Things to do in Sarasota

A modest selection of attractions is available for those taking holidays in the city of Sarasota, with some emphasis on nature as a theme. A variety of fascinating museums are on hand, offering something of interest for most visitors.

Circus Sarasota

Circus Sarasota is a five-star international circus that performs at a variety of venues throughout the year and is hailed as one of the citys most respected live performance groups. Performers from across the globe make up the circus performers team, which performs feats of aerial acrobatics, contortion and other spectacular contributions to the highly popular 90-minute show.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center

The Crowley Museum and Nature Center offers visitors the chance to learn about the environment and cultural history of Floridas rural Gulf coast at a facility that includes a fascinating nature preserve and a pioneer history area. Take a self-guided tour of the centre and appreciate some of the sights and sounds of native Florida. Bring a picnic and stop for a leisurely lunch at the picnic area.

Florida Railroad Museum

Visitors to the Florida Railroad Museum will find a variety of displays and artefacts relating to the history of the railroad in the state of Florida. Trips on genuine classic diesel engines are available at the weekends. The museum was founded in 1981 and has since become a popular visitor attraction.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

At the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, visitors can view a large selection of tropical plants, with many specimens native to Florida and others from around the world. The centre has extensive research facilities for those interested in learning more about specific plants and an on-site shop offering visitors the chance to purchase some rare and unusual plant specimens.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

The Sarasota Jungle Gardens offers visitors a variety of nature-based attractions, with flora and fauna native to the state of Florida comprising the majority of interesting sights. The facility is split into themed sections, among which are the Birds of Prey, Reptiles of The World and Critters and Things exhibitions.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Acknowledged as the official State Art Museum of Florida, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a facility that is situated on a 66-acre estate on Sarasota Bay, which has been part of the citys cultural scene since the museum opened in 1927. Within the museum are 21 galleries offering works of European origin as well as American and Asian paintings.