"From the Rubens Galleries to Joseph’s Coat: a skyspace by James Turrell, view the permanent collection’s treasures, the fascinating exhibitions from around the world and the classical sculptures that fill the grand courtyard. The State Art Museum of Florida, this awe-inspiring museum was originally built by famed circus impresario John Ringling as a legacy to the citizens of Florida. This is a place of beauty and wonder." Entry is $25 (free on Mondays). An add-on self-guided tour of the first floor of the Ringling House, Ca d'Zan, is also available for $10 (otherwise is $60 for a full-guided tour). Museum of Art Tours: Free guided tours of the Museum of Art Tours are included with Museum Admission and are contingent upon Guide availability. Tours are offered at 2:00 pm and 3:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
The home of the circus king and his wife, a couple from humble mid-western origins, Ca’ d’Zan stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by and designed in the Venetian Gothic style of the palazzos that ring the Venice canals, this dazzling palatial mansion perfectly captures the splendor and romance of the Italy the Ringlings so loved. To honor its owner, they named it Ca’ d’Zan, “House of John”, in the dialect of their beloved Venice. A full guided house tour is $60, but a self-guided tour of the first floor is available as an add-on to the art museum for $10.
For only $35/day, rent a kayak that you can put into Phillippi Creek right near by our venue. From there you can explore Florida's mangroves, an ecological system unique to brackish water, and teaming with life!
"Our manatees, sharks, sea turtles and otters are ready to meet you 365 days a year at Mote Aquarium, located just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. Visitors can explore touch pools, hands-on exhibits and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory. Come have a blast and discover why Science Is The Attraction!" Entrance is $26 and tickets MUST be purchased online. This aquarium is very well reviewed!
"Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries to explore via two campuses. The Downtown Sarasota campus features 15 acres located along Sarasota Bay where visitors can take in rainforest, desert, native Florida, and display garden areas plus stroll along a bayfront mangrove walkway. Less than 10 miles to the south, the Historic Spanish Point campus features 30 acres situated along Little Sarasota Bay, where visitors can learn about the area’s native and pioneer history and admire a well-preserved collection of native Florida plantings from the site’s nature trails and boardwalks." Tickets are $26 for the downtown campus, and $16 for the annex campus at Spanish Historical Point.
The majestic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, Myakka River Park. If you are not from the area, you can experience a bit of Florida marshlands, and see alligators in their natural habitat, tons of birds, and walking trails. Camping is also available for those interested in the outdoors. Reservations required. Admission: $6 per car. Other experiences are also available depending on water level, like $20 pp boat rides.
If you are here Sunday evening, go to Siesta Key beach one hour before sunset to see the famous gathering! The Siesta Key Drum Circle gathers on the public beach, to the left of the concession stand. 948 Beach Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242. It’s the largest of the three and has been going on for twenty years. There are also two other circles, one of which is on Saturday: The Englewood Drum Circle can be found at 2100 North Beach Rd, Englewood, FL 34223. Nokomis Drum Circle is located at 207 Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275. This group gathers on Saturday and Wednesday evenings.