Sophistication and culture are words that accurately describe Sarasota. When John Ringling the circus owner started to spend his winters here, he brought with him an appreciation for the arts that have become a hallmark of this fascinating city. As more artists, actors and musicians were attracted to the powdery white sand beaches, azure sea and warm winter climate, the artistic character of the community began to develop. Now the area has a busy cultural calendar, several important museums and arts venues.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum occupies an Italian Renaissance-style villa that houses an important collection of Baroque paintings and seventeenth-century tapestries. Ringling's own mansion, named Ca'd'Zan (House of John), was modeled on a Venetian palace. The Museum of the Circus contains wagons, costumes and "big top" memorabilia. Cultural events include performances by the Sarasota Opera, productions at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Music Festival.

Sarasota is also a leader in the growing Ecotourism industry and there is a wealth of opportunity for visitors to explore the wide, nationally acclaimed beaches of Siesta Key, Sarasota Jungle Gardens and nearby Myakka River State Park.