Historic estates, districts and landmarks that tell the story of how the Sarasota area came to be.
Sarasota
The Venetian Gothic mansion of John and Mable Ringling, located on The Ringling campus.
Bradenton
One of Florida's last working fishing villages, known for maritime heritage, commercial docks and Old Florida character.
Bradenton
A waterfront national memorial interpreting the 1539 Hernando de Soto expedition and its impact on Indigenous peoples.
Day Trips
Boat-access-only island state park at the mouth of Tampa Bay with secluded beaches, wildlife refuge habitat, an 1858 lighthouse and Fort Dade ruins.
727-241-6106 · floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/egmont-key-state-park
Bradenton
Historic antebellum plantation mansion and museum in Ellenton, preserved as a Florida State Park with guided house tours.
941-723-4536 · floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/judah-p-benjamin-confederate-memorial-gamble-plantation-historic-state-park
Sarasota
An intimate historic theater reconstructed from an 18th-century Italian palace and located on The Ringling campus.
Anna Maria Island
Walkable historic Bradenton Beach district with island boutiques, restaurants, bars, the Bridge Street Pier and easy beach access.
Venice
Historic 1920s downtown with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, cafés, parks and easy access to Venice Beach and nearby trails.
Bradenton
Open-air historical park preserving Manatee County's 1840-1918 heritage through 15 historic buildings, exhibits and points of interest.
Osprey / Nokomis
A 30-acre waterfront campus combining native nature, archaeological history, pioneer heritage and gardens.
Bradenton
A Mediterranean Revival bayfront estate built for inventor and entrepreneur Powel Crosley Jr.
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