by Tammy Hauser, Discover Sarasota Tours
Explore Sarasota, Florida with a Discover Sarasota Tours (DST) City Sightseeing Tour. Tours are offered several times a day in an air-conditioned enclosed trolley or van. DST operates fifteen unique tours of Sarasota’s most interesting people, places, and stories. This entertaining and informative 90-min tour starts in Historic Gillespie Park at DST’s Trolley Cottage Gift Shop. Buy your Sarasota souvenirs at the gift shop.
The narrated tour includes stops at Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens, Mote Aquarium, Jungle Gardens, and many other historic spots and attractions. 
Dining
When ready to eat, check out the global themed restaurants on Main Street in charming downtown Sarasota. Secondly, stroll through quaint neighborhoods with boutique shopping like Burns Court, Rosemary Design District, and St. Armands Circle. Finally, Marina Jacks and O-Leary’s Tiki Bar offer casual dining spots where you can catch a gorgeous sunset over the bay while listening to live music.
History
Sarasota was the first winter headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. Explore Sarasota’s circus history on DST’s Circus Secrets Tour. Or visit the Circus Arts Conservatory, Ringling Circus Museum, or Bob’s Train Restaurant on your own.
Pinecraft
DST’s Amish Experience tour takes you to the Pinecraft neighborhood, home to five hundred Amish and Mennonite residents year-round. More than 5000 tourists visit Pinecraft during season. This welcoming community offers dining and shopping at Der Dutchman and lodging at the Carlisle Inn.
Nightlife
After dinner, explore the scary side of Sarasota on DST’s Haunted Sarasota Trolley Tour. Or solve the murder of the circus queen on the Murder Mystery Musical Trolley. If you love theater, concerts, or comedy catch a show at the Asolo Theater, McCurdy’s Comedy Club, or Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.
When you have had enough beach time, come explore Sarasota’s mainland. There is so much to see and do!
Photos courtesy of Visit Sarasota County
