10 Ways to Save Money in Sarasota

Imagine the gilded life of an early 20th century circus tycoon as you walk through the sprawling grounds of the Ringling Estate. This former winter escape of John and Mable Ringling is now home to The Ringling Museum of Art, which is free for public on Mondays.

Gaze at the Ringlings’ century-old Venetian-style house called Ca’d’Zan or take in the colourful surroundings in the Mable Ringling Rose Garden. Enjoy the fresh sea breezes as you walk along the bayfront promenade, then rest in the shade under the banyan trees. The Bayfront Gardens and Glass Pavilion are free on Mondays, too.

Although St. Armands Circle is best known for its upscale shopping and dining scene, you can still enjoy hanging around here without going on a spending binge. Walk around, soak up the scene and see the elegant Roman and Greek statues that were once part of John Ringling’s personal art collection.

There are several art galleries to explore in St. Armands Circle, and you can catch a local event like the art festivals held in January and June. If you’re craving some beach time, the soft sands of Lido Beach are just a short walk away.

Come to the Bayfront Park for superb views of yachts gliding across Sarasota Bay and the Sarasota downtown skyline. Walk along the palm-lined pathways to find the Dolphin Fountain. Take the kids for a splashy session in the children's play fountain, or let them run, climb and slide at the playground. There’s no entry fee to the park and parking is free, too.

Bring a packed lunch for a picnic or just spread a blanket to relax on the grass. For a refreshing drink or some seafood, stop in at Marina Jack and enjoy the expansive sea views. 

Rise early and check out the open-air Sarasota Farmers Market held every Saturday in downtown Sarasota. Find an all-sensory feast with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables piled up on the market tables, and the scents of fresh flowers and freshly made baked goods wafting through the air.

Pick up local arts and crafts like jewellery, baskets, candles and soaps, then treat yourself to some homemade cookies, jams, jellies, pickled okra and other canned goods. Indulge in a sweet treat like French crepes to go or a sorbet. Get your caffeine fix with a coffee or tea. Have a chat with the farmers who grow mushrooms, strawberries, citrus fruits and more in the area.

If you’re keen to explore Siesta Key, then climb aboard the 77 Siesta Islander (formerly Siesta Key Breeze trolley) for a leisurely loop around at no charge. Running daily from 8 am to 10 pm, the trolleys travel to Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key Village, South Village and Turtle Beach Park & Campground.

Hop on a trolley to Siesta Key Village for a wine and dine session and avoid the hassle of fighting the crowds for a parking space. There’s no set schedule but the trolleys come around about every 30 minutes or so. Download the map of the stopping points from the Breeze Transit website.

Pick up a local map and discover the historic streets of Sarasota on a self-guided walking tour. Look for places like the wood-frame Bidwell-Wood House in Classical Revival style or see a fine example of Sarasota modern architecture at Murray Homes buildings.

From October to May, join the gallery walk along Palm Avenue on the first Friday of every month starting at 6 pm for a look around the art galleries, boutique shops and antique stores. You could also explore the charming cottage studios of Towles Court Artist Colony, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday from October to May.

The 360-acre (146-hectare) Celery Fields park is a haven for birds and wildlife with its open marshlands, ponds and canals. The area was a large-scale vegetable farm through most of the 20th century, but it’s since been restored as a wildlife refuge with thousands of trees planted and trails and boardwalks built for visitors to explore.

Stop by the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center on site for tips on wildlife spotting or join one of their workshops or birding walks. See if you can find a roseate spoonbill, black-necked stilt or a barn owl among the more than 200 bird species that have been recorded here.

Golfing enthusiasts could easily spend weeks exploring the golf courses in and around Sarasota thanks to the many affordable golf courses. Certainly, you’ll find exclusive members-only places too, but Sarasota’s also home to several public golf courses that welcome all at reasonable rates.

Challenge your skills with the many water hazards at Serenoa Golf Club or enjoy the scenic courses at The Groves Golf Course. Or, travel to nearby Bradenton to play a round at The Preserve Golf Club at Tara. Prices vary with the seasons and tee-off times.

Set right by the fishing dock where boats unload their catch of the day, Star Fish Company is the place to go for the freshest seafood in town. Try pan-seared sea scallops or grilled Florida pompano, or if you can't decide which seafood to try, then splurge on the combination platter.

Meals are served with hearty hush puppies and a side of coleslaw, and either French fries, cheese grits or broccoli. Service tends go at a leisurely pace here, so just relax and enjoy the views or wander around the seafood market next door while you wait for your food to arrive.

If you're looking to enjoy some drinks without breaking the bank in Sarasota, take advantage of the several happy hour bars. One of the top spots to start your evening is Joe's on Main, which offers discounts on beer, spirits and wine during its extensive happy hour from noon to 7 pm, perfect for early starters.

Another great choice in downtown Sarasota is The Cask and Ale, known for its superb cocktails. If you're also in the mood for some delicious bites, head over to 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails which not only has fantastic deals on drinks, but also delicious discounts on meals such as oysters and falafels.