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Explore Sarasota’s Circus Secrets - Book Your Downtown Sarasota Circus-Themed Event with Varoom
Join a 90-minute, unforgettable tour through Circus City USA history and discover how the circus shaped Sarasota as your engaging guide, Bob Collins (former marketing executive for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey), brings to life the colorful cast of showmen, performers and characters who called this place home; you’ll meander through historic neighborhoods like Indian Beach and Payne Park, stroll Downtown’s Main Street, and learn about the circus’ move of its Winter Quarters to Sarasota in 1927 while stopping at intimate sites such as John Ringling’s private rail car “Jomar” and the Little People’s Houses-a fun-filled, storytelling tour that uncovers circus “secrets” hidden in plain sight and gives you a rich historical perspective on the impact of the circus in the area.
About this activity in Downtown
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Explore Circus City USA history with a former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey marketing executive guiding you through Downtown Sarasota’s circus landmarks.
- Visit intimate sites tied to Sarasota’s circus legacy - from John Ringling’s private rail car to the Little People’s Houses - while strolling historic neighborhoods.
- Hear colorful stories about showmen, performers, and the circus community that shaped the area’s culture and development.
- Enjoy a lively 90-minute walking and short-ride tour that blends local history, hidden circus “secrets,” and neighborhood charm in Sarasota.
Important Information
- This 90-minute experience is suitable for most fitness levels; the route includes walking through Indian Beach, Payne Park, and Main Street in Downtown Sarasota.
- Guests must be 10 or older; every person must hold a paid ticket to board or join the tour.
- Service animals are welcome and public transportation options are available nearby; the tour provides bottled water and uses an air-conditioned vehicle for short transfers.
- Arrive prepared for outdoor walking and photography - your guide will share stories and point out sites that are easy to miss when exploring the region on your own.
Meeting Point
Meet at the designated Downtown Sarasota meeting location shown on your ticket; please arrive 15 minutes early so your guide can start the Circus City USA tour on time.
Includes
- You’ll receive bottled water during the experience, a convenient perk while exploring Downtown Sarasota and the surrounding area.
- An air-conditioned vehicle is provided for transfers, ensuring comfortable travel in this destination’s warm climate.
- Service animals are allowed, so you can bring an approved companion to join you on-site in the area.
Excludes
- Children under 10 are not permitted on this experience unless they join a family tour specifically designed for kids - only those family tours here make exceptions.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy for you to reach the meeting point in Downtown Sarasota and the surrounding neighborhood.
- This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you can participate comfortably regardless of your fitness background.
- Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board, so make sure you and anyone in your party have purchased tickets before arrival.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
I've lived in Sarasota 25 years, never though I'd take a tour of Sarasota but am happy I did. Bob is an entertaining, informative speaker having worked for the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus. The driver John was very pleasant, check-in was cordial, all making for a delightful afternoon.
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Summary:
What a fascinating tour. Bob is so knowledgeable and has such a clear and good-humored delivery. Even though I live in Sarasota, those circus secrets were a surprise. A really nice way to spend time, and Michael gave is a good ride.
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Summary:
What a great tour with guide Bob Collins. The area was the home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and their is so much history locally that was tied to the circus operations and the people who were involved. Bob has a wealth of knowledge that he shares and he made the tour fun and very interesting!
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Know more about Downtown
You’ll visit historic circus landmarks tied to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and hear stories about showmen, performers, and the circus community that shaped the area. The 90-minute sightseeing tour stops at iconic spots including Main Street downtown, Indian Beach, Payne Park, John Ringling’s private rail car “Jomar,” and the Little People’s Houses, with many circus “secrets” revealed by your guide.
The tour lasts 90 minutes and meanders through historic neighborhoods and downtown streets. It’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and combines comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle transport with short on-foot stops to explore key circus-related sites.
Your ticket includes guided narration by an experienced circus insider, bottled water, and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The route visits several remaining sites intimately involved in local circus history, offering a rich cultural and educational sightseeing experience.
Your engaging tour guide is Bob Collins, a former marketing executive for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. His insider perspective and storytelling bring the Circus City USA history to life, making the cultural and historical context of Sarasota’s circus legacy especially memorable.
The tour is a wonderful historical experience for many visitors, but guests must be 10 years or older to join this version. If you’re traveling with younger children, look for the family tours specifically designed for kids.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
