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Sarasota Architecture Tour: Exploring Distinctive Styles
4.9
42 Ratings
Sarasota
Discover Sarasota’s architectural legacy on a 105-minute tour. Explore Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles in an air-conditioned van.
Discover Sarasota’s architectural legacy on a 105-minute tour. Explore Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern styles in an air-conditioned van.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Visitors will explore the Art Deco style, which originated in France during the 1910s and thrived in architecture and fashion throughout the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a prime example of this style. Guests will also discover the history of the Auditorium, constructed in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey…
- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Visitors will explore the Art Deco style, which originated in France during the 1910s and thrived in architecture and fashion throughout the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a prime example of this style. Guests will also discover the history of the Auditorium, constructed in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey Library is also part of the tour. The Chidsey Library, which opened in May 1941, was the first public library building in the City of Sarasota.
- Burns Court Neighborhood - The Burns Court Historic District features houses (and some commercial buildings) that are excellent examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture. Visitors will learn about the history and design of the Burns Court development from the mid-1920s.
- Art Center Sarasota - The Sarasota Art Center showcases the Sarasota School of Architecture, a distinctive movement in Mid-Century Modern architecture. The Blue Pagoda is another Mid-Century modern building included in the tour. Designed by Victor Lundy, a founding member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, this 1956 structure, inspired by a Japanese garden, is a stunning sight near the bayfront. Built for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, it features a Japanese blue glazed tile roof. Lundy intended for the blue tiles to mirror the nearby blue waters of Sarasota Bay.
- Center For Architecture Sarasota - Commissioned in 1959, the Center for Architecture in Sarasota exemplifies Mid-Century Modern architecture. Visitors will learn about the building’s construction and design.
What's Included
- Refreshing bottled water provided
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
- Refreshing bottled water provided
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Sarasota boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. This 105-minute air-conditioned tour takes guests to see exceptional examples of architecture and design, highlighting three of the city’s unique styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. The tour includes the “Sarasota School” of architecture, a regional take on 20th-century…
Sarasota boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. This 105-minute air-conditioned tour takes guests to see exceptional examples of architecture and design, highlighting three of the city’s unique styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. The tour includes the “Sarasota School” of architecture, a regional take on 20th-century International Style modernism that thrived in Florida from the 1940s to the 1960s.
These tours fill up quickly each week, so be sure to book in advance!
- Guests must be 10+; no children under 10 allowed.
Location
Discover Sarasota Tours
4th Street
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(42 Ratings)
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Carolynbr5780fc
Jan 29, 2026
Excellent architectural tour of Sarasota - The Discover Sarasota architectural tour was excellent. The tour guide was knowledgeable, easy to understand, and gladly answered questions. The trolley car ride was comfortable and clean. Don't miss a tour of Ca D'Zan (house of John Ringling) to supplement this over-all city tour. I would recommend this tour for anyone who would like to learn about Sarasota's architectural history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne-marie
Dec 31, 2025
A must - It is soooo interesting. Sarasota has such a wonderful history.
It great to go around the neighborhoods and understand the architecture vision and story.
I highly recommend to take the tour to uncover Sarasota history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V6007bujoelf
Oct 30, 2025
Don't Miss. - We are full time Sarasotans. Our neighbors recommended this Tour, and we are glad we did it. It mwas our 3rd Tour and we have enjoyedm them All.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justj1970
May 24, 2025
Great value, for a cool tour of beautiful Sarasota - This was a last minute decision on our last day in Sarasota and I was not disappointed. The tour was so fun, entertaining and informative, John was interesting the entire time. The driver was great, I felt safe. It was worth the price. They are friendly and accommodating, the cute shop is an added bonus before and after the tour. They were so kind to sing happy birthday to me!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monkeysauntjaxbchfl
Apr 10, 2025
Fun & informative - The tour was informative and fun! Our guide was the founder of DiscoverSarasota Tours so we had the best. We will definitely return for other tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eileene_11
Mar 27, 2025
Enjoyable and Informative - This was my first visit to Sarasota. I have an interest in and appreciation of architecture. This tour gave me exactly what I hoped for - a sense of the area and an introduction to some very interesting structures. Tammy our guide and also the owner educated us but also entertained us with some with some of the trivia she shared. (Who knew that painting certain areas of a building sky blue would discourage birds from pooping there.) Ninety minutes was the perfect length.
Our driver did an excellent job keeping us safe.
If I ever return here, I would love to book another themed tour the company offers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lesliecy3166pl
Feb 13, 2025
Fabulous Architectural Tour - My sister was in town from CA and we both loved the tour. The owner was our actual tour guide and was amazing. It was a great overview of the local Architecture and I look forward to checking out more of their tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reisezielfl
Nov 9, 2025
Good general overview of Sarasota architecture. - Good general overview. Rather pricy for the offering. Some houses/structures couldn’t be seen because the trolley wouldn’t fit down the street. Using handouts to show things not visible from the bus such as interiors was useless. By the time the handout had made the rounds we were two stops further along.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ireneh164
Oct 23, 2025
Nice tour but not good for photo taking - We enjoyed the architecture tour but it would have been nice to be able to get out of the trolley to take some pics. Also it would be nice to be able to go into the building on Orange Ave and check out their exhibits.
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Excursion54592940263
Mar 28, 2025
Good for a trolley tour - Tammy was a terrific guide and we covered so many buildings in an hour and a half! I would recommend it. The only complaint is about seeing buildings from a trolley: if you're on the wrong side, you don't see the building very well; the trolley sometimes goes by too quickly. it wasn't always clear which building Tammy was referring to.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
