Circus Secrets of Sarasota in Sarasota booking from $85.61

Circus Secrets of Sarasota

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!

City: Sarasota

Mon 09 Feb

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Starting at $85.61

Make a reservation

Mon 09 Feb

Starting at $85.61

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Additional Info

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.

What To Expect

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.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (73)

David K

Apr 2019

This was a fun and informative tour. Bob Collins is an excellent, entertaining guide and Siggi did a great job driving a very comfortable air conditioned tour bus through many Sarasota neighborhoods. We learned about the philanthropy and interests of the Ringling Brothers, leading to creations of world class museums, public buildings/spaces and the nearby keys (Bird, Longboat). We drove by homes that were once occupied by circus performers and heard stories (some true and some not) about them. Very worthwhile. We did our tour as part of a family reunion. We had 14 adults in total. Tour would work well for all types of families but especially those with teens and older.

Response from Host

May 2019

I loved seeing your photo of you all in red noses! We are so glad you enjoyed yourselves and chose to spend time together celebrating with us!

maggie22

Apr 2019

Our grandchildren were visiting from Ohio and as new to Venice this looked like a fun activity for all of us. The tour transportation is a trolley type bus. We sat in front facing the center, which made looking at sites behind us as we passed somewhat uncomfortable. The tour bus driver from Germany was nice and gave some assistance to the tour guide. The tour guide had worked with the circus for a few years and had good knowledge of the circus itself and the Sarasota area and was entertaining. The tour is entirely onboard the bus, which is great for seniors or those just wanting a history lesson, Our grandchildren did not really enjoy the tour because it was not active and being 11 and 14 they had only been to the circus once, and that wasn’t as exciting of an event for them as for 2-4 generations prior.

Response from Host

May 2019

Thanks for your wonderful review!

dorisp2016

Apr 2019

Really enjoyed the tour and learning about the influence the Circus had on the development of the city, wish we had a few more days to explore some of the places he pointed out.

Response from Host

Apr 2019

I agree- Bob's Circus City tour is outstanding and Bob's Train is a wonderful place to eat and enjoy his circus museum!

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Circus Secrets of Sarasota

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