Sarasota Architecture Tour

Overview

Sarasota is home to an amazing architectural legacy. On this 105-minute air-conditioned tour, guests will visit some outstanding examples of architecture and design, with tours featuring three of the city’s most distinctive styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern (featuring the "Sarasota School" of architecture, a regional adaptation of 20th-century International Style modernism that flourished in Florida from the 1940s to the 1960s.)

These tours sell out weekly so book early!

City: Sarasota

Sat 03 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $80.12

Make a reservation

Sat 03 Jan

Starting at $80.12

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.

What To Expect

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium

Travelers will learn about the Art Deco style, which first appeared in France during the 1910s, and flourished in architecture and fashion, through the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a fine example of Art Deco style. Visitors will also learn about the history of the Auditorium, built in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey Library is also on the itinerary. The Chidsey Library opened in May 1941 as the City of Sarasota's first public library building.

Burns Court Neighborhood

The Burns Court Historic District includes houses (and some commercial buildings) that are fine examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture. Visitors will learn about the history and design of the Burns Court development in the mid-1920s.

Art Center Sarasota

The Sarasota Art Center represents the Sarasota School of Architecture, a particular movement in Mid-Century Modern architecture. The Blue Pagoda is another Mid-Century modern building on the tour. Designed by a founding member of Sarasota School of Architecture, Victor Lundy, this 1956 Japanese garden-inspired structure is a sight to behold near the bayfront. Built for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the structure features a Japanese blue glazed tile roof. Lundy wanted the blue tiles to reflect the nearby blue waters of Sarasota Bay.

Center For Architecture Sarasota

Commissioned in 1959, the Center for Architecture in Sarasota is an example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Visitors will learn about the construction and design of the building.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (32)

BillL630

May 2024

Surprisingly knowledgeable Docent gave a 2 hour bus tour about Sarasota architecture. We did not realize it is one of two leading cities for mid-20th century modern residential architecture. Enjoyable morning.

John_S

Mar 2024

Details of the Midcentury Modern school of architecture in Sarasota. Ed, our guide, did a superb job discussing how Sarasota became a hotbed of MidMod design. We knew a little about Paul Rudolph, but Ed filled in the gaps. We also learned a lot about the Ringlings, and their influence on the Mediterranean Revival houses in the 1920s and 1930s.

BoardingPass605372

Mar 2024

Really enjoyed the tour! Got to see many types of architecture styles in Sarasota and drive on streets that we would not have found on our own. Tour guide was very knowledgeable.