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All United States Florida Sarasota

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sarasota

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sarasota, Florida

Updated November 15, 2018

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Unusual Attractions in Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

A Circus legend leaves an unexpected endowment.
Molly the Mollusk.

Sarasota, Florida

Molly the Mollusk

The giant squid's 27-foot-long corpse lies preserved within a Sarasota aquarium.
Some visiting Amish at a nearby beach, approximately 7 miles away from Pinecraft. Picture is of either Siesta Key, Lido Beach, or Longboat Key.

Sarasota, Florida

Pinecraft

This Florida resort community is where the Amish come to have fun in the sun.
Outside view.

Sarasota, Florida

The Last Defense of Fort Juan Ortiz

A lone gunner's station is all that remains of a replica Spanish Fort in Florida.
Permanently Closed
Window Panel with Saint Vincent on the Rack

Sarasota, Florida

Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum

The collection of 80+ pieces created between the years 1100 and 1500 is intended to be seen, heard, smelled, touched, and tasted.
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Braden Castle Ruins

Bradenton, Florida

Braden Castle Ruins

These crumbling foundations are all that remain of the once-stately 1840s manor that gave the town of Bradenton its name.
11 miles from Sarasota
Permanently Closed
The Sea Hagg.

Bradenton, Florida

The Sea Hagg

An eclectic treasure trove of maritime marvels.
13 miles from Sarasota
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

10 Watery Wonders on Florida’s Gulf Coast

With all its tidal pools, mangrove islands, and estuaries, Florida’s Gulf Coast shoreline is one of the most dynamic in the country. Throw into the mix almost a thousand natural springs, and Florida truly is a place with as much to explore both above water as below. This ten-stop itinerary is by no means exhaustive. The mermaid shows, cave-diving, underwater museums, mangrove-kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities presented here still only scratch the surface – and the depths - of the myriad activities possible along this wondrous coastline.

View Itinerary
Slipping into the Sea

Explore Sarasota, Florida

Collections 2
Eccentric Homes 2
Homes 2

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Recent Sarasota Activity

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    has been to John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

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    has been to The Last Defense of Fort Juan Ortiz

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    has been to John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

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    malicenwonderland318

    wants to go to John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Stories About Sarasota

Ringling's personal train car, which accompanied the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during the early 1900s.

John Ringling’s Mobile Mansion Is Now Open for Digital Visitors

The showman's personal train car was full of stained glass, chandeliers, lavish furniture, and elaborate moldings.
by Anna Kusmer
November 15, 2018
Behind this sign lies very good pie.

The Beloved Pie Shop in an Amish and Mennonite Vacation Town

Modest clothing stands out in a beach town. So does amazing pastry.
by Amanda Leigh LIchtenstein
April 11, 2018
Taxidermied frogs spend a day on the lake at Froggyland.

9 of the Strangest and Loveliest Dioramas You'll Ever See

Behold the intricate detail of these exquisite miniature worlds.
by Meg Neal
March 6, 2017

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