Things to See in Sarasota

Once the winter retreat of railroad, real-estate and circus baron John Ringling, the Ringling Complex is one classy spread. It includes a 30-room mansion, an art gallery, a circus museum (with wagons, costumes, and other paraphernalia), large tropical gardens and a café. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has works by Reubens, Van Dyck and Poussin.

The Towles Court Art Colony is an expansive leafy neighbourhood with over 40 galleries, several working art studios and a restaurant. Tours are available and original art and souvenirs can be purchased throughout the colony. On the third Friday of each month, galleries open their doors for an evening stroll.

One of the USA's premier organizations for shark study, this laboratory operates the excellent and educational Mote Aquarium. Volunteers expertly guide you through the aquarium, where you'll see sea turtles, Florida lobsters, nurse sharks and a 135,000-gallon shark tank containing bull sharks, barracuda and groupers.