While not a fan to be reminded of the 'haves' versus the many 'havenots' of the era, the house is nicely restored and the ocean views impeccable. Adding to the 'atmosphere', the house has a live piano player on a grand piano to seranade the visitors [don't know if the piano player is there all the time]. The house is... more

I had previously gone to see Villa Vizcaya in Miami and expected this to be similar. There are many similarities in the layout, the old-fashioned glassware, etc. I would have liked to take the upstairs tour but you have to pay extra. And the sea was a bit smelly this time of year. It's a beautiful place, I'd go again. more

The tour of the Ca d'Zan Mansion is included in the ticket price for the Ringling Museum. The mansion has been restored and is a very interesting place to visit. The highlight for us was the miniature train exhibit in the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center. Billed as the “largest miniature circus in the world” this exhibit is an incredibly... more

Ca D'Zan was built between 1924 and 1925 for John and Mabel Ringling, and its unique architecture is indicative of a more extravagant time. It is visually stunning and spectacularly set on the Sarasota bayfront. The grounds are large and include Mable's Rose Garden which was completed in 1913 and is now the largest rose garden in the state of... more

This wonderful, restored mansion previously owned by John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame) sits on the shores of Sarasota Bay. My family and I have been there at least 10 times in the last 12 years. It was closed for several years due to renovations. It is one of the most beautiful places in the state of Florida, in... more

There is a degree of hesitation when it comes to sightseeing anything that has to do with the circus when one is not a big circus fan but Ca D'Zan was an absolute surprise. The Ringlings were careful in their creation of a mansion that is lovely and large but not overtly ostentatious and outrageous. It incorporates many amazingly modern... more