Museums

The Ringling

As one of the Gulf’s premier attractions The Ringling incorporates the personal collections of artworks from circus baron John Ringling and his wife, Mable, at what is now the State Art Museum of Florida. The Ringling complex consists of the John & Mable Ringling Art Museum, Ca d’Zan (the Ringling’s winter home), and the Circus Museum. There is plenty to do and see here for almost a full day spent exploring this unique museum.

Florida Maritime Museum

Located in the historic fishing village of Cortez, north of Sarasota, the Florida Maritime Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about Florida’s maritime history. Exhibits include historic photographs, artifacts, and boat replicas that showcase Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage.

Mote Marine Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a fabulous facility, often considered one of the best in the fields of marine research and wildlife conservation. The associated aquarium is also an excellent educational facility that provides a unique experience with touch-pools and other interactive means of learning and connecting with the ocean world. It includes a phenomenal shark habitat, reef animals exhibit, manatee habitat, and sea turtles.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum

If you love classic cars, then a visit to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum would be worth your time. Recognized as the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the nation, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum rotates out antique, exotic, European, and one-of-a-kind classic cars for visitors to view.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Discover and learn about Florida’s Gulf Coast at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Located a bit further north of Sarasota, in Bradenton, visitors can visit the Museum of Science and Nature, The Planetarium, and The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. 

Big Cat Habitat

Home to wildlife rescued from different parts of the world, Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center has been caring for them since 1987. The rescued animals mainly include tigers, lions, leopards and other big cats. Two demonstrations namely The Alligator Show and The Big Cat Encounter are hosted here much to the delight of the visitors.

Save Our Seabirds

Our unique Wild Bird Learning Center and Living Museum, which is essentially a living museum, offers fascinating educational displays featuring live birds that have been injured and treated, but are unable to be returned to the wild.