Sarasota is known as one of Florida's cultural centers, offering the perfect blend of activities for a relaxing and educational vacation. With access to 13 public beaches, fishing and boating charters, golf, upscale shopping, museums and more than 40 art galleries, you won't wish for anything else to do.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (Florida's official art museum) houses the only permanent display of Peter Paul Ruben paintings in the world. The art museum, as well as the Ringling Museum of Circus and the Asolo Theatre are located on the grounds of Ca d'Zan (meaning "John's House" in Venetian), the former winter residence of John and Mable Ringling. After John Ringling's death in 1936, the home was donated to the State of Florida by his wife Mable and is now the centerpiece of the Florida State University Center for the Cultural Arts.
Other area points of interest include the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Mote Marine Aquarium, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and the Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary. Come see rare white tigers at Kay Rosaire's Big Cat Encounter located at the Big Cat Habitat. Tour the habitat to see 35 lions and tigers plus 12 bears, and see incredible demonstrations at the family-friendly reserve. Don't miss Houdini's Showplace, starring Las Vegas Magician Vince Carmen and "America's first family of magic." This dinner and show features comedy, large-scale illusions, slight of hand and Yvonne, "First Lady of the Unicycle."
Stay at a lovely bed and breakfast, a luxury beach resort, or sleep under the stars at one of Sarasota's many campgrounds. This beautiful city offers the best of Florida arts culture, beautiful scenery, unlimited shopping, champion golf courses and so much more. There's always something to discover and experience in Sarasota!
Getting Around:
The Sarasota County Area Transit provides visitors with the Sarasota Trolley which runs every 20 minutes Monday through Friday, with less frequent stops on Saturday.
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