LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

​SARASOTA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

• JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART Explore the 66-acre estate and legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), Circus Magnate and one of the great business tycoons of his day. The Museum of Art includes 21 galleries of internationally recognized European and American art. Affiliated with Florida State University, this is America’s largest museum/university complex and also includes: Ca d’Zan, the recently restored 32-room Ringling Mansion, the Circus Museum, the original Asolo Theatre, the Rose Garden and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.

• MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM An internationally recognized independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education. Founded in 1955 as a place where people could “learn about the sea”, Mote Marine and its Aquarium are a popular destination on Sarasota Bay.

• SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS Reptiles! Birds! Critters! See them all in a magnificent and wildly overgrown tropical paradise. Begun in 1936, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the last, true Old-Florida tourist attractions. Sanctuary to 21 exhibits, including black leopards, pink flamingos, spider monkies, macaws, gators, snakes, and more. Petting area.

• SARASOTA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM Opened in 1953, the Museum features a “living” collection of over 125 autos, constantly changing, and spanning over 100 manufacturing years. CLICK FOR WEB SITE

• MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 11 bayfront acres with over 20,000 colorful plants. 15 distinct garden areas, with over 6,000 orchids and the Christy Payne Mansion.

• MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK One of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks with 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands, Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation. Alligators, bobcats, bald eagles & other native animals roam this natural attraction.

• THE PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY An open air home and rehabilitation center to 55 different species of Florida birds. Set on 2 waterfront acres, the Sanctuary cares for many different types of wildlife, and a permanent home is provided for the disabled who would not be able to survive in the wild.

• GAMBLE PLANTATION The oldest building on Florida’s west coast and the only Confederate memorial in the state. 2-story antebellum mansion built in 1842.

REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

We are located within a 2-hour radius of some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions!
• BUSCH GARDENS, Tampa Bay
• WALT DISNEY WORLD, Orlando
• DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS, Orlando
• UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, Orlando
• SEA WORLD, Orlando
• EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES, Ft. Myers

– Attractions –