Circus Secrets of Sarasota
Sarasota, USA
1 hour 30 minutes
Art & Culture
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Good for Groups
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Walking Tours
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Bus & Driving Tours
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History
What You Will Do
Discover Circus City USA’s secret places and charming stories on this unforgettable tour! It is a tour of the circus history in Sarasota and provides a wonderful historical perspective of the impact the circus has had in our area.
Stop by circus landmarks with your engaging tour guide, Bob Collins (former marketing executive for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus), who tells stories about the colorful cast of circus characters, showmen, and performers who called Sarasota home.
Meander through historic neighborhoods such as Indian Beach, Payne Park, and Downtown’s Main Street to learn about the rich history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, which moved its Winter Quarters to Sarasota in 1927.
Explore several remaining sites intimately involved in Sarasota’s circus history including John Ringling’s private rail car “Jomar,” the Little People’s Houses and many more circus “secrets” hidden in plain sight!
This 90-minute tour is a fun-filled adventure in Circus City USA!
What's Included?
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
1
St. Armands Circle
Learn about the Circus Side of Sarasota with tour guide Bob Collins, by visiting key city landmarks and hearing stories of the colorful cast of circus characters, showmen, and performers who called Sarasota home.
Show 1 more stops
Additional Information
This activity is operated by Discover Sarasota Tours
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests must be 10+; no children under 10 allowed except on our family tours designed for children. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
Guide Options
- Printed Guide - English
Customer Reviews
Fascinating and fun
2025-02-17
What a fascinating tour. Bob is so knowledgeable and has such a clear and good-humored delivery. Even though I live in Sarasota, those circus secrets were a surprise. A really nice way to spend time, and Michael gave is a good ride.
A Very Fun and Informative Tour - Excellent!
2025-01-26
What a great tour with guide Bob Collins. The area was the home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and their is so much history locally that was tied to the circus operations and the people who were involved. Bob has a wealth of knowledge that he shares and he made the tour fun and very interesting!
Exciting tour
2025-01-26
Always the highlight of our Winters here
Do yourself a huge favor and get in this tour
Sarasota still embraces so many of the circus families to this day so the excitement never ends
Do yourself a huge favor and get in this tour
Sarasota still embraces so many of the circus families to this day so the excitement never ends
Show 17 more reviews