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All the United States Florida Sarasota

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sarasota

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

Updated March 14, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Sarasota

Entrance to the Ringlin

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.

Sarasota, Florida

Circus Ring of Fame

The hall of fame for circus performers.
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.
Are we missing something unusual?
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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
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

9 Watery Wonders on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA

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

Explore Sarasota, Florida

Collections 2
Eccentric Homes 2
Homes 2

Sarasota Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Rebekah Otto
    1
  2. burkecalderon
    1
  3. bachrach44
    1
  4. J Ginsberg
    1
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Add an unusual place to Sarasota.

Places Edited

  1. mocchiatto
    4
  2. Jason Michael Walker
    3
  3. Collector of Experiences
    3
  4. kaleylaine13
    1
  5. Jane Weinhardt Goldberg
    1
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Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. gerriepatdu
    6
  2. J Ginsberg
    6
  3. alecjr
    6
  4. Collector of Experiences
    6
  5. sschmit2
    6
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Visit a place in Sarasota.

Recent Sarasota Activity

  • franfar48

    has been to Circus Ring of Fame

  • lrhk1

    has been to Pinecraft

  • receiver

    wants to go to Pinecraft

  • eoxnevad

    has been to Circus Ring of Fame

  • eoxnevad

    has been to Medieval Art Exhibit at the Ringling Museum

Stories About Sarasota

Podcast: The Circus Capital of the World

How John Ringling transformed Sarasota from a quiet fishing village into the world’s circus capital.
Sponsored by Visit Sarasota County
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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