Cirque St. Armands Beachside is a boutique stay inspired by Sarasota’s circus heritage, designed to echo the whimsy and showmanship of a city long known as the Circus Capital of the World. While it is not a historic circus site, the playful theming makes it a fun launch point for exploring the Circus Legacy Trail and the places that shaped Sarasota’s big-top story.

What You’ll Experience:

A colorful, circus-inspired place to stay that sets the mood for the Circus Legacy Trail, plus an easy home base for exploring Sarasota’s top circus-history stops.

The Ringling is the cornerstone of circus history in Sarasota and the historic estate of John and Mable Ringling. Home to the Circus Museum and the famous Howard Bros. Circus Model, The Ringling preserves the legacy of the Ringling brothers and the artistry, spectacle, and innovation that helped define the American circus.

What You’ll Experience:

A must-see deep dive into circus history at the Circus Museum, the jaw-dropping Howard Bros. Circus Model, and the Ringlings’ stunning Ca’ d’Zan estate.

The Circus Arts Conservatory is Sarasota’s hub for circus training, performance, and education. Home to the Sailor Circus Academy, the nation’s longest-running youth circus, CAC helps preserve Sarasota’s circus identity by training young artists and presenting shows that keep the tradition alive for today’s audiences.

What You’ll Experience:

Live circus energy and next-generation talent, from youth circus tradition to professional productions that keep Sarasota’s big-top spirit going strong.

Located at the Historic Venice Train Depot, the Ringling Bros. Circus Train Car is a preserved artifact from the years when Venice served as the official Winter Quarters for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. It offers a window into the railroad era of the circus, when the show’s cast, gear, and spectacle traveled America by train.

What You’ll Experience:

An iconic photo stop and a close-up look at a real circus railcar, plus interpretive displays that help you imagine life on the road when the circus rolled into town by rail.

Discover Sarasota Tours offers the Circus Secrets Trolley Tour, a lively introduction to the people, places, and traditions that helped make Sarasota a circus destination. Guided storytelling connects visitors to historic circus neighborhoods, the history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, and behind-the-scenes tales from more than a century of circus life in Sarasota. Keep an eye out for seasonal offerings, including Circus Secrets of Venice and behind-the-scenes pop-up circus experiences.

What You’ll Experience:

A fun, story-packed trolley ride through Sarasota’s circus past, including historic neighborhoods, Ringling lore, and insider tales from the Circus Capital of the World. Guests must be 10+.

Founded by the Rosaire circus family, Big Cat Habitat carries a direct connection to Sarasota’s circus roots while focusing today on rescue, education, and conservation. The sanctuary provides permanent homes for rescued big cats and other animals, offering visitors a meaningful look at how animal care and public education have evolved over time.

What You’ll Experience:

An up-close visit with rescued big cats and other animals, plus a meaningful look at how Sarasota’s circus-era animal heritage connects to today’s rescue and education mission.

Founded by Tito Gaona, a fifth-generation circus performer, Tito Gaona’s Flying Trapeze School invites visitors into Sarasota’s living circus culture. With professional instruction and a strong emphasis on safety, the school offers a hands-on connection to one of the most iconic circus traditions in the world.

What You’ll Experience:

A chance to try flying trapeze with expert instruction, plus an unforgettable brag-worthy moment on Sarasota’s Circus Legacy Trail.

Established in 1987, the Circus Ring of Fame honors the performers, producers, innovators, and behind-the-scenes legends who shaped the circus world. Located on St. Armands Circle, this open-air monument celebrates Sarasota’s role in circus history through engraved plaques that spotlight famous names and remarkable careers.

What You’ll Experience:

A self-guided stroll through circus legend status, browsing plaques that honor famous performers and innovators, plus a chance to stop at Café on St. Armands, housed in the former real estate office of John Ringling himself.

Myakka Elephant Ranch is an elephant conservation facility offering educational encounters with African and Asian elephants. While not historically tied to a circus operation, it helps visitors understand why elephants became such powerful symbols in circus history and how modern facilities center conservation and animal care.

What You’ll Experience:

A memorable, education-focused elephant encounter that highlights care, conservation, and the powerful role elephants have played in circus history.

Bob’s Train is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and museum housed inside four historic circus railcars, offering a tangible connection to the era when the circus traveled town to town by train. The cars are filled with memorabilia and stories that highlight the scale, spectacle, and logistics behind touring productions.

What You’ll Experience:

A one-of-a-kind meal inside real Ringling circus railcars, surrounded by vintage memorabilia that brings the golden age of circus travel to life.

Created by Nik Wallenda, the world-renowned high-wire artist and Sarasota native, Wonderland celebrates modern circus performance through the lens of a famous circus family legacy. It reflects Sarasota’s ongoing connection to daring feats, showmanship, and contemporary spectacle.

What You’ll Experience:

Seasonal high-energy shows and jaw-dropping stunts, with opportunities to see Wallenda family performers usually held November - January.

Founded in 1949 by retired circus performers, Show Folks preserves Sarasota’s deep ties to circus families and traditions. Although it is a private organization and not a visitor attraction, it remains an important part of the living community that helped make Sarasota a lasting home for circus history, fellowship, and storytelling.

What You’ll Experience:

This is not a public attraction, but it is a meaningful part of the city’s living circus story.