Art, Beaches and Culture in Sarasota

Stephanie Be
TravelBreak

Art, Beaches and Culture in Sarasota


Florida is one of my favorite U.S. destinations. I've looped the Florida Keys twice, am a regular in Miami, and have experienced St. Pete's Beach to escape the cold... but I had never heard of Sarasota.

It was time for this California girl to learn the ABC’s – the art, beaches and culture – of this town.

Here's a look at what I found:


Art
 

We spent an entire day exploring the Ringling Museum of Art, a Florida-meets-Italy work of John and Mable Ringling. If the Ringling Brothers can boast "The Greatest Show on Earth," their former home is the greatest museum in Florida.

The Museum of Art features 31 galleries filled with treasures: old masters, contemporary art and exhibitions from around the word. The Historic Asolo Theater’s past is as rich as the performances that delight audiences in this Italianate theater. Ca'd'zan, the Ringlings’ 56-room mansion on Sarasota Bay, stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. And step right up to the Circus Museum, to discover the rich history, fun and fanfare of the American circus.
 

Beaches
 

With its peaceful skyline, Sarasota beaches are just about you, the sun and the sand.

Nearby Siesta Key’s public beach boasts turquoise waters and white coastlines.

The cherry on top? Spectacular Florida sunsets as pink and red as cherries!

Culture

Whether you prefer opera, or a ska band at the local dive bar, Sarasota is surprisingly lively. The food, shopping, golf, marina, spas and resorts appeal to locals and visitors alike.
 

The Sarasota community is about quiet wealth – and the moments you want to get a little rowdy.

Photos by Kevin Lu