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Circus Secrets of Sarasota

73 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 73 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of travelers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Sarasota, USA

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This is usually booked 22 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    4th Street
    Sarasota, FL 34236, USA

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Options & Pricing

    Start Time • Daily 1:00 PM

    What To Expect

    St. Armands Circle (Pass By)

    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.
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    Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores (Pass By)

    Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores is a leafy bayside area home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which showcases the global collection of the former circus magnate, as well as circus memorabilia. Adjacent Ca’ d’Zan is the couple’s opulent Venetian-style estate, built in the 1920s.
    Read more

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What's included in the price?

    A: Included: Bottled waterAir-conditioned vehicle Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

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    Activity code: C-120329P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.93
    73 reviews

    Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 73 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    69
    4 stars
    3
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    This is usually booked 22 (0) days in advance.

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    Cancellation Policy

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    Free cancellation
    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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