Neighborhood Highlights
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Ever heard of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? The famous traveling show has entertained audiences the world over for many years. The museum (named after its founders) is a one-of-a-kind attraction that features classical architecture and both original and reproductions of carnie art on display from many different eras. This includes the Renaissance but dates as far back as Greek and Roman works. Try the 45-minute tour, as it can all be a bit overwhelming at first. The museum first opened in 1927, and is now maintained by Florida State University. More than 10,000 different works, from paintings to photographs to sculptures to print, are spread across 21 distinct galleries, each dedicated to a different region, time in history, and style.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Explore Sarasota’s ocean research center located on Ken Thompson Parkway on Sarasota’s City Island. Founded in 1955, it was first known as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory. The laboratory is involved in marine and estuary research even to this day. In 1967, it was renamed in honor of benefactors Lenore and William R. Mote, and sister Betty Mote Rose. The aquarium still wows audiences and hosts over 100 marine species and local marine animals. Since 1980, this stunning aquarium has displayed jellyfish, manatees, rays, seahorses, sea turtles, and many more. Whatever you do, don’t miss the narrated shark feedings!
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
You’ll be astounded by the beautiful views of the shores of Sarasota Bay at the Botanical Gardens. The gardens feature 15 acres of rare flowers, fauna, and tropical plants. Strategically located on South Palm Avenue, these stunning gardens show off some of the most exquisite plant life found in the United States. There’s even a koi pond and jungle exhibit with dynamically interactive plants and art. Trek up to the top of the treehouse to get a full view of the entire garden. The Butterfly Garden will take your breath away and bewilder you with its incredible beauty as hundreds of species of butterflies flutter everywhere. The gardens are a sensational natural world experience you won’t soon forget.
A Brief History of Sarasota
Among the first Europeans to discover the area that would later be known as Sarasota were the Spanish who landed at Charlotte Harbor not far to the south back in 1513. As an early “safe harbor,” Sarasota Bay is quite large and is aptly sheltered from the Gulf of Mexico by barrier islands. The bay became a seasonal fishing and trading post for Americans and Cubans in the years leading up to Florida becoming a U.S. territory in 1821. White settlers began migrating into the area in large numbers by the 1840s.
Known by then as “Zara Zote” on old Spanish maps, newcomers began calling the area “Sara Sota.” Some of the earliest influencers included John and Mable Ringling, and John’s brother Charles. Sarasota soon became the winter headquarters for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. John and Mable then built an incredible mansion, Ca’ d’Zan (or “House of John”) in 1925. Today it’s an astonishing art museum and is documented on the National Register of Historic Places.
