What is There to Do in Sarasota at Night? 7 Awesome After-Dark Activities
In fact, Sarasota offers a wide variety of options for travelers in search of a night out on the town to remember! From dancing the night away at a beachside bar, to uncovering the paranormal on a spooky ghost tour, the options are practically endless. So, what is there to do in Sarasota at night? Keep reading and discover 7 awesome after-dark activities to keep the good times going!
Table of Contents
- Celebrate the Sunset
- Dining
- Ghost Tours
- Nightlife
- Pub Crawls
- Drum Circles
- Experience the Arts
Celebrate the Sunset
Stunning sunset along the beautiful beaches of Sarasota, FL
When visiting Sarasota, begin your unforgettable evening out the proper way, and witness one of their serene and sensational sunsets! This scenic slice of paradise is known far and wide for its breathtakingly beautiful sunsets, as they kick off the evening by painting the skies with a variety of vibrant colors. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy, and with that being said, below are a few of the best places to witness an awe-inspiring Sarasota sunset for yourself:
- John Ringling Causeway Bridge
- The Westin Sarasota Roof Bar & Eats
- Perspective Rooftop Bar
- Lido Beach Grille
- Siesta Key Beach
- Bayfront Park and Marina
- Bird Key Park
Dining
Delicious seafood dining in Sarasota, Florida
From local beachfront bars and restaurants, to fantastic fine dining fare, there are a ton of options when it comes to delicious eateries in Sarasota. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler has even dubbed this beautiful beachfront town as one of the “Best Food Cities in the U.S.” Sarasota is definitely a city where when you go, you won’t leave hungry!
Seafood is huge in Sarasota, with plenty of delicious restaurants serving up everything from savory stone crabs, to palatable peel and eat shrimp. Aside from seafood, this area also offers a diverse selection of international tastes, including Peruvian, Laotian, Greek, French, Cuban, and a variety of vegetarian options, just to name a few! So, what is there to do in Sarasota at night? Considering filling up on tasty food from one of the following quintessential Sarasota eateries below:
- Columbia Restaurant
- Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood
- Michael’s on East
- Ophelia’s on the Bay
- Phillippi Creek Village Oyster Bar
- Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant
Ghost Tours
Image of the historic and haunted Sarasota Opera House via Flickr
What is there to do in Sarasota at night that combines fun and fright? A thrilling and chilling ghost tour, of course! Sarasota ghost tours are a fun and unique way to explore the city’s history and hauntings, and uncover the area’s spooky side.
During your Sarasota ghost tour, a local guide will tell supernatural stories of lingering spirits, unsolved crimes, famous murders, and so much more! Not only that, ghost tours take guests to local landmarks that are famous for paranormal activity. With that being said, below are a few of the haunted sites of Sarasota you may encounter during your unearthly and unforgettable ghost tour:
{Read Reviews & Book Sarasota Ghost Tours Online}
Nightlife
Group of friends enjoy the Sarasota nightlife
After relaxing on Sarasota’s beautiful beaches by day, it’s time to live it up and explore the city’s buzzing nightlife scene. There are entertainment options for all types of personalities, from relaxing rooftop bars with scenic city views, to dance clubs with DJs playing today’s top hits. No matter if you’re searching for a sophisticated night out on the town, or are ready to strut your stuff on the dance floor, Sarasota has the perfect venue for you and your crew!
Siesta Key is a popular destination for live music and after-hours fun! The Beach Club, for example, is a popular spot famous for its tropical cocktails and talented musical acts. And while you’re on this side of town, be sure to grab a delicious daiquiri from the Daiquiri Deck, another nearby local hotspot.
So, what is there to do in Sarasota at night? Well, when it comes to nightlife, the options for an unforgettable night out on the town are practically endless. With that being said, in order to help narrow your search, consider checking out one of these wonderful and popular places for nighttime fun in Sarasota:
- The Gator Club
- Blue Sunshine Patio Bar and Grill at Marina Jack
- Jack Dusty at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
- Jdub’s Brewing Company
- West End Pub
- North Bridge Tavern
- Mattison’s City Grille
Pub Crawls
Group makes a toast during a Sarasota, FL, pub crawl
If you’re wondering what is there to do in Sarasota at night that combines sightseeing, delicious drinks, and good times, then you’re in luck! Sarasota pub crawls encompass all of these things, and are a great way to have an awesome time after dark. Led by an informed and entertaining guide, pub crawls take guests to see the top city sights, sample beverages at legendary local watering holes, and entertain with stories of Sarasota’s successes, scandals, and more!
{Read Reviews & Book Sarasota Pub Crawls Online}
Drum Circles
Friends dancing at the beach at sunset during a Sarasota drum circle
What is there to do in Sarasota at night? Well, if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, it’s time to make your way to Sarasota’s famous Siesta Key Drum Circle! This iconic event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, attracting regional and traveling musicians, families, and beach goers of all ages for an evening of dancing, music, stunning sunsets, and good times galore.
This fantastic family-friendly event is truly incredible and incomparable, and creates a sense of community while celebrating the sunset and the spectacular scenic setting. This extraordinary event takes place every Sunday one hour before sunset, which means the time can vary depending on the time of year you’re there. After the crowd dissipates, this is a great time to enjoy a moonlit stroll on the beach, or check out the lively bars and restaurants of nearby Siesta Village.
Experience the Arts
Violinists at the Sarasota Orchestra
Sarasota is known for its rich culture and appreciation for the arts, so when wondering what is there to do in Sarasota at night, you may want to consider catching a show! From spending a night at the opera, to watching a show-stopping performance by the Asolo Repertory Theatre, there are plenty of ways to experience the arts in Sarasota. Not only that, this is the perfect activity for a cold or rainy day in Sarasota, and is fun for all occasions, from date nights to family bonding!
Performing arts aside, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the arts along Florida’s Cultural Coast. Sarasota is home to a multitude of museums and galleries, with some even hosting excellent events in the evening. The Ringling Museum of Art, for example, hosts “Art After 5” every Thursday night, which includes after-hours and discounted admission to view their permanent collection, special exhibits, and camaraderie over cocktails.
Gorgeous view of downtown Sarasota at night
So, what is there to do in Sarasota at night? From witnessing a breathtakingly beautiful sunset on the beach, to enjoying libations at legendary local bars during an exciting and entertaining pub crawl, there are plenty of awesome ways to have fun after dark in Sarasota, FL. However you decide to spend your time in this spectacular South Florida city, there are plenty of unforgettable Sarasota things to do to make this vacation one for the books!