Sarasota Architecture Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Sarasota is home to an amazing architectural legacy. On this 105-minute air-conditioned tour, guests will visit some outstanding examples of architecture and design, with tours featuring three of the city’s most distinctive styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern (featuring the "Sarasota School" of architecture, a regional adaptation of 20th-century International Style modernism that flourished in Florida from the 1940s to the 1960s.)
These tours sell out weekly so book early!
Available options
Sarasota Architecture Tour
What's included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Travelers will learn about the Art Deco style, which first appeared in France during the 1910s, and flourished in architecture and fashion, through the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a fine example of Art Deco style. Visitors will also learn about the history of the Auditorium, built in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey Library is also on the itinerary. The Chidsey Library opened in May 1941 as the City of Sarasota's first public library building.
2
The Burns Court Historic District includes houses (and some commercial buildings) that are fine examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture. Visitors will learn about the history and design of the Burns Court development in the mid-1920s.
3
The Sarasota Art Center represents the Sarasota School of Architecture, a particular movement in Mid-Century Modern architecture. The Blue Pagoda is another Mid-Century modern building on the tour. Designed by a founding member of Sarasota School of Architecture, Victor Lundy, this 1956 Japanese garden-inspired structure is a sight to behold near the bayfront. Built for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the structure features a Japanese blue glazed tile roof. Lundy wanted the blue tiles to reflect the nearby blue waters of Sarasota Bay.
4
Commissioned in 1959, the Center for Architecture in Sarasota is an example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Visitors will learn about the construction and design of the building.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
4.9
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must be 10+; no children under 10 allowed.
Meeting point
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
About Sarasota
Sarasota, known as The Cultural Coast, is a vibrant city on Florida's Gulf Coast. It offers a unique blend of beautiful beaches, world-class performing arts, and a rich history, making it a diverse and appealing destination for all types of travelers.
Top Attractions
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States. It offers powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a variety of amenities.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is a comprehensive art and history museum complex featuring the works of John and Mable Ringling, the circus magnate and his wife. The museum includes a circus museum, an art museum, a historic house, and beautiful gardens.
Museum
2-3 hours
$25 for adults, discounts for seniors and children
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre botanical garden and research facility specializing in epiphytic plants, particularly orchids and bromeliads. The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including a rose garden, a palm garden, and a children's garden.
Nature
1-2 hours
$20 for adults, discounts for seniors and children
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a 20-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary featuring a variety of exotic plants, birds, and animals. The gardens offer a unique opportunity to see wildlife up close, including flamingos, lemurs, and alligators.
Nature
1-2 hours
$20 for adults, discounts for seniors and children
Sarasota Opera House
The Sarasota Opera House is a historic theater and the home of the Sarasota Opera. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including opera, concerts, and special events. The building itself is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.
Cultural
2-3 hours for a performance
Varies by performance, typically $25-$150
Must-Try Local Dishes
Grouper Sandwich
A local favorite featuring fresh grouper, a type of fish commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico, served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
Lunch
Gluten-free options available
Key Lime Pie
A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Dessert
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Stone Crab
A Florida specialty featuring stone crab claws, typically served chilled with mustard sauce.
Dinner
Gluten-free options available
Citrus Salad
A refreshing salad made with a variety of Florida citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, often served with a honey-lime dressing.
Appetizer
Vegan and gluten-free
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Beachcombing
Sunbathing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit Sarasota due to the pleasant weather and numerous outdoor activities. It's also the peak season for cultural events and festivals.
15-27°C
60-80°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sarasota is generally a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas
Getting there
By air
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport • 5 miles (8 km)
By bus
Sarasota Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
SCAT offers affordable and reliable bus service with multiple routes and schedules. The system is easy to use with clear signage and helpful drivers.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Sarasota
Siesta Key
Southside Village
The Rosemary District
Day trips
Myakka River State Park
25 miles (40 km) • Full day
Myakka River State Park is a large and diverse state park offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including alligators, birds, and deer.
Venice
20 miles (32 km) • Half day to full day
Venice is a charming coastal city known for its historic downtown, beautiful beaches, and world-class fishing. The city offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, as well as a variety of outdoor activities.
Lake Okeechobee
100 miles (160 km) • Full day to overnight
Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, as well as birds and other wildlife.
Festivals
Sarasota Film Festival • April
Sarasota Jazz Festival • October
Sarasota Chalk Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit Siesta Key Beach early in the morning for the best parking and fewer crowds
- Explore the historic downtown area on foot to discover local shops, cafes, and galleries
- Check the schedule for the Sarasota Farmers Market and other local events and festivals
- Rent a bike or scooter to explore the city and surrounding areas
- Try local specialties like stone crab, grouper, and key lime pie
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
