Florida is famous for its theme parks but there’s lots more to do in this photogenic region. For example, there are some fantastic Sarasota museums that you really shouldn’t miss. It’s no surprise that the county is known as Florida’s Cultural Coast®. We’ve rounded up our favourite tourist attractions in Sarasota County for young and old.
Sarasota Museums
The Ringling
The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida and an exceptional cultural and educational centre. It’s the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and located within the 66 acre grounds of their Winter estate. John Ringling was the founder of the Ringling Bros. circus and later became the co-owner of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Ringling has an interactive Circus Museum and the miniature 44,000 piece Howard Bros. circus model. There’s also a pink Renaissance style Museum of Art, commissioned by John Ringling. It has an impressive collection of European paintings and Asian art, as well as temporary outdoor sculptures by artists such as Ai Wei Wei. Visitors should not miss Ca’ d’ Zan, the former home of John and Mable Ringling. The name means House of John in the Venetian dialect and the decor was inspired by their frequent trips to Italy. Next to it, you’ll find Mable Ringling’s pride and joy, her Rose Garden. It’s the oldest rose garden in continual use in Florida and dates from 1913.
The Ringling has many other treasures includi...