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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
voco Sarasota by IHG
FUSION Resort Waterfront Suites
The Residences at Siesta Key Beach by Hyatt Vacation Club

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
voco Sarasota by IHG

voco Sarasota by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1223 Boulevard Of The Arts, Sarasota, FL
voco Sarasota by IHG
Aloft Sarasota

Aloft Sarasota

3.5 out of 5
1401 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL
Aloft Sarasota
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

Near the Sarasota Opera House, visitors can enjoy activities like birdwatching and watching stunning sunsets. For opera lovers, the venue offers a rich experience with live opera performances, music concerts, and guided tours of the historic opera house, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the arts.

Shopping

For a quick shopping experience, Bay Isles Shopping Center is only 0.2 miles away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. Nearby, Artisans' World Marketplace, also 0.2 miles away, is perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Northeast Plaza Shopping Center is 3 miles away with more options.

Recreation

Enjoy the energetic atmosphere at Ed Smith Stadium, where you can catch a game and soak in the sports vibes. For a tranquil experience, head to Nathan Benderson Park, perfect for relaxation and scenic strolls. For laughter and family fun, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre offers an entertaining night out.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Sarasota BayWalk, a hiking trail 2 miles from the Opera House, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water adventures, dive into Blue Water Explorers, located 13 miles away. Additionally, the Payne Park Tennis Center, only 0.9 mile away, offers thrilling tennis activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Sarasota Opera House offers a vibrant mix of entertainment. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall showcases cultural performances, while Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe captivates with its artistic flair. For a thrilling experience, the Sarasota Kennel Club combines romance and excitement at the casino, all within a short distance.

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 the marina. Don't miss the historic Sarasota Opera House and the vibrant Sarasota Theater for a taste of the local arts scene. Whether you're seeking outdoor fun, family-friendly activities, or a taste of city life, the area offers a rich experience for every traveler.

  • Lido Beach: Experience the quintessential beach vibes at Lido Beach, located 3 miles from the Sarasota Opera House. Enjoy soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
  • St. Armands Circle: Just 2 miles away, St. Armands Circle offers vibrant city vibes with its upscale shops, delightful eateries, and charming ambiance. Stroll along cobblestone streets and discover unique boutiques and art galleries.
  • Marina Jack: Located a mere 0.2 miles away, Marina Jack is a lively marina that combines beach, outdoor, and adventure vibes. Enjoy waterfront dining, boat rentals, and scenic views of Sarasota Bay.

Best time to go to Sarasota Opera House

Visitor numbers around Sarasota Opera House is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly 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 SunnyAverageAverage
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, plan your trip between September and November, when accommodation rates are lower. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive deals and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. For budget-friendly transport, look into local public transit options, and explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Sarasota Opera House with your flights and activities.
  • 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.