is embraced in this incredible Florida city, including Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t matter if your budget is enormous or a bit on the modest side; you’ll be sure to find something that will make date night special for you and your loved one. Thanks from the team at Sarasota Local Blogger!
