Best Experiences & Classes in Sarasota & Bradenton

82 local hands-on experiences and classes within about 30 miles of Sarasota (34235), from Palmetto to Venice. Independent, locally owned shops are listed first. Want something closer to you? Search Gigly by ZIP.

1. AMI Excursions (Capt. Nate)

   Fishing charter · Anna Maria, FL 34216 · Locally owned · ★ 5 (209 reviews)

   Inshore fishing, Dolphin tours, Sunset cruises

2. Kayaking SRQ

   Kayak rental & tours · Sarasota, FL 34236 · Locally owned · ★ 5 (4591 reviews)

   Kayak rentals, Paddleboards, Mangrove tours

   (941) 799-1863

3. Banyan Coffee Co.

   Coffee roaster · Palmetto, FL 34221 · Locally owned

   Coffee, Single-origin coffee, Coffee truck, Coffee roastery tour

   (941) 219-5282

   In the Manatee Post: Brewed in 500 Square Feet. Sold in a Cat Café. This Is Sarasota Kombucha. · They Put a Sticky Bun on the Latte. Then They Chased Soccer Practice.

4. Clark's Self Defense

   Martial arts: Kempo karate & Gracie jiu-jitsu · Sarasota, FL 34240 · Locally owned

   Kempo karate, Gracie jiu-jitsu, Kids martial arts, Self-defense classes, After-school program

   (941) 225-1065

5. Discover Sarasota Tours

   Trolley tours, incl. happy-hour brewery tour · Sarasota, FL 34236 · Locally owned

   Trolley tours, Happy-hour brewery tour, Haunted tours, Private group tours, Venice tours

   (941) 260-9818

6. Giuliano Hazan's Italian Cooking Classes

   Cooking classes · Sarasota, FL 34236 · Locally owned

   Italian cooking classes, Handmade pasta, Risotto, Private lessons

7. Premier Boxing & Fitness Club

   Gym · Sarasota, FL 34232 · Locally owned

   Boxing, Fitness classes

8. Ryan Langley Music School

   Music lessons · Sarasota, FL 34240 · Locally owned

   Guitar lessons, Piano lessons, Voice lessons, Drum lessons, Ukulele lessons

   (941) 371-7567

9. Sail2Learn

   Sailing lessons · Sarasota, FL 34236 · Locally owned

   Learn to sail, Small-group lessons (3 max), Night sailing lessons, Beginner to intermediate

10. Sarasota Family Fishing Charters (Capt. Scott)

    Fishing charter · Sarasota, FL 34231 · Locally owned

    Inshore fishing, Nearshore fishing, Family fishing trips, Dolphin & sandbar tours

    (941) 266-6214

11. SouL Dance Studio

    Ballet, ballroom & Latin dance classes · Sarasota, FL 34232 · Locally owned

    Adult ballet, Salsa, Bachata, Ballroom, Private dance lessons

12. The Ballroom of Sarasota

    Ballroom & Latin dance studio · Sarasota, FL 34231 · Locally owned

    Ballroom dance lessons, Latin dance, Free beginner class, Private lessons, Swing & salsa

    (941) 925-2411

    In the Manatee Post: Four Meetups, Four Dress Codes, One of Them Bans Flip-Flops

13. The K9 Coach

    Dog training, board & train, group classes · Sarasota, FL 34243 · Locally owned

    Board & train, Group obedience classes, Private training, Free consultation

    (941) 260-2463

14. The Stu

    Pottery classes · Bradenton, FL 34208 · Locally owned

    Pottery classes, Wheel throwing, Handbuilding, Workshops

15. Thrive Yoga & Fitness

    Yoga studio · Bradenton, FL 34210 · Locally owned

    Yoga classes, Beginner yoga, Bodywork

    (941) 702-6084

16. Chef Mike SRQ

    Personal chef · Sarasota, FL 34234 · ★ 5 (89 reviews)

    Private dinners, Catering, Meal prep, Adult cooking classes

    (941) 217-6425

17. Sarasota Kayak Rentals

    Kayak rental & tours · Siesta Key, FL 34242 · ★ 5 (109 reviews)

    Kayak rentals, Guided tours

18. Myakka River Trail Rides

    Horseback trail rides, ATV & farm tours · Myakka City, FL 34251 · ★ 4.7 (142 reviews)

    Guided horseback trail rides, ATV farm tours, Riding lessons, Farm walking tour, Ranch stays

    (941) 219-9399

19. 2Di4Glass

    Glass classes · Sarasota, FL 34239

    Glass fusing classes, Resin classes, Jewelry making, Open studio

    (941) 302-6866

20. Arts A Blaze Studio

    Paint-your-own pottery studio · Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

    Paint-your-own pottery, Walk-in studio, Group parties, Memberships

21. Axe & Bull

    Indoor axe throwing · Sarasota, FL 34233

    Axe throwing, Private group events, Mobile axe throwing

    (941) 346-6750

22. Beach Road Watersports

    Boat, jet ski & kayak rentals · Englewood, FL 34223

    Boat rentals, Pontoon boat rentals, Jet ski rentals, Kayak rentals, Private boat tours, Sunset cruises

    (941) 475-9099

23. Bee Lovely Farm

    Farm tours · Sarasota, FL 34240

    Kids farm tours, Regenerative farm tour, Working farm day, Farm stay, Raw honey

24. Big Top Brewing (Fruitville Commons)

    Craft brewery · Sarasota, FL 34240

    Craft beer, Brewery tours

    (941) 225-8438

25. Bode Bread Co.

    Sourdough micro-bakery · Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

    Sourdough bread, Sourdough classes, Subscription boxes, Pop-up shops

    In the Manatee Post: Lakewood Ranch Sold Out a Pumpkin Bread Class Before Fall Showed Up

26. Country Critters Animal Adventure Park

    Hands-on farm animal experience · Parrish, FL 34219

    Animal encounters, Petting farm, Field trips & homeschool, Birthday parties, Critter yoga

27. Create Art on the Fly

    Painting parties · Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

    Painting parties, Birthday parties, Corporate events, Girls' night out

    (941) 527-5062

28. Dakin Dairy Farms

    Dairy farm & tours · Myakka City, FL 34251

    Farm tours, Milk, Cheese curds, Farm market

    (941) 322-2802

    In the Manatee Post: The Sweet Spot: The Ice Cream Menu That Keeps Telling You to Sit Down · The Cows at This Myakka City Dairy Get a Fresh Salad Twice a Day

29. DK Dance Creations

    Salsa & bachata classes · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Salsa classes, Bachata classes, Private lessons, Latin dance socials

    (941) 312-1022

30. Driftheory

    Beach resin workshops · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Resin jewelry workshop, Resin tray workshop, Beach crafts, Private workshops

    (941) 894-9049

31. Elizabeth Farrell Music

    Piano, voice & strings lessons · Sarasota, FL 34231

    Piano lessons, Voice lessons, Violin & strings, Guitar lessons

    (941) 315-6888

32. Embodied Health

    Massage & yoga studio · Bradenton, FL 34205

    Massage therapy, Yoga therapy, Yoga classes

    (941) 203-1213

33. Energize Dance Studio

    Kids' dance studio · Sarasota, FL 34233

    Preschool ballet & tap, Acro tumbling, Competition teams, 30-day trial

    (941) 413-1608

34. Escape Room Sarasota

    Escape rooms · Sarasota, FL 34231

    Escape rooms, Private group games, Birthday & team outings

    (941) 343-2829

35. Evie's Family Golf Center

    Mini golf & driving range · Sarasota, FL 34233

    18-hole mini golf, Driving range, Tavern & grill, Ice cream, Birthday parties

    (941) 377-9300

36. Four Keys Charters

    Dolphin & sandbar boat tours · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Dolphin tours, Sandbar trips, Sunset cruises, Private boat tours, Bachelorette cruises

    (352) 585-2130

37. Gamble Creek Farms

    Organic farm & market · Parrish, FL 34219

    Organic produce, Microgreens, Seafood counter, Group farm tours, School field trips

    (941) 900-4234

38. GypSea Soul Boutique & Studios

    DIY art workshops · Bradenton, FL 34205

    DIY workshops, Sea glass art, Seashell art, Private art parties, Boutique

    (941) 896-3156

39. Happy Paddler Kayak Tours

    Kayak tours & rentals · Longboat Key, FL 34228

    Mangrove tunnel tours, Sunset kayak tours, Wildlife kayak tours, Kayak fishing charters, Kayak rentals

40. Heritage Bee Farm

    Honey · Myakka City, FL 34251

    Honey, Raw honey, Hot honey, Orange blossom honey, Bee Farm Experience tour, Guided farm tour

    In the Manatee Post: This Bradenton Pantry Reads Like a Bar Menu. Everything Is $13. · A Myakka City Farm Sells Hot Honey and Queen Bees. Same Cart.

41. Herrig Center for the Arts

    Pottery & art classes · Bradenton, FL 34205

    Wheel throwing class, Pottery classes, Beginner ceramics

    (941) 746-2862

42. Intense Escape

    Horror & family escape rooms · Bradenton, FL 34209

    Horror escape rooms, Family-friendly room, Private bookings, Proposals & birthdays

    (941) 251-9385

43. International Ballet of Florida

    Classical ballet school · Bradenton, FL 34201

    Vaganova ballet training, Annual Nutcracker, All ages

    (941) 962-6607

44. Jo's To Go's

    Chef-made weekly meal prep & private chef · Sarasota, FL 34235

    Weekly meal prep, Meal delivery, Private chef, In-home cooking classes, Gluten-free options

    (941) 313-7147

45. Key Sailing

    Sailing charters · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Private sailing charters, Sunset sails, Dolphin watching

    (941) 346-7245

46. Lilly James

    Ring-making experience (silversmithing) · Bradenton, FL 34207

    Make your own ring, Sterling silver, Gold-filled option, Girls' day / date night, Gift experiences

47. Love & Glow Candle Co.

    Candle maker & candle-making workshops · Bradenton, FL 34205

    Soy & beeswax candles, 'Get Lit!' candle-making workshops, Container refills, Wax melts & room sprays

    (941) 730-4086

48. Music Compound

    Music lessons & rehearsal studios · Sarasota, FL 34240

    Guitar lessons, Piano lessons, Voice lessons, Drum lessons, Recording & songwriting, Rehearsal rooms

    (941) 379-9100

49. Music with Morehart

    Music lessons · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Piano lessons, Voice lessons, Music lessons

    (941) 735-3989

50. My Tranquility Farm

    Goat yoga & animal encounters · Parrish, FL 34219

    Goat yoga, Animal encounters, Birthday parties, Special events

    (727) 204-6238

51. OCHRE + CO

    Candle-making classes & fragrance · Bradenton, FL 34205

    Candle-making class, Small-batch candles, Fragrance, Bath & body

52. Offshore Sailing School (Sarasota)

    Sailing school · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Learn to Sail course, Catamaran endorsement, Bareboat certification, Powerboat courses

    (941) 941-8364

53. Painting Pottery

    Paint-your-own pottery studio · Bradenton, FL 34208

    Paint-your-own pottery, Parties, Pottery on location

    (941) 741-4949

54. Paradise Adventures

    Kayak tours & rentals · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Mangrove tunnel tours, Private kayak tours, Kayak rentals

    (941) 275-2971

55. Premier Escape Adventures

    Escape rooms · Bradenton, FL 34203

    Escape rooms, Corporate team events, Gift cards

    (941) 363-1443

56. Sara Dance Center

    Ballroom & Latin dance studio · Sarasota, FL 34232

    Ballroom dance lessons, Salsa & bachata, Wedding dance choreography, Dance socials

57. Sara-Bay Sailing School & Charter

    Sailing lessons (ASA) · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Learn to sail, ASA 101 keelboat, Bareboat certification, Catamaran course, Sailing charters

    (941) 914-5132

58. Sarasota Clay Company

    Pottery classes · Sarasota, FL 34234

    Pottery classes, Wheel throwing, Handbuilding, Kids classes, Date night

    (941) 359-2773

59. Sarasota Honey Company

    Honey · Sarasota, FL 34243

    Honey, Raw honey, Skincare, Eggs, Beekeeping classes

    (941) 587-1965

60. Sarasota Sailing Squadron

    Community sailing club & lessons · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Adult sailing lessons, Youth sailing, Women's sailing, Regattas, Catamaran lessons

    (941) 388-2355

61. Sarasota School of Glass

    Glass classes · Sarasota, FL 34233

    Glass fusing classes, Stained glass classes, Jewelry classes, Watercolor classes

    (941) 925-4527

    In the Manatee Post: Make a Glass Pumpkin Bowl in Sarasota. Pick It Up Next Week.

62. School of Fish Swimming Lessons

    Group & private swim lessons · Bradenton, FL 34209

    Group swim lessons, Private lessons, Special-needs swim

    (941) 907-8482

63. Shells & Bones Personal Chef

    Personal chef, at-home events & cooking classes · Bradenton, FL 34205

    Private chef, At-home dinner parties, Cooking classes & demos, Farm-to-table menus

    (646) 696-0737

64. Siesta Key Rum

    Distillery · Sarasota, FL 34234

    Rum, Distillery tours

65. Spoiled Dirty Rotten Natural Cosmetics

    Handmade soap & skincare maker · Sarasota, FL 34231

    Handmade soap, Natural skincare, Botanical perfume workshops, Fire cider workshops

66. Stage Door University

    Kids' dance studio · Sarasota, FL 34243

    Kids' dance classes, Summer camp, Beginner to competition

    (941) 822-0017

67. Starfish Swim School SRQ

    Private swim lessons (we come to you) · Sarasota, FL 34232

    Private swim lessons, Infant swim, Adult lessons, At-home lessons

68. Step Up Dance Co.

    Ballroom & Latin dance studio · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Ballroom lessons, Latin dance, Private lessons, Latin dance socials

    (941) 250-6243

69. Sue Phillips Scentarium

    Custom perfume experience · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Custom perfume creation, Private perfume parties, Scent dinners

70. SURFIT USA

    Kayak & paddleboard tours, surf lessons · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Mangrove tunnel tours, Paddleboard tours, Kayak & SUP rentals, Surf lessons, Kids summer camp

    (941) 952-8245

71. Suzuki Institute School of Music

    Music lessons · Sarasota, FL 34239

    Violin & strings, Piano & guitar, Voice, Recitals

    (941) 330-9930

72. SwimSRQ

    Swim lessons (kids, adaptive, stroke) · Sarasota, FL 34238

    Kids swim lessons, Adaptive aquatics, Stroke clinics, Swim team

    (941) 404-5709

73. The Artful Giraffe

    Pottery wheel, ceramic painting & art gallery · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Pottery wheel classes, Ceramic painting, Art classes, Local art gallery

    (941) 388-3700

74. The Candle Pour

    Candle-making classes · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Candle making, Custom candles

    (941) 870-2555

75. The Fish Hole Miniature Golf

    Mini golf (two courses) · Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

    18-hole mini golf, Koi & turtle feeding, Anna Maria Island course, Lakewood Ranch course

    (941) 306-5891

76. The Social Mobile Bar SRQ

    Mobile bar & charcuterie cart · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Mobile bar, Craft cocktails, Charcuterie cart, Cocktail classes, Frosé cart

77. Transform Martial Arts

    Martial arts (ATA taekwondo/karate) · Sarasota, FL 34241

    Kids karate, Teen & adult classes, After-school program, Summer camps

    (941) 926-0355

78. Two Chefs Market & Bistro

    Hands-on cooking classes · Sarasota, FL 34239

    Hands-on cooking classes, Private group classes, Charcuterie boards, Catering

    (941) 924-6277

79. Uprooted Rose

    Florist & flower-arranging workshops · Sarasota, FL 34236

    Luxury floral arrangements, Same-day delivery, Flower-arranging workshops

    (941) 318-0643

80. Venice Art Center

    Pottery & art classes (nonprofit) · Venice, FL 34285

    Pottery classes, Wheel throwing, Raku workshop, Clay sculpture

    (941) 485-7136

81. VistaCucina

    Cooking classes · Sarasota, FL 34239

    Cooking classes, Pasta making, Private chef

82. Waterside Candle Bar

    Pour-your-own candle bar · Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

    Pour-your-own candles, Reed diffusers, Roll-on perfume, Candle parties

    (941) 431-9433

We wrote about some of these

Stories from our writers about places on this list. Read first, then go.

• The Sweet Spot: The Ice Cream Menu That Keeps Telling You to Sit Down Oct. 31
• Four Meetups, Four Dress Codes, One of Them Bans Flip-Flops Oct. 29
• Make a Glass Pumpkin Bowl in Sarasota. Pick It Up Next Week. Oct. 25
• The Cows at This Myakka City Dairy Get a Fresh Salad Twice a Day Oct. 25
• Brewed in 500 Square Feet. Sold in a Cat Café. This Is Sarasota Kombucha. Oct. 22
• This Bradenton Pantry Reads Like a Bar Menu. Everything Is $13. Oct. 22

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