This 66-acre estate is actually a five-ring circus, consisting of the State Art Museum of Florida, the Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan (a palatial mansion designed in a dazzling, Venetian Gothic style), the Bayfront Gardens, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre. But the star attraction is the Circus Museum, filled with a 44,000-piece circus model, costumes, parade wagons, posters, the performer-shooting cannon and the Ringlings’ restored private railcar.

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Split between the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus and the 15-acre site in downtown Sarasota, the Selby Gardens was founded by women to celebrate, showcase and study the area’s tropical plants and archeological history. Head to the downtown site to immerse yourself in an array of orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Coastal expert “Dr. Beach” has named this little piece of paradise the top beach in America for several years, and for good reason: the quartz-crystal sand remains cool beneath your feet–even in the tropical heat. There are also plenty of nearby eateries, free parking spots, and a newly renovated Sarasota School of Architecture. Check out the spots made famous by MTV, and stick around on Sunday evenings for the entertaining drum circles.

948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

St. Armand’s Circle

St. Armand’s Circle is an island shopping center featuring Alexander Fine Jewelers, Alvin’s Island souvenir store, the Met Day Spa, Les Ciseaux salon and Michael Saunders & Co. real estate, among other fine and fun destinations. Top dining spots on St. Armand’s include Cafe L’Europe, Tommy Bahama, Columbia, and Crab & Fin. Sports fans will love the poster selection at Stadium Gallery, while Wyland Gallery is the place for tropical art and much more.



Downtown Sarasota

The up-and-coming Rosemary District is also well worth a visit, thanks to its beautiful location and inspiring selection of unique boutiques, galleries, and eateries. And don’t miss the Sarasota Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Sarasota, luring visitors to dozens of vendors selling everything from apples to zebra-striped prints.