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Sarasota Architecture Tour: Exploring Distinctive Styles
5.0
23 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.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - Travelers will learn about the Art Deco style, which first appeared in France during the 1910s, and flourished in architecture and fashion, through the 1930s. The Sarasota Municipal Auditorium is a fine example of Art Deco style. Visitors will also learn about the history of the Auditorium, built in 1938. The Art Deco Chidsey Library is also on the itinerary. The Chidsey Library opened in May 1941 as the City of Sarasota’s first public library building.
What's Included
- Refreshing bottled water provided
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Sarasota boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. During this 105-minute tour, which is serviced in an air-conditioned vehicle, guests will marvel at stunning examples of architecture and design. This immersive journey highlights three unique architectural styles found in the city: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Mid-Century Modern - which includes the ‘Sarasota School’ of architecture, a localized version of the 20th-century International Style modernism that proliferated in Florida from the 1940s to the 1960s. We conduct the tours in a high-top van to navigate through the narrow lanes of Burns Court and other downtown districts.
- 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.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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John_s
Mar 31, 2024
Great architecture tour with a nice emphasis on Midcentury Modern buildings. - Details of the Midcentury Modern school of architecture in Sarasota. Ed, our guide, did a superb job discussing how Sarasota became a hotbed of MidMod design. We knew a little about Paul Rudolph, but Ed filled in the gaps. We also learned a lot about the Ringlings, and their influence on the Mediterranean Revival houses in the 1920s and 1930s.
Review provided by Viator
Boardingpass605372
Mar 28, 2024
Very enjoyeable tour of Sarasota - Really enjoyed the tour! Got to see many types of architecture styles in Sarasota and drive on streets that we would not have found on our own. Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sishopper
Mar 10, 2024
Great tour to learn the beauty and history of Sarasota! - We have done several tours in and around Sarasota and this one did not disappoint. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The trolley was clean and comfortable. The architecture tour does not leave the trolley so it would be good for those that have ambulatory issues. We certainly learned a lot about the architecture and the great architects that designed the buildings in Sarasota.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
660michellel
Mar 9, 2024
Intriguing Backstories of Sarasota Architecture and Design - This tour is packed with fascinating information about the architectural heritage of Sarasota. You'll learn why our city is rich in beautiful buildings, homes and neighborhoods and hear intriguing stories of the people who made it happen. This is the second Discover Sarasota tour I've taken and my appetite is whetted for more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
45kendrac
Mar 6, 2024
Book your spot now! - Oh. My. Word.
Discover Sarasota Tours ARCHITECTURE TOUR was fantastic today! Ed, our guide, was personable, knowledgeable, and so passionate about Sarasota’s incredible architecture! We will never look at these amazing structures the same way again!
#WeLoveThisCity
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy
Feb 29, 2024
Who Knew Sarasota Architecture was so Fascinating? - Ed, our guide, was very knowledgeable and informative about all the sights we saw. And he even knew about buildings that weren’t on the tour. His enthusiasm for Sarasota architecture showed and was infectious. John the driver got us thru some tight spots. We started and ended on time. I loved it so much I want to go back with my husband.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Billl630
Feb 15, 2024
Who Knew Sarasota Was an Architecture Innovation Gem, - We found guide Ed Simays presented a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour. His presentation was well organized. He started by identifying 4 architecture styles we would see and then illustrated the styles with the buildings we drove past. As a docent myself with the Chicago Architecture Center, I appreciated the friendly and informative way he illustrated the buildings we saw. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jksyoung
Feb 8, 2024
Great Tour to Learn More About What Makes Sarasota Special - Sarasota is well-known for its leading role in architectural trends, and this tour provides an introduction to much of it. Our guide, Ed, is a knowledge and enthusiastic student of Sarasota architecture and leads a tour that contains as much information as he can pack into 90+ minutes. I look forward to taking other guests on this tour in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip27963664154
Feb 8, 2024
Don't miss it! - Our vuide was knowledgeable and personable. He gave a very good orientation of Sarasota. Highly recommend the tour and the trolley is a fun experience and very comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5981gorebeccaw
Feb 1, 2024
Another reason to move - Guide was super knowledgeable. The Sarasota architecture is interesting. We liked the venetian influence better than the mid century modern look. Plus the history thrown in was a bonus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
