Last Updated on June 6, 2024
The city of Sarasota, located south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast isn’t your typical beach. While it boasts miles of pristine white-sand beaches, it is the city’s vibrant cultural scene that truly sets it apart from the ordinary.
Packed with historical landmarks, art galleries, and performing art venues, it is no surprise that the city was once home to the Ringling Brothers Circus. If you’re planning a visit to this hidden gem in Florida, here’s a quick guide to make the most of it, while staying clear of common perils.
The must-visit sites in Sarasota, Florida
The Ringling Museum Complex
One of the city’s crown jewels is the Ringling Museum Complex. Founded by renowned circus magnate John Ringling, the site includes the State Art Museum of Florida, a historic mansion, a circus museum, and perfectly manicured gardens.
Take a gander around the art museum to explore an impressive collection of European, Asian, and contemporary American works. You can then step into the Ca’ d’Zan, John Ringling’s opulent waterfront mansion, featuring splendid Venetian Gothic architecture.
Sarasota Opera House
Originally opening its doors in 1926, the Sarasota Opera House has always represented the city’s glamor, having hosted both films and vaudeville. It was recently restored, and today features classical operas, as well as more modern productions.
The building itself, with its intricate designs and excellent acoustics, makes for a memorable night out or a daytime excursion.
Sarasota Ballet
More for art lovers! The Sarasota Ballet should be next on your itinerary, having carved out a niche for itself and promoting some of the most famous names in ballet.
It now boasts over 160 works, with a fresh and dynamic set of performances for each season, that appeals to locals and tourists, ballet purists, and those new to the art form just as well. The Sarasota Ballet is a center for cultural excellence in the city, offering various educational programs and workshops.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
If you’re in search of less subtle art forms, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot to relax and spend a couple of hours.
Known for its extensive collection of Orchids and Bromeliads, the garden’s living collection includes over 20,000 plants. It is also known to host art and photography exhibitions, showcasing the intricate relationship between nature and art.
The entire experience is only exemplified by the stunning backdrop of the Sarasota Bay, making it perfect for not just plant lovers, but also art aficionados, looking for beautiful visuals to inspire.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Although primarily a research institution, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium serves as a fascinating place for the general public to learn about local marine life and the macroecology of the Gulf Coast.
It offers interactive exhibits alongside close encounters with mesmerizing marine creatures, with an educational experience that is as fun as it is enlightening. The research conducted here is critical to conserve and restore marine environments. 
Stay Safe!
Even though it is one of the safest cities in this part of the country, it does face issues similar to other tourist destinations.
This includes petty theft and common tourist scams, but most importantly car accidents. The latter is particularly true given that the city was never equipped to handle such a massive influx of tourists in the first place.
If you unfortunately happen to meet with an accident in the city, make sure to get in touch with a Sarasota auto accident attorney right away for further guidance.
Conclusion
The city of Sarasota offers tourists an unforgettable cultural experience unlike any other. With its historical landmarks, artistic venues, and stunning natural beauty, there are few better places to vacation in this part of the country.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore and immerse yourself in the culture that Sarasota has to offer.
Photo Credit: All images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing. (1) Ringling Museum by Rictor Norton & David Allen; (2) Ballet Dancers by Terence Faircloth; (3) MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium by John Carkeet
