Sarasota Opera House Tours

Central Sarasota featuring interior views and heritage elements
Sarasota Opera House showing interior views and theater scenes
Central Sarasota
Central Sarasota which includes theater scenes and interior views
Sarasota Opera House


Here, 1920s style meets 21st-century luxury in a fully restored Mediterranean Revival opera house and cultural institution, complete with its own opera company.

The Sarasota Opera House is a historic theater, home to the Sarasota Opera company. The grand 1920s theater combines extravagant Mediterranean Revival architecture with modern theater facilities. Get a taste of Sarasota’s cultural talent and see exciting operatic performances at the heritage venue. With two levels and just over 1,000 seats, the Sarasota Opera House is an intimate setting for seeing familiar classics and little-known gems.

The venue was founded in 1926 as the Edwards Theater, a cultural complex complete with luxury shops and apartments. It then became known as the Florida Theater and was once host to Elvis Presley and Ziegfeld Follies shows. The Sarasota Opera House underwent almost 20 years of renovations and emerged in the 21st century as a state-of-the-art opera venue.

Since 1984, the company has performed over 70 different operas, including 25 by Verdi. The Sarasota Opera House aims to make opera accessible to anybody and the company caters its performances to a wide audience. Real-time English translations of the performances are projected above the stage and informative programs are provided with every production.

Attend a pre-performance introduction and learn about the plot lines and characters of the opus. These helpful introductions are included with your ticket purchase and guide your opera experience so you can concentrate on the music and the performances.

Call the box office or check the website to see the Sarasota Opera’s schedule for the season. The opera house regularly hosts opening night events, extravagant dinners and gala balls so you can join in on an exciting night out with first-time opera-goers and seasoned patrons. Book your tickets in advance and indulge in a dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants. Limited “student rush” discount tickets are available for purchase half an hour before the performance with a valid student ID. Snacks and refreshments can be purchased before the show and during intermissions.

The Sarasota Opera House is located in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Two public parking lots are available and complimentary valet parking is offered one hour before the performance begins.

Plan a trip to see Sarasota Opera House

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Reviews of Sarasota Opera House

4.5
Top Destination
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5 - Excellent 64%
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5/5 - Excellent

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Great venue for the Sarasota Film Festival!

5/5 - Excellent

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Lots of restaurants around, including Bistro...

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sarasota Opera House

The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota

4 out of 5
100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL
The Westin Sarasota
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL

3.5 out of 5
202 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Aloft Sarasota

Aloft Sarasota

3.5 out of 5
1401 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL
Aloft Sarasota
voco Sarasota by IHG

voco Sarasota by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1223 Boulevard Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL
voco Sarasota by IHG
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

5 out of 5
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Kompose Boutique Hotel
Luxury House Walking Distance to Ocean - Sleeps 12

Luxury House Walking Distance to Ocean - Sleeps 12

Sarasota
Luxury House Walking Distance to Ocean - Sleeps 12
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sarasota Opera House

While visiting the Sarasota Opera House, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by enjoying the exceptional theater performances and unique opera experiences. The area also offers opportunities for art appreciation and birdwatching, making it perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, spa enthusiasts can indulge in relaxation at nearby wellness centers, ensuring a well-rounded visit filled with both cultural and recreational activities.

Shopping

For a quick shopping experience, visit Bay Isles Shopping Center, only 0.2 miles away, or check out Artisans' World Marketplace, also 0.2 miles from the opera house. If you're up for a drive, Northeast Plaza Shopping Center is 3 miles away, offering a diverse shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

At Ed Smith Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of local sports events, just 2 miles from the Sarasota Opera House. For a serene escape, Nathan Benderson Park offers tranquil walks and relaxation opportunities, only 6 miles away. Enjoy musical performances at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, conveniently located 0.5 mile away.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Sarasota BayWalk, a hiking trail 2 miles from the Opera House, perfect for outdoor adventures. For underwater thrills, head to Blue Water Explorers, located 13 miles away. Additionally, enjoy some energetic fun at Payne Park Tennis Center, just 0.9 mile away, ideal for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out at the nearby Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, just 0.4 miles away, for captivating performances. Alternatively, catch a show at Florida Studio Theatre, a mere 0.1 miles from the opera house. Don't miss the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, located 0.7 miles away, for a vibrant cultural experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sarasota Opera House

While visiting the Sarasota Opera House, you can explore nearby attractions like beautiful beaches, urban parks, and marinas, perfect for outdoor and family experiences. Don't miss the historic Sarasota Opera House and local theaters for a taste of culture. Additionally, there are several hotels conveniently located near popular Sarasota attractions, making it easy to enjoy your stay and discover all the city has to offer.

  • Siesta Key Beach: Located 5 miles from the Sarasota Opera House, Siesta Key Beach is renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, offering a perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, or enjoy beach activities. The laid-back atmosphere invites visitors to unwind and soak in the stunning sunsets.
  • St. Armands Circle: Just 2 miles away, St. Armands Circle is a charming shopping and dining district filled with unique boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. The vibrant city vibes make it a great place to explore, shop, and enjoy a delicious meal while people-watching.
  • Marina Jack: Only 0.2 miles from the Sarasota Opera House, Marina Jack is a scenic marina offering outdoor dining, boat rentals, and beautiful waterfront views. It's an ideal spot for adventure seekers looking to engage in water sports or simply relax by the water.

Best time to go to Sarasota Opera House

The best time to visit Sarasota Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sarasota Opera House falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Sarasota Opera House falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July83.1°F (28.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sarasota Opera House

To save money during your visit to the Sarasota Opera House, consider traveling between September and November when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to customize your search for budget-friendly accommodations and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities. Join the One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Explore free local attractions and utilize public transport to keep your travel costs down. With these tips, you can enjoy Sarasota without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sarasota Opera House are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sarasota Opera House is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sarasota Opera House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to customize your travel preferences by selecting your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can easily sort your results from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to view the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Sarasota Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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