Rainy Day Things to Do in Sarasota
By Carson B. · Updated November 6, 2026
Head to The Ringling for a full day indoors, Mote SEA for the kids, or Sarasota Art Museum for contemporary work. Then settle in at Bookstore1 downtown, high tea at Elixir, or a matinee at Florida Studio Theatre.
Museums
The Ringling can fill the whole day between the art museum, the Circus Museum, and Ca' d'Zan. Sarasota Art Museum is Ringling College's contemporary museum in the old Sarasota High School. The Bishop Museum in Bradenton mixes science and natural history.
Ringling College's contemporary art museum in the old Sarasota High School
Science and natural-history learning in Bradenton
Mote SEA
Mote's new aquarium opened in October 2025 at Nathan Benderson Park, just off I-75 near University Town Center. Mote lists its hours as 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and it's a reliable rainy-day win for kids.
Theater and music
Florida Studio Theatre runs year-round downtown. Venice Theatre offers live shows to the south, and Fogartyville hosts music in the Rosemary District. See arts events.
Downtown's year-round theater, from mainstage plays to cabaret and improv
Rosemary District listening room and home of WSLR 96.5
A cozy afternoon
Bookstore1Sarasota is the downtown independent bookstore. Have high tea at Elixir Tea House, or coffee with adoptable cats at Katy's Cat Cafe. For more, see our coffee guide.
Questions
What's the best thing to do in Sarasota in the rain?
The Ringling, because it can fill a whole day. Mote SEA is the top pick with kids.
Where is the new Mote aquarium?
Mote SEA is at Nathan Benderson Park, 225 University Town Center Drive, just off I-75.